Moving system folders


  1. Posts : 18
    Windows 7 64bit / Vista 64bit
       #1

    Moving system folders


    In Vista I was able to move all system folders to another drive...Windows recognizing that drive as the default location from then on...I can't remember how I did that. I have read some posts on here about the topic but none of them sound familiar.

    What's the process for moving the default location of System folders (user accounts and sub folders) to another drive?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 291
    Vista/Windows 7
       #2

    What i do is go to the start menu and click on your user name under the user picture at the top. You get a window with all the different default folders. Right click a folder and select properties. Click the location tab and select the move button...you can chose where you want it to point to. I have all my docs, pics and music etc on an external drive so I change the location for all these folders to point there instead :)

    User Folders - Change Default Location

    Hope this is what you meant?
    Last edited by Brink; 08 Nov 2009 at 15:07. Reason: added link
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,011
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Retail)
       #3

    I know a lot of people advocate moving system folders such documents, pictures, music, etc. to a different partition from the system. What are the main advantages of doing that and are there any disadvantages? Can one move one's entire user account to a separate partition, and if so, is this advisable?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,685
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86-64
       #4

    Is there a point? What's wrong with the default locations?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 291
    Vista/Windows 7
       #5

    Nothing wrong with the default locations...I just use an external HDD for all my documents so if I mess up my OS I don't have to worry about backing them up or loosing them. I like to keep my C: drive to a minimum and even install my programmes on another internal HDD...I don't know why but I just do lol
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,618
    W7x64 Pro, SuSe 12.1/** W7 x64 Pro, XP MCE
       #6

    Frostmourne said:
    Is there a point? What's wrong with the default locations?
    I think that the point might be that if the OS becomes corrupt and requires reinstalling, that important documents aren't risked by becoming inaccessible, or lost due to overlooking them prior to commencing reinstallation.

    I do think that using another partition on the same drive is not sufficient, because the problem could be caused by the drive itself. Of course, the drive where that the documents are redirected to could be the one to fails instead, so an appropriate backup is needed.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 246
    windows 7 64bit build 7600
       #7

    if i moved a games folder (like activision) from OS hdd to a different internal hdd would i notice any online gaming performance issues?
    my activision folder alone is over 14GB

    thanks
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6,618
    W7x64 Pro, SuSe 12.1/** W7 x64 Pro, XP MCE
       #8

    I'm not certain, but you could try it and if there was an issue, move it back again.

    EDIT: Considering the size that you mentioned, it would appear that is the installation folder for those games, rather than a system folder. If that be the case, there are registry entries to consider, which would end up with nonfunctional keys, which would definitely effect the games. They should remain where they are initially installed, unless you want to completely reinstall them in the new location, so that the registry would have proper reg keys.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 18
    Windows 7 64bit / Vista 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    my reason to move them is space...300gb system drive, almost 2Tb of storage space on other drives...want to keep the system drive relatively small and clean. most of my apps get installed to the other drives...want all the downloads , docs, music etc off the system drive
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:25.
Find Us