SSD card fresh installation - Program files

Zippler · 14 Dec 2010

Hi Gang,

I have a 64GB SSD which Windows 7 is currently installed.

The problem I am having is that the SSD card is filling up with all my program files.

I do have a 1TB 7,200rpm data disk and I have been installing some programs to that.

My questions are :

Does installing 64bit programs to a seperate disk affect their functionality ?
Can I physically move the program files to another disk ?

Any feedback most appreciated.

gregrocker · 14 Dec 2010

You can, but it's not recommended. Programs write registry keys which integrate them into the OS.

Every backup image made should have the additional programs partition included so that you can reimage them together, unlike User filies being separated out to another partition which is a practical way to keep them current if you reimage the OS partition.

Have you moved your User files to another HD partition? User Folders - Change Default Location

ccatlett1984 · 14 Dec 2010

Check out the below link, symbolic links will help you re-direct your stuff (transparently to the programs and OS).

How to create symbolic link in windows 7 « Windows 7 Home

whs · 14 Dec 2010

I would reinstall the "biggies" and direct them to a folder on the 1TB HDD.

Zippler · 14 Dec 2010

Hi Gang,

I would like to say "A BIG THANK YOU" to all of you that have responded so far.
I am looking through your very useful suggestions and will keep you updated on my findings.

gregrocker said:

You can, but it's not recommended. Programs write registry keys which integrate them into the OS.

Every backup image made should have the additional programs partition included so that you can reimage them together, unlike User filies being separated out to another partition which is a practical way to keep them current if you reimage the OS partition.

Have you moved your User files to another HD partition? User Folders - Change Default Location

@gregrocker - I am in the process of doing just that as you suggested .. Thanks for the heads up...

ccatlett1984 said:

Check out the below link, symbolic links will help you re-direct your stuff (transparently to the programs and OS).

How to create symbolic link in windows 7 « Windows 7 Home

@ccatlett1984 - Very usefull and something I will look into further. THANKS !

whs said:

I would reinstall the "biggies" and direct them to a folder on the 1TB HDD.

@whs - To verify, when installing a "biggie" do I just install it to my 1TB drive in a new folder e.g. "Games" ? - Thanks for your input !

You guys rock !

Bare Foot Kid · 14 Dec 2010

Hello Zippler, welcome to Seven Forums!

This tutorial at the link below will help you free up some space on the SSD; you can install any program/app to the HDD instead and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

How to Free Up and Recover Hard Drive Space

When next you do a clean install you may care to have a look at this one.

User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installation

whs · 14 Dec 2010

@whs - To verify, when installing a "biggie" do I just install it to my 1TB drive in a new folder e.g. "Games" ? - Thanks for your input !

yes, just choose that folder during the installation.

Zippler · 14 Dec 2010

Bare Foot Kid said:

Hello Zippler, welcome to Seven Forums!

@ Bare Foot Kid, thanks for the welcome and for your useful feedback. I will keep you posted.

whs said:

yes, just choose that folder during the installation.

@ whs - Thanks for clarifying that for me...