User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installation

How to Create User Accounts on another Partition or Disk During Windows 7 Installation ​

   Information
There are several methods to move user profiles to another disk or partition after you have installed Windows 7. The easiest way is to use Audit Mode and System Preparation Tool, both built-in Windows 7 features, to permanently move the location of the folder Users.

This tutorial shows how to relocate both Users and ProgramData to another disk or partition when doing a new, fresh and clean install of Windows 7. If you have already installed Seven, and you'd like to move those folders away from their default location in C: drive, please read first post number 22 in this thread. Follow the steps told in that post, and continue then from beginning of the page 4 in this tutorial.
When Windows 7 is installed, 5 or 6 system folders are created depending on chosen bit-version:

  • PerfLogs (Performance Logs), where Windows stores performance and reliability logs
  • Program Files, where applications and software are installed. Windows x86 (32-bit) stores all applications here, Windows x64 (64-bit) only native 64-bit applications
  • Program Files (x86), only in Windows x64. All non-x64 applications are stored here
  • Windows, which contains core operating system files and drivers
  • ProgramData, where some applications store application and user specific settings and configuration files
  • Users. This is the "home" of all user folders. When a new user account is created and this new user logs in first time, Windows creates a set of user specific folders Users\New_User
Moving Windows and Program Files folders is not recommend by Microsoft. However, moving both Users and ProgramData folders is safe and can save a lot of space on system disk. Pictures, mp3’s videos, documents and so on, a user folder with its subfolders can be tens, sometimes hundreds of gigabytes.

For instance, using this laptop of mine as an example, the total size of Users folder and subfolders is at the moment about 240 GB. The size of ProgramData folder is at the moment almost 18 GB. I simply could not have these folders stored in my system C: drive, there’s not enough space.

When installing Windows 7, I recommend using Windows System Preparation Tool (Sysprep) in so called Audit Mode to relocate Users and ProgramData, leaving C: drive only for Windows and applications.

   Warning

An upgraded Windows cannot be sysprepped. As this method is based in sysprepping, this tutorial is valid only for Windows setups which have not been upgraded.

This means that if you have for instance in-place upgraded Vista to Seven, you cannot sysprep. The same applies if you have upgraded from a lesser edition to a better edition, for instance from Windows 7 Home Premium to Professional.

Notice that a repair install is also an upgrade install, so if you have ever done a repair install (= in-place upgrade to same edition), you cannot sysprep.

In other words, when sysprepping an existing Windows setup it only works if the Windows was installed clean and has never been upgraded or repaired using repair install, or if it is the original pre-installed Windows.

Using this method causes Windows 7 to lose activation information, and it needs to be reactivated afterwards. If your Windows 7 is an OEM version, you might not be able to reactivate it, at least not without phone activation option.

   Warning
IE10 Users: Please read this article first: Sysprep Fatal Error With IE 10 (FIX) | System Administration


Complete tutorial as PDF: View attachment Relocate User folders during Windows 7 installation.pdf (1.22 MB)

Kari






Related Tutorials

 
Last edited:
Click to expand...
JaysJimlad said:
Kari, what you have offered in this tutorial is just what I have been looking for. It seems to be much simpler than a lot of other offerings.
I am a little nervous but with a saved image, I should get there if anything goes wrong.

As you will see below I have just done a re install and although you say it can be done at the re installed state, I am going to go back and re install again following your tutorial from the begining.

You say "If you don’t have a second internal hard disk or you have not created and formatted an empty partition on your system disk,"

I note the word 'empty'. I have created a partition for my Windows 7 home premium O/S - 'C' and another partition on the same drive (1Tb) for my 'Users' folder plus anything else I wish to park there. Prior to re installing my O/S I located some of my data I didn't want to lose due to the re install/format. Is this a problem as the 'D' partition isn't empty?
I have another 1Tb drive and a slower older 500Gb drive where I could copy and paste the data I have on the 'D' drive.

What happens with this revised installation when you re install again, does the system try to set up the complete O/S on the new 'C' drive?
Do you need to carry out the whole tutorial again?

Regards

JaysJimlad
Click to expand...


Hi JaysJimland, welcome to the Seven Forums.

