So I just deleted MW from my laptop, and when I go to reinstall I see saves from my previous install in the data files menu of the launcher? Where are these saves actually located if not the Beth > MW folder?

If you deleted it as a program it left the main folder with the saves and other files intact. You're just reinstalling the .exe for the most part.

Try My Documents/Morrowind/Saves.

But where can I find the saves in windows?

Mine are here:
C:\Games\Bethesda Softworks\Morrowind\Saves

Morrowind was released before all this My Documents shenanigans became widespread.

Also check http://www.gamesas.com/topic/781497-vistawindows-7-problems/#entry12113679
If you're on Vista (and probably Win 7) they are hidden pretty well.

Im on windows 8.1 and there is neither a 'saves' folder in the MW directory, nor a check compatibility files option (which was a solution found on google)

found them... talk about hidden..

Computer/Local Disc (C:)/Users/[your username here]/AppData/Local/Virtual Store/Program Files (x86)/Bethesda Softworks/Morrowind/Saves

thanks all.

This is what happens if you install this game in Program Files or Program Files (X86). If you instal the game in a non UAC directory, then your saves will be in the root install directory for the game. So, install it in something like C:\Games\Morrowind or similar