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Windows 7 - Is it possible to install software on a second hard drive?

 
08-19-2011   #1


Windows 7 Retail
 
 

Is it possible to install software on a second hard drive?

If Drive 1 is an SSD drive with the OS on it.
If Drive 2 is blank regular hard drive.
Is it possible to install software on Drive 2 using Drive 1 as my main boot drive?

Drive 1 has room for some software, but not all. So I want to know if it's possible to connect a 2nd regular hard drive to install the rest of my software on.

Thanks!

My System SpecsSystem Spec
08-19-2011   #2


Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
 
 


98% of the time yes... mainly up to the instaler. Whether it lets you slect aninstall location or not. Ususally only only things like codecs and plug-ins and gadgets and stuff like that will still get automatically installed somewhere on your C drive where they need to be.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
08-19-2011   #3


windows 7 64 bit
 
 


Simple answer Yes!

I have my operating system on my SSD and a regular HDD for all my steam games (200gb ish) plus films and pics stored on it.

The drive has to be formatted and then when installing programs/games always select the "custom install" option when installing and change it to the drive/folder you want to install it on.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
.


08-19-2011   #4


Windows 7 Ultimate x64
 
 


Yes, you often have to hit Customize during the install or change the path when it shows you where it will be installed to. Nearly all software allows you to choose where you want to install.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
08-19-2011   #5


Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
 
 


I've got a couple of old programs that won't play nice unless they are installed on the C: drive with the OS. But that's the problem, they're old programs and should be retired.

Everything else installs where they are told, no issues.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
08-19-2011   #6


windows 7 64 bit
 
 


Yeah I think the thing to remember is and I quote from Fseal "98% of the time yes"

The other 2% can be installed on the SSD.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
08-22-2011   #7


Windows 7 Retail
 
 


OK thanks. I'll install my OS, security, and all my games on the SSD C drive. Then install the rest of my software on my blank HDD drive.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
08-28-2011   #8


Windows 7 Pro x64
 
 


For some larger programs such as games on the second hard drive... would there be any performance issues compared to installing it on the Windows drive?
My System SpecsSystem Spec
08-28-2011   #9


Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
 
 


If both drives were spinners or both were SSDs then I would think no.
If the OS were on an SSD and the game on a spinner then I would think yes.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
08-29-2011   #10


windows 7 64 bit
 
 


Obviously with the games being on the regular HDD they will take longer to load than if they were on the SSD but that's about it.
My System SpecsSystem Spec
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