Deleting Windows folder

Takaharu · Nov 26, 2009, 08:07 AM

On my previous hard drive I had Windows Vista installed. I've since changed it to an extra drive (F drive) and I'm using it as storage. At the moment I don't have enough free hard drive space to back up all the files that I want to keep so for the time being I want to free up some hard drive space by deleting the Windows folder along with the two Program Files folders (it was 64-bit) and probably one or two other folders.
However, each time I try to delete the folders or sub-folders it keeps saying I don't have permission to do so on the folder. I've changed the owner to my current login, I'm logged in as a local admin and I've changed the security to Full Access for Everyone.
When I try to delete the folder it says that I need permission from the user I'm currently logged on as.

Has anyone experienced this before?

**temeteus82** · Nov 26, 2009, 10:38 AM

I haven't... But usually I just quick format the drive. But in your case it seems to be not so practical ...

But solution for you. Do not give everyone full access but only to the admin level accounts and do this in the advanced security's settings. There you should see user group administrators. Make sure that it has full access and it is inherited to sub folders. I think that should do the trick.

Takaharu · Nov 26, 2009, 12:23 PM

Shortly after posting I found the problem - it had "read only" set on all subfolders & files. After removing that it allowed me to delete the folder.
Tem - it wouldn't matter if I gave everyone full access; I was deleting the folder. Using "Everyone" ensures that anything like "System" has full access too.

**temeteus82** · Nov 27, 2009, 10:06 AM

Still format would been easier

Nov 26, 2009, 08:07 AM	#1
Takaharu I can fart in 7 languages Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: England, UK Posts: 1,859 Rep Power: 113 System Specs	Deleting Windows folder On my previous hard drive I had Windows Vista installed. I've since changed it to an extra drive (F drive) and I'm using it as storage. At the moment I don't have enough free hard drive space to back up all the files that I want to keep so for the time being I want to free up some hard drive space by deleting the Windows folder along with the two Program Files folders (it was 64-bit) and probably one or two other folders. However, each time I try to delete the folders or sub-folders it keeps saying I don't have permission to do so on the folder. I've changed the owner to my current login, I'm logged in as a local admin and I've changed the security to Full Access for Everyone. When I try to delete the folder it says that I need permission from the user I'm currently logged on as. Has anyone experienced this before? __________________ I don't get paid to know the answer, therefore I'm far more likely to give you a straight and honest answer. Mods Rig, Box Mods Rig, Folding details

Nov 26, 2009, 12:23 PM	Thread Starter #3
Takaharu I can fart in 7 languages Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: England, UK Posts: 1,859 Rep Power: 113 System Specs	Re: Deleting Windows folder Shortly after posting I found the problem - it had "read only" set on all subfolders & files. After removing that it allowed me to delete the folder. Tem - it wouldn't matter if I gave everyone full access; I was deleting the folder. Using "Everyone" ensures that anything like "System" has full access too. __________________ I don't get paid to know the answer, therefore I'm far more likely to give you a straight and honest answer. Mods Rig, Box Mods Rig, Folding details