No, the drive must not be empty. Important is it does not have any Windows system folders, for instance from another windows setup in a dual / multiboot system.

Reinstalling Windows "resets" environment variables, so you have to repeat this process every time you reinsyall. That's why I recommend creating a full system image including the drive where you set the userprofiles after installation is finished, before any apps are installed. This way, instead of reinstalling you can just restore the image. I use Macrium for these images.

Good luck, I hope this works for you. Me this system has served well.

Kari
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Thanks Kari,

I appreciate your prompt reply.

Will be a few days before I can give it a go. Will Post how I get on.

JaysJimlad
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built/Assembled by me
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x 64
CPU
AMD Phenom(tm) IIx64840 Processor 3.2 GHz, 4 Core(s)
Motherboard
Asus M4A87TD EVO
Memory
8 x Gb RAM
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell
Hard Drives
2 x 1 Tbit (new drives) + 1 x 450 Gb drive
Kari Tutorial to Relocate User Folders during Windows 7 installation.

I have two further questions where I desparatly need help as a relative ‘Newby’
Question 1 - On page 4 of the tutorial it says “Open Windows Notepad text editor (Start menu > Accesories > Notepad). Type the following script, or copy it from here and paste to Notepad (script created with Windows System Image Manager):
I have followed the link by clicking’ on the blue wording above and read and re read the information/data but I find it very difficult to know what I need to do to effectively copy and paste the data shown on page 5 of the tutorial. Has anyone got a tutorial that shows how to carry out the requirements for this requirement? It clearly is essential as all normal files/systems are not available during re installation.
Question 2 – on my system after a re install I need to re load the drivers for my Asus M4A87TD evo Motherboard.
With this process of Relocating User Folders during Windows 7 installation, is there a need to have loaded these drivers prior to any of the steps in the tutorial or will it be acceptable to load them after completing the tutorial steps? I know I can’t get on line until these drivers have been loaded.
Thanks
JaysJimlad
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built/Assembled by me
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x 64
CPU
AMD Phenom(tm) IIx64840 Processor 3.2 GHz, 4 Core(s)
Motherboard
Asus M4A87TD EVO
Memory
8 x Gb RAM
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell
Hard Drives
2 x 1 Tbit (new drives) + 1 x 450 Gb drive
It might be that I have explained this a bit confusing in the tutorial, so let's try again:

What I mean with copy / paste the script is that it's a PITA to type it so copying and pasting is easier. The way I do it is that I have the script copied on a USB stick; when starting the process I just plug USB stick in, then open the script from stick in Notepad and edit as I need. The blue text is just an explaining link to What is Windows System Image Manager?, an article on Microsoft TechNet that explains what Windows System Image Manager is.

If you have no internet access when in Audit Mode, no problem. Just type the script in Notepad, or as mentioned above, copy and paste. If you have internet access as normally is the case, you can even install PDF reader, access Seven Forums, open the tutorial and copy the script from there.

When I find some time, I taking the PDF tutorial away and re-creating this as a normal Seven Forums tutorial. As it is now, it's only available as a PDF. Sorry for any inconvenient.

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Thank you again for your prompt reply. I think it is me not having the knowledge to apply your instructions - sorry.
Just to make sure I have fully understood your response I am assuming that the PITA which was in uppercase is a typo for PITY and not an acronym for something?
Yes I do want to be able to copy and paste the data so I don’t end up making mistakes.
So if I drag & drop all the data I need onto my USB stick so I can copy and paste it for the various parts of the tutorial?
So I start by plugging the USB stick into my desktop, before I introduce the Windows 7 O/S DVD, restart the PC, follow the tutorial and when required I will be able to access the USB stick by opening Notepad, to copy the required data, return to the tutorial and paste it in as required? This means that Notepad is available, presumably from the Windows 7 O/S DVD, as my previous O/S installation will have been formatted? I will NOT have Internet access as I said above as I have to re install my Motherboard driver’s to get on-line. I note you did not comment on my 2nd question on the best time in the process/tutorial to install these drivers. With no access to the internet I would not be able to download PDF Reader, so the USB stick seems to be my only option.
I find it very interesting to find out that it is possible to access the internet part way through a re install of the O/S.
You have not caused me any inconvenience on the contrary you are a great help and comfort to me in achieving meeting the final result in moving my ‘Users’ Folder.
Thanking you for your patience with me.
JaysJimlad
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built/Assembled by me
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x 64
CPU
AMD Phenom(tm) IIx64840 Processor 3.2 GHz, 4 Core(s)
Motherboard
Asus M4A87TD EVO
Memory
8 x Gb RAM
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell
Hard Drives
2 x 1 Tbit (new drives) + 1 x 450 Gb drive
:)

