Windows.old and $Windows.~BT

Discussion in 'Windows 10' started by dariwonka, Dec 16, 2014.

  1. dariwonka

    dariwonka MDL Novice

    Feb 23, 2012
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    #1 dariwonka, Dec 16, 2014
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2014
    Hello, I would like to know what these folders are... well, actually I would like to know if I can delete them (I can imagine that windows.old there is no problem about it... correct me if I am wrong)

    It would be great to have these 17gb back :)

    Can I delete these 2 folders (or at least one of them)?

    Thanks

    Ps: And what about the folder RecoveryImage which have a file inside called Install.esd (almost 3gb)?
     
  2. Skaendo

    Skaendo MDL Addicted

    Sep 23, 2014
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    #2 Skaendo, Dec 16, 2014
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2014
    Windows.old can be deleted, unless you want to roll back to a previous build.
    The other I can't remember but I think is the download folder for new builds. It may also be deleted but don't quote me on that one. One way to tell is if there is install.esd or install.wim. If there is then it can go.
     
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  3. bchat

    bchat MDL Smart Azz

    Nov 7, 2008
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    I deleted both - my suggestion, back up the drive, delete what you want knowing you the backup.
    Better to have a backup you don't need, than not to have one you do need.
     
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  4. s1ave77

    s1ave77 Has left at his own request

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    $Windows.~BT is created by Windows in case of upgrade installs, but normally gets deleted after the process :g:.
     
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  5. dariwonka

    dariwonka MDL Novice

    Feb 23, 2012
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    Thanks, both folders deleted!

    And what about the folder RecoveryImage which have a file inside called Install.esd (almost 3gb)
     
  6. s1ave77

    s1ave77 Has left at his own request

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    It's the repair image used for Reset/Refresh options.
     
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  7. MS_User

    MS_User MDL Guru

    Nov 30, 2014
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    well good luck trying to delete windows.old....i taken full control of the folder and still telling me i need system rights to delete it.......not sure if windos.old got corrupted and now it will not recognize any admin rights of the folder.
     
  8. GurliGebis

    GurliGebis MDL Member

    Mar 3, 2008
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    Use disk cleanup to remove Windows.Old - it is called something along the way of Old Windows Installation (cannot remember the name).

    The easy way is to run cleanmgr.exe from the run dialog.
     
  9. dariwonka

    dariwonka MDL Novice

    Feb 23, 2012
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    I deleted it through linux :)
     
  10. Hadron-Curious

    Hadron-Curious MDL Guru

    Jul 4, 2014
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    If you are still experiencing that trouble, download Unlocker, install it and use it to delete the Windows.old folder. If it doesn't remove it instantly restart your system and it will be gone.
     
  11. boril

    boril MDL Novice

    Nov 29, 2010
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    you have to change ownership of the folder and child objects (subfolders/files ) original owner is TrustedInstaller make it to administrators. Close properties and after thatn reopan again to change permissions for administrators for all child objects as well.
     
  12. s1ave77

    s1ave77 Has left at his own request

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  13. MS_User

    MS_User MDL Guru

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    log off MS....log in localy under Administrator i took full ownership of everything and still nothing.:g:
     
  14. s1ave77

    s1ave77 Has left at his own request

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    If you're still trying to get rid of Windows.old you should definitely start reading ... :zwinker: .
     
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  15. s1ave77

    s1ave77 Has left at his own request

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    Ahh ... partially broken stuff delivered ... like in official Preview builds :g:. Sounds more and more like a D.O.A. and not worth the hassle. Will wait for the new Win 8.1 releases and play with them :cool2:.
     
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  16. MS_User

    MS_User MDL Guru

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  17. Mutagen

    Mutagen MDL Addicted

    Feb 18, 2013
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    YES! Another great reason to have a Linux Live boot media handy is that linux has zero respect for ntfs. Anything you don't want on your Windows drive? Linux is the consummate assassin.
     
  18. s1ave77

    s1ave77 Has left at his own request

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    Win8.1SE (from the oven forums) also did all those jobs so far for me.
     
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  19. maya77

    maya77 MDL Member

    Aug 30, 2009
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