Erasing a backup Windows partition

[Michael]

When I upgraded from Windows XP to Windows 7 few years ago, I allocated the partition D: to keep a copy of Windows XP in case things went wrong, i.e. dual boot Win 7 in C: and Win XP in D:.

So now years after, I barely use the Win XP on my PC as I have an old laptop running XP.

Can I just delete everything on the D: drive through Windows Explorer, or I need to format the partition?

Thanks.

[Quantos]

You don't have to format it, you can get away with just deleting the data.

[Michael]

Hi Quantos,

I tried to do that but unable to delete those system folders i.e. Documents and Settings, Program Files, Qoobox, WINDOWS.
It says I need permission to perform this action.

[Quantos]

Try deleting it from Safe Mode, or try CCleaner(just do NOT run the registry portion).

[patio]

You could also delete the partition...re-create it and then format it...

[Michael]

You could also delete the partition...re-create it and then format it...

How do I do that? Disk Management?