Windows 7 - How do I stop W7 from saving files in the Virtual Store?

Hi Everyone,

I've read a lot about the "virtues" of the Windows 7 Virtual Store methodology, etc. However, I have a key application that cannot work if files are not saved in its native folder. So Windows 7 saving everything in the virtual store is a non-viable state of affairs for me.

Does anyone know how to stop this happening? I know it can be done because someone set my machine up to stop this happening when new (for this exact reason). However, it seems that adding the service pack 1 has restored the Windows 7 default to save everything in the virtual store.

Learning to live with virtual store is NOT an option - I need to stop these files being saved there.

Thank you in advance for any help with this.

Simple answer: Disable UAC or change the permission setting for the respective program's folder to "Authenticated Users: F, Users: F"

Why you shouldn't do it:
Virtual Store is for compatibilty. I don't believe you when you say "it cannot work if files are not saved in its native folder." Why? Because your program cannot tell the difference between its native folder and Virtual Store. The program sees the files in VirtualStore as if they were in its native Program Files folder. If its a more intrusive program, as if they were in the /Windows folder.

That's the simple answer/s. If you want more detail, see

Windows Vista File and Registry Virtualisation - Richard's Weblog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs
New UAC Technologies for Windows Vista

Yes, your registry has a VirtualStore too. Never noticed your program getting bothered with it? Because you probably didn't know it existed.

Thanks arkhi for your links and thoughts.

A simple answer to your question is ... yes, critical functions of the program cannot find the virtual store and so cannot find the necessary files to function. I know - it shouldn't be written that way (it's not my program) - but it is, and that's life, and there's no alternative at the moment.

Previously, I had ONLY that program folder writing to itself, leaving virtual store working for everything else. How do I do that?

Run it as administrator.

Thanks - that's done it.

Glad to be of help!

Cheers~