Windows won't let me delete old Windows install

[randombs]

I think Lyris means moving the other files. Move files -> Format partition (and so delete the undeletables) -> Put files back.

I doubt it's Microsoft's fault. It could've been any number of things that have happened to cause this.

[Lyris]

Hmm, really? I ran chkdsk on the volume and there were no faults to speak of.

I thought this behavior was introduced with Windows XP - locking away certain system folders to stop silly people doing things with them?

[kernow]

I think Lyris means moving the other files. Move files -> Format partition (and so delete the undeletables) -> Put files back.

I doubt it's Microsoft's fault. It could've been any number of things that have happened to cause this.

ahh billy ahh

[randombs]

Windows File Protection? That dopey thing which sounds good in theory but is then used by viruses to stop them getting deleted

The reason I'm interested is because I've been through about six laptops (all XP) in the last four years or so and I use a login password so my stuff is protected, and I have my documents folder on a separate partition etc etc, and I always image the old drive before restoring it yet I've never come across this issue myself, the most I've had to do is take ownership of the drive.

If you're more interested in just removing the folders than finding out why it happened then move the good stuff off and blitz it. There have been times where I've come across a weird issue but am in too much of a rush to get things back to normal that I wouldn't hang around finding out just how it happened. I'm just wondering if it might come back again...

[FelixofMars]

Yep, it sounds like what is happening here.

if you take ownership you should easily be able to delete everything.

Windows File Protection? That dopey thing which sounds good in theory but is then used by viruses to stop them getting deleted

[k0pp0]

Hmm, really? I ran chkdsk on the volume and there were no faults to speak of.

I thought this behavior was introduced with Windows XP - locking away certain system folders to stop silly people doing things with them?

Yep, that's the reason - they tied up a load of the system specific files to stop people deleting them. The sort of thing that mother in laws decide to do randomly.

Generally with these annoying owernership issues there's always a file or directory that still has the permissions set, usually nested 10-20 folders deep.

[randombs]

What happened to the good old days of attrib *.* /s -s -h -r

[FelixofMars]

Did anyone suggest maybe using a linux boot CD then using that to delete the files, that may work?

something like Knoppix for example.

[randombs]

Lyris mentioned doing that in the original post

I've tried all the online guides, messed around with NTFS permissions, tried several free delete utilities which don't work, and I've even downloaded a Linux distro and tried to delete it from there - same error!

[FelixofMars]

Doh! I would think that would be a cure all personally.

[Lyris]

Yep, that's the reason - they tied up a load of the system specific files to stop people deleting them. The sort of thing that mother in laws decide to do randomly.

Generally with these annoying owernership issues there's always a file or directory that still has the permissions set, usually nested 10-20 folders deep.

It's silly - if you're signed in as an Admin you should be allowed to do anything...

[eastyy]

hey think there is a program called unlocker assistant somewhere on the net it allows you to delete old windows installs

[ChrisF]

I had the same problem, it was permissions. I needed to take ownership and give myself full rights.

Likewise, taking ownership has always sorted any of my permissions issues out.

[Lyris]

FINALLY! A solution!

Here's what you have to type from the command prompt to be allowed to delete your own files:

takeown.exe /f e:\2windows /R /D Y
icacls e:\2windows /grant Users:(CI)(OI)F /T

Well, of course that's what you have to do. What sort of idiot wouldn't be able to figure that out, right?

Seriously. Microsoft have to be utter clowns if they think this is usability.

[ChrisF]

So you take ownership as mentioned above