PITA was meant to be short of Pain In The A**... ;)

Notepad will be available when you enter Audit Mode. At least wired Internet connection has been available every time I have done this, on various computers, for Windows 7 normally installs at least LAN if also not Wifi drivers already before you have installed your motherboard specific chipset drivers.

My recommendation, the easy way of doing this:
  • Copy the script from tutorial, paste it to Notepad
  • Save Notepad text file to a USB stick
  • Print the tutorial PDF
  • When re-installing, follow instructions on your paper copy of the tutorial to enter Audit Mode
  • When in Audit Mode, plug your USB stick in
  • Open the script file with Notepad, edit if needed
  • Continue following the tutorial
Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Thank you for the 'PITA' explanation, I did know that acronym, but I did have my mind on getting to grips with the tutorial. I had a good laugh at myself.:D
The simple explanation re loading and using the USB stick was great.

Is there a point before or just after entering Audit Mode where I could safely load my mother board driver's and then plug in my USB stick?

When I did my first Win 7 re-install recently, i noticed that I did not get any internet connection. My system was not seeing my Netgear router. I went into Device Manager and there was not a 'Network Adaptor' listing. It went from 'Monitors' to 'Portable Devices'. As soon as I loaded the drivers I was up and running with Internet availability.

If you have no experience of this issue, your thoughts on where in your tutorial to try and load the drivers would be of great help.:D From your comments it seems necesssary to have an internet connection to access Notpad!!


Thanking you yet again.

JaysJimlad
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built/Assembled by me
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x 64
CPU
AMD Phenom(tm) IIx64840 Processor 3.2 GHz, 4 Core(s)
Motherboard
Asus M4A87TD EVO
Memory
8 x Gb RAM
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell
Hard Drives
2 x 1 Tbit (new drives) + 1 x 450 Gb drive
NO NO! ;)

I notice I'm getting really lousy on explaining things. Let's try a new approach.

The whole Notepad and USB stick -thing is meant to be like a Plan B if you do not get internet connection when entering Audit Mode. Notepad is a built-in Windows application, meant to be used in creating and editing small text files. If you get internet connection it's still a practical method, although then you can alternatively just install a PDF reader, go to this tutorial and open the PDF, then copy the script to Notepad, edit as needed and save it. A little bit more work but no need for a USB stick.

In Audit Mode you can install anything you want to. If you so wish, you can install all your drivers, apps and games before running the script to relocate user profiles. It's just that according to my own experience, the possibility this method NOT TO work for you increases with everything you do for your Windows before running the script. That's why I only do it for a totally virgin Windows setup in Audit Mode, installing all third party drivers and apps only after the script has run and Windows first time booted to the normal mode.

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
:o I think I have now got what you are advising. As I know I will not have an internet connection I will set my self up for the USB method. I too want to do as little as possible to my virgin installation prior to moving the 'Users' folder.

A thought has just occured to me, as I have three drives I had intended to didconnect two of the drives to make sure there was no cross interferance from anything stored on them. One of these drives I feel very confident nothing is on them but simple personal data. Could I download PDF Reader and Notepad with the required data instead of using a USB stick?

Thanks again

JaysJimlad :D
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built/Assembled by me
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x 64
CPU
AMD Phenom(tm) IIx64840 Processor 3.2 GHz, 4 Core(s)
Motherboard
Asus M4A87TD EVO
Memory
8 x Gb RAM
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell
Hard Drives
2 x 1 Tbit (new drives) + 1 x 450 Gb drive
OK, one more try: Notepad is built-in small application of Windows, you do not need to download or install it. When in audit Mode, you will find it in Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories, or simply by pressing Windows Key + R on your keyboard, typing Notepad to dialog that opens and hitting Enter.

