"Delete Everything and Re-install Windows" - Will I get a Windows.old folder?

Dean Hughes

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Jan 16, 2014
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10,510
I want to re-install windows, I only have enough space to backup my important pictures.
Will it make a Windows.old folder for me to retrieve my music and a couple of films?
Does it always make a win old folder or is it only when upgrading?
I'm on Win8.1
 
If your using OEM recovery system then it will give you the option to do a full wipe and reinstall.

Using a Win81 DVD or USB Pendrive, during install it will give you the option to delete existing partitions on your SDD/HDD and create new ones.

If you don't delete existing partitions, then it will create and "OLD" folder.
 
If it says "Delete Everything", it WILL delete ALL user files on the HDD and reinstall Windows FULLY. You will not get a Windows.old folder. Even if it does, you will need to take full control of the subfolders. To do this:

Right-click on the locked folder/subdirectory and select Properties and click Security. In the Security tab, click Continue. From there, click your username and select OK. Click Continue again and select Edit. Then select Add. Type your user name and select OK.

Alternate method: Right-click on the locked folder/subdirectory and select Properties and click Security. In the Security tab, click Continue. From there, click your username, check "Also take ownership of subcontainers and objects and click OK. Then click OK to the resulting message.