deleting old windows installation

[robcarrich]

I have a new computer with SSD’s and have just added an HDD that contains the old windows installation.
I don't want to format this drive as it contains a great many files I need and all is running quite nicely, I have tried to delete the “windows”, “programs x86” and “programs” folders, which take up a lot of space, but “Trustedinstaller” wont let me.
Is there a way?

RobR

[alemaobaiano]

Run a Linux Live CD/DVD of your preferred distribution and delete the folders from there? Windows might not let you delete Windows but Linux has no such inhibitions.

TTFN

[robcarrich]

Sorry but you've lost me there.
I have no idea how to do that.
Thanks for answering though.

RobR

[Airspeed]

Hi Rob
Linux is an open source operating system, as opposed to Windows, which you buy from MS.
Background reading can be found here:
https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/3 ... x-live-cds

where you will see that Knoppix is the favoured offering.

So, if you're happy with the recommendation, search Knoppix, d/l the software, then follow the advice given above.
Hope this keeps you moving along.

[robcarrich]

Thank you Mike, I'll have a look at that.
Should I not be able to fix this problem its not a big issue but it would be nice to get that space back.
I'll let you know if success comes my way.

RobR

[GHD]

Right-click on those folders and uncheck "Read-only".

You should then be able to delete them.

[robcarrich]

I’ve tried any number of variations on that theme George, “Trustedinstaller” has my every move covered.
The Linux plan looked very promising but unfortunately after burning a DVD from an iso. image the program did not seem to recognise the spinning disc, only the SSD’s.
Its not important, thank you for all the suggestions.

RobR

[GHD]

OK, try this:

http://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-7/windo ... installer/

[robcarrich]

That looks promising George, I’ll give it a try.
Thank you.

RobR