How do I remove old carpet and the glue under it?

is it the carpet thats foam backed? What type of flooring is under it?. I used warm water and a paint scraper to get the foam type up was messy job . discovered particle board under it ,ended up ripping it all out and laying plywood down .

See above...

You could also use a long handled square shovel to help you scrape the glue or foam. I agree with the plywood application for a good sturdy floor which is also a recommendation today for a good base for any flooring.

Hi Carol,

Use a sturdy utility knife and have extra blades handy. Cut the carpet in the direction of the shortest dimension of your room in 3 foot wide strips. When you get to the end you will have to yank it hard to release it from the tack strips. replace the blade when it starts to dull. Repeat that procedure for the carpet pad as well. If you have nice wood floors underneath you want to save, lift the pad away from the floor to cut. As suggested, use a long handle scraper to get as much of the glue up as possible (reverse the angle of the blade if you are trying to save the floor) and then go back with a putty knife to get anything left over. A heat gun will loosen any glue you can't scrape up. It's hard work. No real easy way to do it.

If you are refinishing the floor you would need to sand. If you are going to cover it with something else, then you do not need to sand if all the carpet pad and glue residue is removed. If you install some other type of flooring other than carpet, you will need to check the floor level and make sure it is flat.