When reinstalling the OS for the first time, a novice user usually does not format the PC system drive. After a successful installation of the distribution, after some time, the owner of the new Windows suddenly discovers an incomprehensible folder on his computer - Windows old. What is it and how to delete this file? Why is it needed and why does it take up so much space on the HDD? In general, many questions arise. Well, let's shed some light on such a "mysterious" Windows phenomenon. Moreover, the topic promises to be incredibly interesting and no less useful.
Everything old can become new!
Paradoxically, however, this statement in the context of the presented article is true. The difficulty of many, expressed in the interrogative phrase: “Windows old - what is it?”, In fact, is nothing more than a file container of user data of a pre-installed system, which in turn can be “reincarnated” with a certain degree of success. Yes, you understood correctly - it is to restore.
Apply as directed
Before devoting an inquisitive reader to the step-by-step process of digital “rebirth”, something needs to be clarified. Transferring user data to the new OS is a somewhat unpredictable operation. It may well be that the copy is not installed correctly on a clean Windows. However, you decide ...
Transfer data from Windows old
That it will be easy, no one says, but this action is definitely not arch-complicated. Prepare the installation distribution with the OS. Reboot the computer and put in BIOS - boot from DVD / CD drive. Think again, “is the game worth the candle”, perhaps everything is in vain, and time, as you know, cannot be returned. However, a workable system into which you will “embed” known data will also have to be reinstalled ...
Step # 1: Free Space
Before embarking on the direct process of “digital cloning,” make sure that there is enough free space on the system drive.
- Through the context menu, see how much Windows old takes.
What this gives: knowing the initial size of the old data, you can determine whether the new system is able to accommodate the "container" in the free area of the system partition.
Step # 2: Recovery Environment
After you have selected the “System Recovery Options” option, activate the “command line” option.
Step # 3: Replacing System Folders
In the opened service window, you should sequentially register only eight commands. Specific information about the operators can be obtained from an official Microsoft source. Below is an algorithm for executing commands.
- Specify the system drive.
- We form a new catalog.
- We move folders and files.
- And copy the data with AutoCorrect.
Follow the correct spelling of the commands, after each of them do not forget to press "enter".
- We move the data to the user directory "User".
- File attributes are subject to change.
- We move the data to "ProgramData".
- Uninstall the "Documents and Settings" directory.
Step # 4: Transfer to the old Windows root directory
Windows 7 (the new system) is very likely to refuse to install files and folders with old user data into its directory. Therefore, you must specify the move command. The data in the directory is copied from the Windows old folder:
- Windows
- Program! Files.
- ProgramData
- Users
- Documents and Settings.
Step # 5: Restore the boot sector
Enter the following command:
- D: \ boot \ bootsect / nt60 c:
Then press “Enter” and in the new line write “exit”, which ultimately is the end of the recovery process of the old data.
Comfortable OS Windows 8
Windows old for the eighth version of the operating system can be restored either manually or by using the provided automatic transfer mode of saved user data. However, it should be remembered that if you do not use the "old" data within 28 days, the folder will be replaced by the new OS with the corresponding file container.
Free up disk space
Many of the users are faced with a problematic situation: the Windows old folder cannot be deleted in the traditional way. If you, dear reader, are one of them, then a pleasant surprise awaits you. Since the method described below allows you to easily recover lost disk space in just a few steps.
- Open the Start menu.
- Then activate the “All Programs” option.
- Select "Standard" from the drop-down list, where you should go to the "Service" section.
- Now activate the "Disk Cleanup" item.
- In the check box of the window that opens, you should install the system disk (C :). Then press the "OK" button.
- After a short analysis, the OS will offer a list of files for deletion, from which the item “Previous Windows installations” should be noted.
- Then you need to click "OK" and confirm your actions by activating the corresponding button.
As a result, the Windows old folder will be successfully deleted from your computer.
Finally
Before tearing down your old user data, it makes sense to analyze the contents of a known folder. It is possible that documents and files saved in this way contain valuable information that may be needed in the future. Only if you are sure that the contents of the Windows old folder is not of interest to you, you can proceed with the direct deletion process. By the way, there is another effective method, resorting to which, you can successfully erase previous user data. In particular: in the search bar of the Start menu, enter “cmd”, then in the window that opens, write: Rd / s / q% systemdrive% \ Windows.old. After pressing "Enter" the folder will be destroyed, and on your hard drive will significantly increase the space. That's all, take care of important information.