Delete old R&R backup files - how?

[wandrr]

I recently installed an update to R&R (now running 4.10.0314.00) which seems to work OK for me. I also activated a new external drive where the new backup resides quite happily. My problem is the older backup files which are on a different external disk. That older backup was made by the previous version of R&R. I would like to delete those superseded backup files. Unfortunately, the current R&R version doesn't even see the older backup files, so I can't use the R&R built-in delete backups function. I can't delete the files using Windows Explorer. I have tried changing the old backups properties from Read-only and Hidden, but something (R&R?) keeps changing them back to Read-only and Hidden.

I really would like to regain the 21 GB of space. How can I force the old superseded backup files to be deleted?

Thanks!

[ryengineer]

You can simply format the external drive to regain the missing space.

Alternatively, you can boot in Safe Mode of Windows and look under X:\rrbackups to delete the backups manually.

[wandrr]

You can simply format the external drive to regain the missing space.

Alternatively, you can boot in Safe Mode of Windows and look under X:\rrbackups to delete the backups manually.

A full reformat won't do it - I have LOTS of other data on the drive. I already considered that! My last resort will be to move the good data off the drive and then reformat.

I'll try safe mode.

Thanks for the advice!

[wandrr]

Safe mode didn't work - access is denied to the directory tree. I modified the attributes of the full RRbackups directory tree so that it isn't hidden or protected, but access is still denied. Clearly something is really protecting those backups!

Any other ideas, anyone?

Appreciate all your help!

[rbena]

If the old R&R backup files are residing in a separate partition on the hard drive, you may be able to access this partition and reformat it using Partition Magic or similar utility.

Or if the backup files are on C-partition and this is a FAT or FAT32 partition, you may be able to boot into DOS, and locate and delete the backup files.

[Pocket Aces]

You need to take ownership of the folder first. Do it through Properties -> Security. I just tried it, and it worked.

[wandrr]

You need to take ownership of the folder first. Do it through Properties -> Security. I just tried it, and it worked.

The ownership change did it!

Thanks, Pocket Aces.

[gellmanb]

I've got the same problem, RRBackups folder on an external USB drive. I'm using XP, logged on as administrator. In Windows Explorer, when I right click the folder and choose Properties there is no Security tab. What am I doing wrong? I still can't delete those backups....

You need to take ownership of the folder first. Do it through Properties -> Security. I just tried it, and it worked.

[ryengineer]

It appears in Safe Mode for Windows XP.

[qmp198596]

you can use the Rescue and Recovery to delete the files!Please just view the "advanced" choice

[SatDoug]

While it is true (at least for me) that R&R can delete a back up from my local (C:/) drive, it does not give me the option to drop down & select my external USB drive (though it sees the drive in other parts of the program, so it's connected the software sees it). I am forced to reformat my external USB drive to rid it of old back up copies. Anyone else have this problem?

[bri]

I have that issue too. I'm still using an older version of R&R and don't want to upgrade because it may not see my old backups anymore. I plan on just deleting them. If you go to Folder Options and View System Hidden Files you can see the RRBackups folder.

[SatDoug]

So, I updated R&R from Ver 3 (that came with the T60) to 4.something (latest). The install makes you uninstall the old version, and takes the old backup files along with it. After the install (which I admit didn't think would nest correctly with the existing suite of tools that all came together- it does), I did a new back up, and then copied that new backup to a freshly formatted USB drive. When done, I wanted to see what my delete options were for the future. While I can delete the copy on the local drive, I still do not have the option from R&R to delete the USB drive copy. So I guess that means a fresh format every few back up cycles when the USB drive starts running low on space!

[thuur]

you can use the Rescue and Recovery to delete the files!Please just view the "advanced" choice

Thanks! I just regained 21Gb


R,

[Mr-Pacman]

you can use the Rescue and Recovery to delete the files!Please just view the "advanced" choice

Thanks! I just regained 21Gb


R,

Where do you find the "advanced" choice?

I can't see any advanced tab anywhere on the options menu.

Thanks
James

[spwhiting@]

On the first R+R screen in the lower left there is "Launch advanced R+R". Click on the ADVANCED tab on the Advanced screen to get to the DELETE function.

[csnagyg]

Hello, I am having the problem described below by user gellmand: I used to do my backups on one eternal drive, then over time I switched to a newer one and now when I try to delete the RRBACKUPS folder on the old one I can not do it because my R&R (version 4.10) does not even see the backups made on that drive, only the ones on the new one. I tried to do the change of ownership which apparently worked for a different user 3 year ago but I do not have that option under Properties. I use Windows XP professional. Please help, thanks.

[TuuS]

Hello, I am having the problem described below by user gellmand: I used to do my backups on one eternal drive, then over time I switched to a newer one and now when I try to delete the RRBACKUPS folder on the old one I can not do it because my R&R (version 4.10) does not even see the backups made on that drive, only the ones on the new one. I tried to do the change of ownership which apparently worked for a different user 3 year ago but I do not have that option under Properties. I use Windows XP professional. Please help, thanks.

With Windows XP it should be simple to delete files, the file protection system isn't nearly as complicated, just disable file protection and delete.

A really simple way to do this is to restart in "safe mode", which bypasses Windows file protection.

Another easy solution for those using Vista and Seven would be to boot a Linux live CD, from linux you can delete the files regardless of "ownership". This is also handy for getting rid of files from prior windows installations that are no longer needed.