Windows 7 Cannot Delete Files

johnk · Dec 14, 2010

I have Windows 7 Home edition on a new computer. My old drive is now configured as a USB drive. I would like to delete all unnecessary data and use it for backup.

Windows 7 will not allow me to delete (or even see) all the files in the Windows XP directory, even though I am logged in as administrator.

I have another drive which I would like to copy to the primary drive. There is about 20G of data on that drive, but Windows 7 will copy only about 5G.

How can I resolve these issues?

Highwayman · Dec 15, 2010

do the drive properties and take ownership of the drive, it should then grant full access, failing that format it to wipe it totally which again forces ownership to your windows 7 account.

Highwayman · Dec 15, 2010

do the drive properties and take ownership of the drive, it should then grant full access, failing that format it to wipe it totally which again forces ownership to your windows 7 account.

johnk · Dec 16, 2010

Will this allow me to copy the entire second drive as well? I can copy only 5G of 20G now...

Highwayman · Dec 16, 2010

if you have ownership then you should get full access to all files unless they are encrypted by bitlocker

MikeHawthorne · Dec 16, 2010

Check this out, it has helped my a lot.

Take Ownership Shortcut - Windows 7 Forums

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Windows 7 Cannot Delete Files

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