How do I delete hard drive partitions? windows.old

Sorry, I don't have any advice but wanted to jump in with my own question if it's ok.

Can anyone elaborate on the difference between these 2 types of re-install please ?

I recently re-installed Windows 7 and got the windows.old folder and it also created the reserved partition (allocated G).
I'm just wondering if I should have gone the other way (changing the boot order) for a cleaner install.

Thanks.

 

Re: How do I delete hard drive partitions?

Hi Blaze2011.

I think you should start a new thread for your question(s).
It will work out better that way.

dclemmons's problem is rather complex and should be handled individually, IMO.

Go ahead a start a new thread. :wave

 

Thanks guys, I realised that just after I hit the submit button. :-o

I'm still curious though if anyone's got a few minutes to spare.


Thanks.

 

Hi,

As far as I know Win7 does a complete install no matter which option you choose. The only difference being whether or not it looks for personal documents/email and puts them in the Windows.old folder.

You can verify this by the fact that none of your old settings were saved and you had to create a new account and set your personal preferences again.

I'd have to read up on the exact process but I think it just creates a folder in temporary space and saves your documents and then goes ahead and removes all the existing system files, installs and then puts the Windows.old folder where you can find it.

Whether or not it still formats the install partition is the only difference between the two installs. I'm guessing it doesn't format. I'd leave things as they are and should you reinstall in the future go ahead and do the custom install and format the HD using the boot disc.

Other opinions welcome!

 

Beware: Some cleanup programs delete any File, or Folder, with the suffix .old

I would suggest re-naming this Folder to Windowsold (no suffix). It worked for me.

Bazza

 

Thanks for taking the time to clarify.

I'm not having any issues with it at the moment I was just curious as to what the difference was.
If I have to re-install at any stage I'll try it the other way, see what happens. :cool

Thanks also for the tip on re-naming that file, good to know.

 

I just wanted to give a link to the official MS explanation of the different install types.

I was wrong about no possibility of an upgrade keeping old settings. There is the upgrade option.

There are two types of Custom installs one with the format and one without (which includes the Windows.old folder). I believe that by default you are pointed to choosing the one you did which saves personal files to Windows.old.

I seem to remember if you want to format you have to hit a little icon at the bottom of the screen on the left side to see the options but every set of step by step instructions with screen shots doesn't look like I remember. It's been over a year since I installed 7 so I guess I'm not the best one to give you a definitive answer. The MS link does give some useful information.

 

Thanks for the added info, those links are great.