What to do with Windows.old file?

Hi all,

I did a clean install on my new machine T400s with W7. I checked my hard disk usage and a large chuck of it is occupied by Windows.old file (the preloaded OS and programs). I deleted this before in my old machine using the disk cleanup function, but this time it is not showing up at all in disk cleanup, let alone letting me remove it. I am pretty sure I don't need the old system file, so it is safe to delete it by a stroke of delete key? You advice is appreciated.

 

Yes, you can just delete it.

 

If you are satisfied that the new install is working fine and stable, as lithus has already advised delete win.old and regain some disk space my friend :0)

 

Thanks for the advice.

 

To be sure, you will want to go through windows.old to see if there is anything in there you need. Mis-placed personal files, software configs, etc, etc.

 

Is there any other way I can approch this besides going through each folder and file?

 

Jeeezzz bigsky, think it out.

Search for common file extensions; the common msft extensions, the common openoffice extensions, the common image file extensions, pdf, etc, etc. Any file extension that you've used at all in the previous installation.

 

Sorry for my ignorance. I also find Program Files and Program Files (x86) and they look the same to me. Are they supposed to be there?

 

Have you got a 64Bit OS? Then yes.

 

The preloaded OS, which I removed, was 64bit, but the one that I did clean installation was 32bit. I guess I will just leave it there to be safe.

 

Sounds strange that you would have 2 folders then... unless the setup didn't recognize the x86 folder as being an OS folder...??