How to remove the “Windows.old” folder from Vista
If you installed Windows Vista over an existing operating system your old operating system files are stored in “windows.old” so your Vista OS can be installed in a fresh, brand-spanking new folder. If you try to delete your old operating system files you may be prompted to allow it to happen. Even with Administrator privileges, this attempt may fail.
The fool-proof way to remove old, unwanted files and old operating system installations is to use “Disk Cleanup”. Press on the Windows Pearl (formerly called the “Start” button) and type “disk clean” in the search box and press Enter. The disk cleanup tool will detect any windows.old folders and offer to remove them for you.
