Data partition: How to use

I have upgraded to Windows 7 and created a separate data partition. But this is new for me.

Q: Is use of a data partition simply a matter of moving your user Libraries to the D:/ (data) drive and saving new docs/stuff there when they are created?

The following article talks about moving appdata's Roaming folder over, too.

- Anything askew about this advice...or missing?
- Any additional tips, cautions, or recommendations?

There is *not* a lot of clear guidance on this that I have been able to find.

[quote:]

Move Your Data to a Safer, Separate Partition in Windows 7
by Cedric Crawley

(After transfer of your standard user Library folders to the Data Partition...)

AppData is a lot trickier than your other data folders. Windows doesn't want you to move it, and it contains files that you really shouldn't move. But it contains other files that should be on the data partition. Open AppData, right-click the Roaming folder and select Properties. Click the Location tab and do as explained earlier. Then reboot....

[unquote]

Move Your Data to a Safer, Separate Partition in Windows 7 | PCWorld

I would move your User folders to the data partition using User Folders - Change Default Location.

The only issue is that Win7 backup imaging will then deem the data partition a System partition and force it to be included in backup image. You can resolve this by using another imaging app to only choose C for backup, or as you imply copy the User folders to data partition, rightclick each to add to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums

I would not move AppData as I've seen no benefit to doing so. It would however be moved if you instead chose to move User Profile - Change Default Location

I just dragged my data libraries from the user folder to the data partition. There isn't enough in my app data folders to worry about so I left them alone.

gregrocker, thanks...I knew the approved way to do the transfers but I know I will find the document link helpful.

I would not move AppData as I've seen no benefit to doing so

I very much appreciate your guidance (from experience) in not moving any aspect of the appdata folder set (the article suggested moving the Roaming subfolder).

LF, thanks for your input, too.