I switched from the 64 bit to the 32 bit vista ultimate . I have reinstalled the 32 OS a second time and now I have 2 Windows Old files . I have done a lot of research about how to delete these folders until I'm blue in the Face . I have tried every suggestion ,Disk cleanup works but only the most recent or current Windows Old file , taking ownership , changing Permissions , becoming the real administrator all that . That's not all . Same issue , I have many Empty folders in my Favorites that can not be deleted because , it says the files can not be found .

I have Backed up my backed up backup files , so reinstalling Vista is a breeze and I don't mind and will continue to keep reinstalling it until i understand and get it set up the way it should be .

I keep trying to get all the correct drivers installed but to do that i have to disable Windows Update so it will not install older drivers I don't want .

I think all my problems with this PC are Compatible issues .Like the Motherboard A8N SLI Deluxe ,

AMD Athlon 64 x 2 Dual Core Processor 4400 + 2,21 GHz

The GTX 260 Graphics card is also questionable about Compatibility

My Question is .

How do I reinstall Vista Ultimate without it Creating the Windows Old Files in the first place ?

Given the Information above and considering all my hardware isn't Compatible , what newer motherboard and or processor would you guys recommend that i upgrade too ? keeping in mind that someday i will buy Windows 7 OS . I don't really want to buy another graphics card .

Thanks in advance for the help and advice , John

format the partition during install

Yes Formatting the drive is the way but also that will remove any files on the drive and programs. Make sure everything you need is off that drive.

Hammey

Windows.old can also be removed safely once the installation is complete, it's no longer used. See KB 933212 for instructions.

You can boot with with BartPE or another WinPE-based disc and try to delete them from there.

A clean install is always recommended, but having backups for verything is a must.

Edited July 29, 200917 yr by ajua

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=136510

the old files can be delete directly

Windows.old can also be removed safely once the installation is complete, it's no longer used. See KB 933212 for instructions.

Thanks a lot for your link, today I deleted all of my .old windows files, it's about 25G, lot of space saved.