Windows 10: Unable to delete Windows.old tried many things

Discus and support Unable to delete Windows.old tried many things in Windows 10 Ask Insider to solve the problem; Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty. I did the Disk Cleanup remove previous windows installation thing yet the empty Windows.old folder wont... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Ask Insider' started by /u/dontnoticetheblood, Apr 22, 2020.

  1. /U/DONTNOTICETHEBLOOD
    /u/dontnoticetheblood Win User

    Unable to delete Windows.old tried many things


    Error 0x80070091: The directory is not empty.

    I did the Disk Cleanup remove previous windows installation thing yet the empty Windows.old folder wont let me delete it.

    I changed folder ownership, tired one of those sketchy file "unlocker" programs, and duel booted linux to delete it from there but it didn't let me because its mounted as read only, checked hdd for bad sectors and still nothing.

    It's annoying having the folder there, so I'm open to suggestions.

    Thanks.

    submitted by /u/dontnoticetheblood
    [link] [comments]

    :)
     
    /u/dontnoticetheblood, Apr 22, 2020
    #1
  2. TOPGUNDCP
    topgundcp Win User

    Unable to delete a folder - Invalid folder name


    Suggestion:
    1. Run chkdsk x: /r to make sure that there's no HD corruption.
      x: is the drive containing the folder you want to delete.
    2. Try to delete the folder again. If still does not work, go to step 3.
    3. Download: Download - Linux Mint and create a bootable USB using: Rufus - Create bootable USB
    4. Boot up with Linux Mint and try to delete the folder again.
      NOTE: Unlike WinPE. Linux does not have any Windows permission imposed to it so it is easier to delete.
     
    topgundcp, Apr 22, 2020
    #2
  3. SPARKLYSOUL
    sparklysoul Win User
    Delete windows old on windows 10 pro

    Hi I’m looking forward to receive some guidance. I have tried to delete windows old the simple way . Right click delete it didn’t work. I have tried removing with disk clean. It removed almost all except , still remains some folders . What can I do? What steps can i follow? I’m average pc user . I’m not a technician . I can do anything if you guide me step by step in the most descriptive way
     
    sparklysoul, Apr 22, 2020
    #3
  4. RUZ SAN
    Ruz San Win User

    Unable to delete Windows.old tried many things

    Delete old version of windows

    Hi Erle,

    Some running files or services may be preventing you from deleting the old version of Windows on your computer, or there may be a conflict regarding permissions. We'd like to know some things to get a better picture of the problem and help you resolve it.
    Please answer the following:

    • Are you trying to delete the Windows.old folder?
    • What error do you get when deleting the file?
    • Did you find the Previous Windows installation(s) file when you ran Disk Cleanup?
    • How long has it been since you upgraded the computer to Windows 10?

    You can try the suggestions shared by SpiritX MS MVP on this
    page     to permanently delete the folder of your previous operating system.

    Let us know if any of the steps work for you.

    We'll be glad to offer additional assistance if needed.

    Regards.
     
    Ruz San, Apr 22, 2020
    #4
Thema:

Unable to delete Windows.old tried many things

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