What files to delete off HDD to get rid of OS after having done a clean install on SSD

Coolio_Jenkins · Dec 12, 2016

I don't want to delete any file off my HDD that I don't HAVE to. I imagine I have to delete all files under /Windows & /User, but do I have to delete any other ones?

I plan on putting all data in /User on the same "directory level" (is that the word? lmao sorry still a newb) so that all that data won't be deleted, and just paste it back when everything's done. Will that work?

Thanks, hope these questions make sense.

Boogieman_WD · Dec 12, 2016

Hey there, Coolio_Jenkins.

Did you remember to disconnect the HDD, while using the SSD for the Windows installation process? This is necessary as sometimes, some of the system files and/or partition could be written on one of the secondary drives and thus lead to booting issues. I'd recommend that you disconnect all secondary drives and boot to Windows, to see if everything is working properly.

As for your question, the best case scenario would be to backup your personal data by using a different drive (either an external or internal one), reformat your HDD and then put the data back on the fresh secondary storage HDD. However, if you don't have that option, you'd need to have your files on a separate partition (e.g. D:, F:, etc.). This way you'd be able to delete the old C: drive on the HDD along with the other Windows associated partition which you can find in Disk Management: How to access Disk Management in Windows. You don't just go and delete files with shift + del, you need to reformat the partition and/or the entire drive.

Hope that helps.
Boogieman_WD

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What files to delete off HDD to get rid of OS after having done a clean install on SSD

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