And yes, you can download PDF reader and this PDF tutorial prior to re-install and save them to USB. Then in Audit Mode, simply install PDF Reader and open the tutorial. and yes, you can use your extra drive instead of the USB stick.

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Kari said:
OK, one more try: Notepad is built-in small application of Windows, you do not need to download or install it. When in audit Mode, you will find it in Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories, or simply by pressing Windows Key + R on your keyboard, typing Notepad to dialog that opens and hitting Enter.

And yes, you can download PDF reader and this PDF tutorial prior to re-install and save them to USB. Then in Audit Mode, simply install PDF Reader and open the tutorial. and yes, you can use your extra drive instead of the USB stick.

Kari
Click to expand...

:o Thank you I had totally missed the point on Notebook. Sorry to be a PITA.
Having been fully tied up on domestic issues, I haven't had time free to HAVE A GO.
Your help and clarification has been greatly appreciated.

(d)

JaysJimlad
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built/Assembled by me
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x 64
CPU
AMD Phenom(tm) IIx64840 Processor 3.2 GHz, 4 Core(s)
Motherboard
Asus M4A87TD EVO
Memory
8 x Gb RAM
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell
Hard Drives
2 x 1 Tbit (new drives) + 1 x 450 Gb drive
It's OK, just keep us posted :)
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
This tutorial worked great for me. My SSD boot drive was getting full (it was only 60gb). So, I used this to move the user folders to the second HDD. One problem though when I enter all Programs the folders and links are missing. I have tried manually moving them to the 2nd hard drive without any resolution to the problem. I also tried creating about 5 folders and consolidating the folders so it didn't exceed the folder limit (70? i think was the magic number). Any way to fix it that you can think of?
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Professional 64 bit SP1
CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 965
Motherboard
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-870A-UD3 (Socket M2)
Memory
12.0 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 669MHz (9-9-9-24)
Graphics Card(s)
1024MB GeForce GTX 460 (Gigabyte)
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
LG W2253
Screen Resolution
1920x1080 pixels
Hard Drives
54GB OCZ-VERT EX2 SATA Disk Device (SATA)
488GB Western Digital WDC WD50 01AALS-00E3A0 SATA Disk Device (SATA)
293GB Maxtor Maxtor 6L300R0 ATA Device (PATA) 41 °C
117GB Western Digital WDC WD1200BB-53CAA0 ATA Device (PATA)
4.19GB NULL (NULL)
Case
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic
Hi Milkman, welcome to the Seven Forums.

The path to your Start Menu > All Programs folder should be <USERPROFILES_DRIVE>:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu for your individual Start Menu, and <PROGRAMDATA_DRIVE>:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu for All Users Start Menu.

If you moved only the user profiles, please check and tell me which folder is opened when you right click Start Menu > All Programs and select Open. If everything went smoothly this folder should be on the drive where you moved user profiles. If it is still pointing to old folder, this opens the folder on C: drive.

If you also moved the ProgramData folder, right click Start Menu > All Programs and select All Users. Please tell if this opens All Users folder on C: drive, or on the drive where you moved ProgramData.

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Win 7 HP 64bit in HTPC - few questions!

That is an awesome tip Kari, appreciate the help!

As a noob I have a quick question, I'm planning a HTPC build (just a glorified media player) running Win 7 Home Premium 64 Bit and panning to use an SSD as a boot drive - if I do relocate the User Profile folders using your code to my 3TB HDD on the system - what size (min) boot drive would I need for my system.

Only planning to install the OS and a few other media applications on it - XBMC, a few players like DAPlayer, VLC etc?

I have 8 GB of RAM on it as well (i know this is overkill) but I'm using 2 sticks out of my 16GB kit on my desktop which I had bought on sale not long back for $70 from Amazon - so my question was regarding the page file size - would you recommend disabling the page file for a snappier response time, if not then what page file size should I be estimating?

