Deleting old Windows.

[kayden azagthoth]

Hey gang.

I had my computer in for repairs about a month ago and I have a question. (I suppose I should ask the guy that repaired my computer but he's kind of an idiot http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif )

The problem I had was my computer would freeze up all the time while gaming. They replaced everything in my computer except for the CD drive and the sound card. (But the CD drive died about 2 weeks later and they replaced that too...thank god for warranties.)

As things were replaced and the problem wasn't fixed, he decided to take all my old Windows settings, put them in a folder in my C: drive (and not under the Programs folder), and he did a reinstall of Windows.

Now the question is, can I delete the file that contains my old Windows? It's a hefty chunk of data (1.6 gigabytes, I think). Would there be any effect on my computer if I got rid of it? I really don't think anything in that folder is currently being used now. Is there any way I could check for sure to see if this folder is used, or needed to run things on my computer?

I'm running Windows 98 SE, K6-2 500, by the way.

I'm not sure how vague this question is, but I'd like to get rid of that folder. My HD is slowly getting fuller and this would free up a lot of space.

Kay Az

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And all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be.

-Pink Floyd

[BigBlue66]

Hi Kay,

I see no problem with deleting the folder with the old OS in it. If the guy installed with defaults, the system will look to C:\windows\system to start up the OS. Not sure if that path is all inclusive of where it looks, but you get the idea. At any rate, you have a new programs folder under the newly installed OS, so all paths, etc. should point to that one.

You might try going to Find on the start menu and on the second tab, tell it to search for files that have been updated, modified, etc. within the last couple of days. If all you see are files relating to the new install of the OS, then you should be good to delete and go from there.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66


[This message has been edited by BigBlue66 (edited 03-19-2001).]

[sleddog]

Boot to a DOS prompt (press F8 when Windows is starting).
Rename the folder containing the old stuff. Suppose it's called OLDWIN and you're going to rename it to OLDWIN-X:
C:\RENAME OLDWIN OLDWIN-X
Reboot and use your machine as usual for a few days.
If all is well then delete the directory OLDWIN-X.
If all *isn't* well and something in that folder is still being used, all is not lost http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif



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sleddog
[sleddog.f2s.com] (http://www.sleddog.f2s.com)

[kayden azagthoth]

Well, I checked to see if I had any files modified in OLDWIN file and nothing has been used in there for the whole month of March. I checked even further back and it was used but I'm sure it was when the tech was fixing up my system.

I'm also going to do what sleddog suggested and rename the file and see if everything still operates fine.

Thanks for the info BB and sled!

Kay

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And all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be.

-Pink Floyd

[BigBlue66]

Hi Kay,

Sounds like all is well then. Again, if the guy installed the new OS using defaults, then the system is not looking for the old stuff, which is verified by the file usage information you posted. The usage for the old stuff should stop on the day that he re-installed.

Sled's idea sounds good though, just for a little insurance that all is well in Windows land.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66


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You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you in a court of law.

[sleddog]

Originally posted by kayden azagthoth:
Well, I checked to see if I had any files modified in OLDWIN file and nothing has been used in there for the whole month of March. I checked even further back and it was used but I'm sure it was when the tech was fixing up my system.

I'm also going to do what sleddog suggested and rename the file and see if everything still operates fine.

Thanks for the info BB and sled!

Kay


Hey, do you mean the directory was actually named OLDWIN? I *guessed* that!!


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sleddog
[sleddog.f2s.com] (http://www.sleddog.f2s.com)

[kayden azagthoth]

Bit of a delayed response...heh heh.

But ya, it was a good guess sled!! It was actually renamed OLDWIN. I deleted it wayyy back when and everything is fine and dandy like sour candy. The ol' box has been spinnin like a top non-stop and nothin's gone 'flop' since I got her repaired...

...god, I hope I didn't just jinx myself...

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And all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be.

-Pink Floyd

[tjaymadison]

Don't forget to do run ScanDisk and Defrag now.
Files are probably scattered all over.

Nothing you did wrong, just the way things are.

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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)

[kayden azagthoth]

I am proud to say I am a 'clean-freak'. I run scandisk once a week and defrag at least once every two weeks. Keeps things in order and running smoothly. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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And all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be.

-Pink Floyd