Windows Disk Cleanup Tool does not recognise Windows.old, and I want to delete the folder

[DoctorW]

I run an HP Omen 5 Laptop on Windows 10. After I updated my Windows 10, it had created a windows.old file that is taking up space. In mistakingly trying to move the file from drive C to drive D, and back, the Windows Disk Cleanup Tool no longer recognises it. I am looking for a program that can bypass the clearance and remove the files, or other ways that I can remove this file.

[IT_WinSec · Accepted solution]

Hi @DoctorW

Welcome back to the HP Support forum.

Here is some more information about this folder >> http://www.howtogeek.com/223821/what-is-the-windows.old-folder-and-how-do-you-delete-it/

Here are several ways to delete it >> https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2066-windows-old-folder-delete-windows-10-a.html  [OPTIONS 2, 3 or 4)

Let me know how it goes. Hope this helps 🙂

[DoctorW]

The advice was helpfull, and methods 3 and 4 worked for my computer. When trying method 2, it kept saying that access was denied on the majority of files on the Administrative Command Prompt. I had used Method 4 to clean all but several Mbs of the folder, and I believe that it was method 3 that deleted the rest upon a reset.

All that is left are a few hanging folders. But aside from this, the folders are empty, and the problem is otherwise solved.

This is honestly nitpicking at this point, and I do not need an answer, but I will be trying to see if I can delete the empty folders mentioned:

Windows(C:)>Windows.old>windows>System32>drivers>UMDF

Windows(C:)>Windows.old>windows>System32>DriverStore>FileRepository>wirelessdevice.inf_amd64_a25769e13c3ecabd
Windows(C:)>Windows.old>windows>System32>DriverStore>FileRepository>wirelesskeyboardfilter.inf_amd64_c6c89d3670aefcdd

[IT_WinSec]

Thank you for the reply and the feedback.

The folders (remnants) can be deleted even more easily from an environment outside Windows - meaning booting from another OS - Linux based, for example.

Here is how to achieve this - please, be careful and when done return the UEFI/BIOS/Secureboot/Legacy mode changes

Download Lubuntu (a variant of Ubuntu - GNU/Linux OS) >> https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Lubuntu/GetLubuntu

x64 - 64bit version

Save the ISO

When ready, you need to create bootable DVD drive or bootable USB drive  (use new blank DVD or empty USB drive)

How to create bootable ISO on USB device >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows

or

How to write ISO to DVD >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/burn-a-dvd-on-windows

When ready with the USB drive or with the DVD:

* Ensure Secure Boot is disabled.

* Ensure Legacy mode is enabled.

* Save the UEFI/BIOS changes.

Details>> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03653226

Eventually, please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Insert the Lubuntu USB thumdrive or the DVD prepared previously

Power  on the PC.

As soon as you press the power-on button, keep hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu

Choose F9 to open Boot options. Select the thumb drive or the DVD as the boot option.

Follow the on-screen instructions to boot from the DVD/USB.

Do not install the OS, do not mess with partitions, just proceed with trying it.

When ready, it should mount your HDD of your computer and you can browse the entire HDD and delete/move whatever you want.

Be careful.

When ready, restart, remove the device, login to BIOS to revert the Secure Boot/Legacy mode changes and Windows should boot fine.

Hope this helps 🙂