Thanks for all the help in advance!
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self Built Desktop for Gaming & Work
OS
Win 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
CPU
Intel Core i5-2500 K
Motherboard
Asus P8Z68 V
Memory
16 GB Corsair Vengeance
Graphics Card(s)
XFX Radeon HD 6870 (900 MHz)
Sound Card
On Board
Monitor(s) Displays
Haans-G 28" LCD Monitor
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
Crucial M4 - 64GB (SSD Caching / Intel SRT)
Samsung Spinpoint F3 7200 RPM - 1 TB
PSU
Seasonic X Series 650W 80 Plus Gold ATX
Case
NZXT Phantom Black
Cooling
CM Hyper 212 Plus
Keyboard
Logitech K 800 - Wireless & Illuminated
Mouse
Logitech Performance MX
Internet Speed
Comcast Cable - 28 Mbps DL
Other Info
Go Groove 2.1 Sound Blaster Speakers
Logitech C910 HD Webcam
Hi Milkman, welcome to the Seven Forums.

The path to your Start Menu > All Programs folder should be <USERPROFILES_DRIVE>:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu for your individual Start Menu, and <PROGRAMDATA_DRIVE>:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu for All Users Start Menu.

If you moved only the user profiles, please check and tell me which folder is opened when you right click Start Menu > All Programs and select Open. If everything went smoothly this folder should be on the drive where you moved user profiles. If it is still pointing to old folder, this opens the folder on C: drive.

If you also moved the ProgramData folder, right click Start Menu > All Programs and select All Users. Please tell if this opens All Users folder on C: drive, or on the drive where you moved ProgramData.

Kari
Click to expand...

Thanks for the welcom Kari
When I right click Start Menu > All Programs and select Open I do get <USERPROFILES_DRIVE>:\Users\Brian\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu

How do I right click Start Menu > All Programs and select All Users? The only two options are open and properties. When I browse <PROGRAMDATA_DRIVE>:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu I see the programs listed that I had prior to the move. Should I move that info to the Userprofiles drive? Oddly I notice that my username is Power User under the start menu and the control panel> Manage accounts but the directory for the programs has my username as Brian.
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7 Professional 64 bit SP1
CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 965
Motherboard
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-870A-UD3 (Socket M2)
Memory
12.0 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 669MHz (9-9-9-24)
Graphics Card(s)
1024MB GeForce GTX 460 (Gigabyte)
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
LG W2253
Screen Resolution
1920x1080 pixels
Hard Drives
54GB OCZ-VERT EX2 SATA Disk Device (SATA)
488GB Western Digital WDC WD50 01AALS-00E3A0 SATA Disk Device (SATA)
293GB Maxtor Maxtor 6L300R0 ATA Device (PATA) 41 °C
117GB Western Digital WDC WD1200BB-53CAA0 ATA Device (PATA)
4.19GB NULL (NULL)
Case
COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic
Moving Users & ProgramData Folder from C to D

Kari,
Reporting back as promised. All went well having all I needed on USB stick.
I believe I have achieved moving the ‘Users and ProgramData’ Folders using your tutorial. :party:
However, when I go to the ‘D’ partition, I see the following:
· Folder:- A6407215600548CDD3CD03EB6781C2
· Folder:- EO9021F611C2597339
· Folder:- FCC25DB0F436AFFD5A32325F7A
· ProgramData: - which expands to: Adobe,ATI, AVG2012, MFAData, Microsoft
· Users:-
· Relocate

Now when I go to the ‘C’ partition, I see the following:

· Folder:- 10DC591160A95820ED (This is empty)
· PerfLogs
· Program Files
· Program Files (x86) – I have Win 7 64 bit
· ProgramData – I am surprised to see it here:- which expands to: Common Files, MFAData, Microsoft
· Windows
Is this what you would expect to see in the ‘C’ & ‘D’ partitions?
Currently I am updating Windows, loading software, connecting hardware, locating drivers and getting the whole system set up so I can capture a virgin image for later use.
Your comments on the above would be much appreciated and I thank you again for your patience and understanding in getting me to this point of utilising your tutorial, hopefully correctly (it was third time lucky).
JaysJimlad
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Built/Assembled by me
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium x 64
CPU
AMD Phenom(tm) IIx64840 Processor 3.2 GHz, 4 Core(s)
Motherboard
Asus M4A87TD EVO
Memory
8 x Gb RAM
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell
Hard Drives
2 x 1 Tbit (new drives) + 1 x 450 Gb drive
Hey Kari, thanks for this guide. It's clear, easy to read and very accessible - great job!

