Just installed vista and have harddrive problem...

[pslee]

I have compaq and just installed vista without a problem and it runs great. Problem is there are still files from XP that is in the harddrive but not accessible (or I don't know how to). I thought installing vista would obliterate all xp files, but they are still in the harddrive and cannot access from vista. I would want to erase them or just use them in the vista if possible. Please help!

 

[SuzukiGSX1300R08]

Well what are these files? If you want to totally erase all files from xp i would say run a debug on your partition and reinstall vista. This would remove any viruses or spyware and clear off all files on your computer for a fresh install.

http://www.computerhope.com/rdebug.htm#4

 

[SuzukiGSX1300R08]

You will want to pop in your resource CD or run the cd to get to the dos prompt.

 

[PC eye]

The first thing to know about Vista is that it doesn't wipe the old Windows directory but simply renames it to Windows.old. This allows you to save files out of the old one before deleting it. The other files seen at the root of the drive like the boot.ini file are set to hidden or read only. You first have to right on those and uncheck the hidden box and click the apply button. For dual booting the boot.ini file is left intact the way it is along with XP's ntldr file. Give the right click option a try if Vista is the only planned OS.