Problem deleting Windows Vista files


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I have a terrible problem. I've installed Windows Vista Beta 1 on my computer - I had no space on other partitions (and had no partition resizing tools), so I installed it on my main partition where all the data is (documents, movies, music, etc.).

Now, I had to remove the Vista installation to install something else (no space on disk after Vista install ;)).

I use Windows XP with SP2 right now (and I'm glad to be back, Vista Beta 1 is still... too beta :D).

The funny thing is, the Vista system files CANNOT be erased! I'm having dialog windows saying "Access denied" and that the file is being in use by another program. I am sure no programs use these files.

I've tried removing the files by booting from the CD and launching BartPE - same problem!

So I got NTFS4DOS and tried removing the files from DOS... could not see any files in the Vista folders and could not remove any folders. I could see and delete other files on this partition.

So right now I have 1GB system left-overs... is there any way I can delete those files without formating the partition? I have no place to archive my data :(

I have 88MB in Program Files and 931MBs in Windows dir... desperately need hd space :p

Please help!

Thanks in advance.

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Here is a quick tip, and I only say this because you didn't say it. Always format the drive, quick or full, when you install an OS from scratch. Better yet, kill the partitions, and recreate them. No left over files.... *wipes hands clean*

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Yeah, I know that, but I was desperate to install Vista ;)

Gonna ask a friend to temprarily store my data.

So... there is no chance to erase those files?

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It could be a permissions issue. In Beta 1 the default user account is "administrator" while in Xp, you are given the opportunity to create an account with your name or whatever you wish.

Open a folder in Xp. In the menu bar go to Tools > Folder Options. Click the View tab. You'll see a list of checkboxes. Scroll to the bottom of the list and UNCHECK "Use simple file sharing." Hit OK.

Then go to the Vista folder you want to delete. Right click on it and select properties. Hit the security tab. Here you will see a list of users with permission to perform operations on the file. If your name is not in the list, add it. Then click the "Full Control" checkbox and then OK.

Then try to delete again...

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Well, it seems it's not that simple. When I read your response, raskren, I was like "wow, it's so simple!".

But when I entered the Security tab, I've noticed that everything is greyed-out and not available to modify.

Here's a screen:

clipboard013vp.jpg

The Advanced button also takes me into a place with disabled stuff.

I will try loging in as Administrator, but don't think it'll help because I'm already one...

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