Could an Windows.old slow down my PC?

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teflonfrog

teflonfrog

Commendable
Aug 3, 2016
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0
1,690
Hi.

I just recently reinstalled Windows 7 on my computer. I logged on and now my PC is very slow. How can I fix this? Thanks.
 
Solution
Chicano
In windows 7 the Windows.old folder is created when you do a fresh installation without formatting to remove the old Windows, and instead it is bundled in the .old folder. So essentially what you did was a clean installation but without formatting the HDD.. You could recover personal files from the Windows.old folder and next delete it... but it is not what's slowing down the computer. The likely cause is Windows 7 may need driver updates.

Another possibility is that the HDD/partition may have needed formatting to rebuild partition tables and file system, and installing Windows without the propper HDD maintenance can make it run with issues.. I'm guessing the HDD already had issues you wanted to solve with a fresh installation of...
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boosted1g

Titan
Jun 12, 2013
14,846
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windows.old itself will not slow down your computer unless your C drive is near max capacity.

Now since you clearly did not do a clean install and upgraded or changed your OS (which is why you have a windows.old folder) then you still have all the old registry keys and a bunch of stuff that might no longer be releveant and those things could be slowing down your computer. Your computer could also be trying to start a program that is no lonager there or available.

Wiping the drive and doing a fresh install is always the most advised for a stable install.
This will erase all files though.
 
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Chicano

Chicano

Judicious
Aug 29, 2011
5,071
29
35,490
In windows 7 the Windows.old folder is created when you do a fresh installation without formatting to remove the old Windows, and instead it is bundled in the .old folder. So essentially what you did was a clean installation but without formatting the HDD.. You could recover personal files from the Windows.old folder and next delete it... but it is not what's slowing down the computer. The likely cause is Windows 7 may need driver updates.

Another possibility is that the HDD/partition may have needed formatting to rebuild partition tables and file system, and installing Windows without the propper HDD maintenance can make it run with issues.. I'm guessing the HDD already had issues you wanted to solve with a fresh installation of Windows. If so, you've better format and install Windows again, the correct way.

 
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