Windows 7: Programs on two different drives

I've got an SSD and HDD with the OS installed on the SSD. I plan to put most programs on the SSD, but there are some smaller apps that I see no reason to do so. Some are already on the HDD and I'd just like to leave them there.

So how do I go about installing some apps to the SSD and some to the HDD? Is there a way to get the OS to recognize apps already installed on the HDD or do I need to delete them all and start from scratch? Is there a proper way to uninstall the programs I plan to put on the SSD from the HDD or do I just delete the files?

(not sure if this thread is best here or in the Software forum)

You're installing programs to Windows 7 so its best to put them on the Windows 7 partition. They write registry keys which integrate them into the OS.

If you need to move folders off the SSD later to make space, then move the User folders using this method: User Folders - Change Default Location

If you have an OS on the HD you no longer need, then you should delete its partition. Another option would be to use the old OS's User folders by linking them from Windows 7 using the tutorial above.

Then you could take ownership of the rest of the OS folders (Windows, Program Files, etc) to delete the OS except for the User's folders you've linked to. Take Ownership Shortcut

There is no way to use the installed Programs on your old OS in the new install. Place program installers in the Downloads folders to back them up for future reinstalls.

Save a Windows 7 Backup image after you're set up and running best and you never have to reinstall again. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

Thanks Greg. I thought people were doing this somehow. With all the talk about using the SSD as nothing but a boot drive with the OS installed, programs have got to be on a separate drive.

I bumped up to a 120GB SSD and right now I can fit all of my programs on it, but not much more. I already have my Users folder on the HDD.

Would the old programs work on the old install? I tried to boot from that drive to test it out, but for some reason ESC wasn't bringing up that option.

edit: I was able to use ESC to give me the one time boot menu and tried booting to the old drive and got a blue screen. In one post you made it sound like a good idead to keep that was a separate bootable drive, but in others you just say to delete it. I guess there's no real reason to have it bootable.

Whether you keep your old OS on HD is up to you. We can show you how to boot it or delete it..

Did you remove the old HD when you installed Windows 7 to SSD? If so, then it should remain bootable on its own if the 100mb SysReserved or Windows 7 partition was and remains marked System Active.

Confirm that HD has lost its boot by setting it to boot first in BIOS. If it bluescreens again, unplug all other drives, set old Windows 7 HD as first to boot in BIOS setup, boot the Windows 7 DVD Repair console or Repair CD to confirm that the 100mb System Reserved partition or (if you don't have it) Windows 7 Partition is marked Active: Partition - Mark as Active

Then boot back in to accept any offered Repair, if Windows 7 doesn't start or no Repair offered, click through to Recov tools list to run Startup Repair up to 3 separate times to start Windows 7. Startup Repair - Run 3 Separate Times

Once Windows 7 starts on HD, power down to plug back in SSD, set it first to boot in BIOS setup, then boot HD if needed using one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

As far as the Programs go though, I guess on install, I can just select a file location on the D drive to install them to? I'll my installing Office 2010 shortly, would it see any benefit from being on the SSD?

i've got access, excel and word 2010 installed on my ssd c: drive. the office folder is 310 megs!

word loads in less than a second - why don't you want it on your ssd?

i've only got a 60 gig vertex 2e, and all my commonly used reasonably sized apps are on c: to benefit from the read speeds. my big games are going onto my old spinner - except for a few.

it's a pity that steam installs into the one folder - i would like to have some games on ssd, some on hdd...

My Office install is 2GB. Just looking to conserve space on the SSD.

I haven't seen many situations where OS/Programs won't fit on a decent-sized SSD, with User folders linked to another drive. If it happens you could check back for guidance on which ones to move.

Until then, install Programs to SSD and link your active User folders to HD: User Folders - Change Default Location

well, it's up to you...personally i like snappy performance for apps i use often.

do you really need all the 2 gig install? set some of them to 'install on first use only' or something?

lol, alright Greg, you've convinced me.

mickey, I wasn't clear on what that option meant. I'll choose that on the Shared Features and Tools. Thanks.