I just had a question on a scenario I read somewhere, I can't remember if it was here. Some programs apparently point very specifically to the C:\ location for some of their files - Skype was one of the ones named, where it would create a C:\ProgramData\Skype folder even if the ProgramData folder had been moved. I was wondering if you'd advise using junctions in conjunction with this guide? Assuming that my main partition is C:\ and my new User partition is U:\, would this be acceptable:

- cmd: mklink /J "C:\Users\" "U:\Users"
- cmd: mklink /J "C:\ProgramData\" "U:\ProgramData"

I also had a question on imaging after this process, but I think it suits the Backup and Restore section more. Hopefully you can aid with this junctions question!
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Rig #1
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel i5 2500K
Motherboard
ASRock P67 Extreme4
Memory
G.Skill F3 2x2GB 1600MHz DDR3
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire HD 6950 2GB (Unlocked Shaders)
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar DG
Monitor(s) Displays
LG W2353V-PF 23" Widescreen LCD
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
OCZ Vertex 2 60GB
Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB
PSU
Antec TruePower 650W
Case
Fractal Design, Define R3 (Black Pearl)
Cooling
Zalman CNPS10X Performa / 2x Fractal Design 120mm Fans
Keyboard
Microsoft Sidewinder X4
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder V2
Internet Speed
http://www.speedtest.net/result/1554452648.png
Other Info
This rig is my first custom-build; finally could afford one. I call it a budget-gaming build. It's great.
HELP!
Kari, great guide. However, everything was going great until it came time to run the script to start sysprep/OOBE.
When I type in the command sysprep.exe/audit/reboot/unattend/:u:\relocate.xml I get the following in an info box:

Usage: sysprep.exe[/quiet][/generalize][/audit oobe][/reboot /shutdown /quit][/unattend:<filename>]
"If no command-line arguments are provided, a graphical user interface is used to select the desired mode of sysprep operation."

What do I do now?!? It won't execute the command, and just returns me to a new command prompt line.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell XPS8300
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
Intel i7-2600 3.4 GHz
Memory
12GB
Sound Card
Integrated THX
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell 24" HD
Hard Drives
Crucial M4 128GB
Dell 2 TB 7200 RPM
PSU
460 W Dell factory
Case
XPS
Cooling
Stock
boger1 said:
HELP!
Kari, great guide. However, everything was going great until it came time to run the script to start sysprep/OOBE.
When I type in the command sysprep.exe/audit/reboot/unattend/:u:\relocate.xml I get the following in an info box:

Usage: sysprep.exe[/quiet][/generalize][/audit oobe][/reboot /shutdown /quit][/unattend:<filename>]
"If no command-line arguments are provided, a graphical user interface is used to select the desired mode of sysprep operation."

What do I do now?!? It won't execute the command, and just returns me to a new command prompt line.
Click to expand...

I think you've forgotten to put spaces. Try:

sysprep.exe /audit /reboot /unattend:U:\relocate.xml
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom Rig #1
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel i5 2500K
Motherboard
ASRock P67 Extreme4
Memory
G.Skill F3 2x2GB 1600MHz DDR3
Graphics Card(s)
Sapphire HD 6950 2GB (Unlocked Shaders)
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar DG
Monitor(s) Displays
LG W2353V-PF 23" Widescreen LCD
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
OCZ Vertex 2 60GB
Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB
PSU
Antec TruePower 650W
Case
Fractal Design, Define R3 (Black Pearl)
Cooling
Zalman CNPS10X Performa / 2x Fractal Design 120mm Fans
Keyboard
Microsoft Sidewinder X4
Mouse
Razer DeathAdder V2
Internet Speed
http://www.speedtest.net/result/1554452648.png
Other Info
This rig is my first custom-build; finally could afford one. I call it a budget-gaming build. It's great.
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