Upgraded from 32-bit Vista to 64-bit Windows 7. Help me please.

[vintage]

I had Vista 32-bit. I upgraded to Windows 7 32-bit on accident, then I upgraded again to Windows 7 64-bit. The problem I am having is when I upgraded to 64-bit I was hoping it would wipe my drive and I could start clean. I had 3 years of junk on my drive and I backed up the things I wanted to save. It turns out this isn't the case, as I have a folder called Windows.old and Windows.old.old000. Can I just delete these folders? They are hogging up enormous amounts of space. Also, I have Program Files and Program Files (x86). Why do I have two program files? Should I reformat and reinstall Windows 7 all over again so I can have a clean drive?

Also what is a good free virus protection program that I can download? Also I notice it says 3 days till Windows activation, but I can activate Windows now. What does this mean how come it isn't already activated?

 

[rwpritchett]

Yes, you can delete the .old folders, you don't need them.

For anti-virus, use Microsoft's own Security Essentials.

Light-weight and does a decent job.

 

[vintage]

So I don't need to reformat and reinstall Windows 7 all over again then? Thank you for your quick reply. Also what about Program Files and Program Files (x86). Why is there two?

 

[rwpritchett]

No need to format and reinstall.

Program Files is where Windows installs 64-bit programs.
Program Files (x86) is where Windows installs 32-bit programs.

The majority of your programs will go into the (x86) folder. 64-bit software is still playing catch up.

 

[vintage]

Well my final question is, since I am not reformatting, is there any risk that stuff from my old OS could slow down the peformance of my new one? I deleted both Windows.old folders and now I have a ton of free space so I am hoping most of the old junk from my old OS are removed now.

 

[rwpritchett]

Since you went from 32 to 64-bit, the upgrade should have been forced to do a clean install because it's not possible to do an in-place upgrade unless you are going 32 to 32-bit. You have to re-install all of your programs correct? That verifies that you've got a clean install of 64-bit and not an in-place upgrade.

It's the in-place upgrades that you get problems because the new OS tries to maintain programs and registry settings, etc.

You should be just fine with your new install.

 

[Jonmor68]

"I notice it says 3 days till Windows activation, but I can activate Windows now. What does this mean how come it isn't already activated?"
Because you have reinstalled you need to reactivate, do it now before the time expires or your system could be disabled.

 

[vintage]

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