Deleting Windows.old file problem

When i try to delete the Windows.old folder, it goes through the process for 5 minutes, then an error message pops up saying, "You need permission to do this" with options "Try Again" or "Cancel". Im the Admin. Whats the deal?

 

You may need to take ownership of the folder and it's content and possibly set permisions.

Take Ownership...
1) Right Click on the File or Folder that you wish to take ownership of and select properties.

2) Click on the securityTab > Click on theAdvanced Button

3) Click on Owner Tab > Click on Edit button that has a pic of the Windows Shield

4) Confirm UAC warning that appears

5) Change ownership.


Let us know how you get on!

 

Ive done all of that and it still sys the same thing. This folder is 30 Gigs!

 

You may want to try doing this from the actual Admin account.

Here is quote by WAW8 from another post discussing Admin Privileges.

<SPAN id=_ctl1_ctlTopic_ctlPanelBar_ctlTopicsRepeater__ctl3_lblFullMessage>

</SPAN>

<SPAN>Unlike previous versions of Windows, there are differences in Vista between accounts with "computer administrator" privileges and the Administrator account. For instance, the Administrator account does not have User Account Control enabled.</SPAN>

<SPAN></SPAN><SPAN>Use the Local Users and Groups MMC console</SPAN>

<SPAN>Change the properties of the Administrator account by using the Local Users and Groups MMC console.</SPAN>

<SPAN>1. Open the MMC console and select Local Users and Groups.
2. Right-click the Administrator account and select Properties. The Administrator Properties window appears.
3. On the General tab, clear the Account is Disabled box.
4. Close the MMC console.</SPAN>

<SPAN></SPAN><SPAN>Administrator access is now enabled</SPAN>

<SPAN>Click here to read more</SPAN>

 

Im sorry, but what is the MMC console and how do i open it?

 

Type mmc in start menu.

If you havent indexed then press windows key + r then type mmc.exe and press enter.

Either way will bring up the console.

 

There is a tedious protection in Vista that wont allow nested folders to be deleted under some circumstances, however if you delete the folders within the folder you will then be able to delete the top folder............why? ................I havn't the faintest notion but it's a pain.