Trying to delete some old XP files...

[-Sylvan]

I upgraded my OS from Windows XP to Windows 7. There are some leftover files from Windows XP on the computer now. If I try deleting them I get the following error:

"You need permission to perform this action."

S-1-5-21-1960408961-854245398-839522115-1004 is the parent of the files and I can't change this. I try to delete this user and it says I can't because it's inheriting permissions from a parent. I go to change inherited permissions and I can't.

How the hell can I delete these files?

I've tried everything I can think of under security...

 

[David 617]

ive had the same problem before. im not sure why it happens.
what i did to delete them is boot into linux and work from there. in linux the pc security 'features' dont apply so you have full access/edit/delete privileges. just make sure that the version u use supports ntfs read/write. i use knoppix for this. you can live boot off a usb and access the host machine to delete locked files.
http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html
(just b careful u dont screw up ur win 7. u'll have FULL access to everything, so watch out.)

 

[-Sylvan]

ive had the same problem before. im not sure why it happens.
what i did to delete them is boot into linux and work from there. in linux the pc security 'features' dont apply so you have full access/edit/delete privileges. just make sure that the version u use supports ntfs read/write. i use knoppix for this. you can live boot off a usb and access the host machine to delete locked files.
http://www.knopper.net/knoppix/index-en.html
(just b careful u dont screw up ur win 7. u'll have FULL access to everything, so watch out.)

I just realized there are Windows xp files in with the windows 7. Ugh I hate backup.
I am just going to copy the files I actually need to an external and do a complete reinstall of windows 7.
Wiping everything seems easier.

I have windows 7 OEM, this should be fine to do a clean install on the same harddrive right?

 

[David 617]

yah, just make sure u have a full copy, and not upgrade.

 

[David 617]

saw ur other post. u have to have a retail copy of win7. not a rolback disk that comes w/ a oem pc. if you have a copy that you bought then it WILLwork.

 

[-Sylvan]

Best answer selected by -Sylvan.

 

[-Sylvan]

Thanks

 

[mrfi5]

Thanks

better u can try downloading "take ownership" software.after u install this software right click on the file that u want 2 delete and then select take ownership.that's all. now u can delete ur old xp files............


hope helped.