Relocated ProgramData and Users: Stuck for Windows 10 Upgrade?

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  1. Posts : 19
    7 Ultimate SP1
       #1

    Relocated ProgramData and Users: Stuck for Windows 10 Upgrade?


    When I first installed Windows 7 several years ago, I moved my ProgramData and Users folders to my standalone drive, kept my Program Files and Windows on my RAID-0/SSD. It's been great to me, separating my RAID-0 SSDs from my data and no issues at all.

    But now with Windows 10 coming, it seems that I'm stuck, and this set up can't perform in-place upgrades, which Gabe Aul says it's a requirement to get the free Windows 10. I know for starters Windows 8 and beyond does not play nice with a relocated ProgramData, even with junctions.

    So what should I do now? Should I just clean re-install Windows 7 for the upgrade? I've already moved most of my data out of the Users folder and reconfigured my libraries. I also thought of doing an offline robocopy move and edit the entire registry to modify it back to C:, but a quick search in the registry seems the work is going to be tedious.
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  2. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #2

    I would say don`t upgrade to Windows 10

    Why do you want to ruin your perfect setup ?

    Why do you think you`re stuck ?

    You don`t have to install 10 if you don`t want to.
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  3. Posts : 19
    7 Ultimate SP1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Well I was using the TPs on my laptop and I do like the Windows 10 changes, far better than that desktop mess of Windows 8. So I do want to upgrade.
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  4. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #4

    But you have Windows 7, the best OS ever made

    You have years to install Windows 10 if you want to.

    It`s always best to wait at least 6 months after an OS comes out to install it.

    You are not stuck.
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  5.    #5

    I'd move the User folders back following User Folders - Restore Default Location - Windows 7 Forums.

    If you moved the whole named User profiles then reverting that is explained in User Profile - Change Default Location.

    I don't know how you moved the Program data because it isn't recommended any more than moving Programs off of C where they should stay until uninstalled. But I'd move it back the same way.

    Once these are all restored to default then run an SFC /SCANNOW Command to see if anything is deemed awry.

    In the future I would only move the User folders as the rest of it belongs on the OS partition where it is integrated into the registry until uninstalled.
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  6. Posts : 19
    7 Ultimate SP1
    Thread Starter
       #6

    gregrocker said:
    I'd move the User folders back following User Folders - Restore Default Location - Windows 7 Forums.

    If you moved the whole named User profiles then reverting that is explained in User Profile - Change Default Location.

    I don't know how you moved the Program data because it isn't recommended any more than moving Programs off of C where they should stay until uninstalled. But I'd move it back the same way.

    Once these are all restored to default then run an SFC /SCANNOW Command to see if anything is deemed awry.

    In the future I would only move the User folders as the rest of it belongs on the OS partition where it is integrated into the registry until uninstalled.
    User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installation

    I followed this. And did a little digging, I found that there's a way to use SysPrep to move it, just not sure about the registry of installed programs:

    User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installation
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  7.    #7

    There are a lot of problems with that tutorial which have been reported all over the web and seen here regularly, too. I would query the author in the comments section to see if he can help you restore to defaults.

    Otherwise you may need to Clean Reinstall Windows 7 to get ready for Upgrade.

    In the future I would not move entire Profile but only the User folders you actually use. This has proven to work fine without problems for those who chose that method from Clean Reinstall Windows 7.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 19
    7 Ultimate SP1
    Thread Starter
       #8

    gregrocker said:
    There are a lot of problems with that tutorial which have been reported all over the web and seen here regularly, too. I would query the author in the comments section to see if he can help you restore to defaults.

    Otherwise you may need to Clean Reinstall Windows 7 to get ready for Upgrade.

    In the future I would not move entire Profile but only the User folders you actually use. This has proven to work fine without problems for those who chose that method from Clean Reinstall Windows 7.
    Actually that was an officially supported way of relocating the folder, up until 8. It's only in 8 where it breaks the App Store. In 7 it's rock solid.

    I've posted a reply since the author didn't clarify whether it will handle keys created outside of the Windows Setup. Last resort I'll do a full reinstall.
      My Computer

  9.    #9

    We've helped thousands of users relocate their User folders using User Folders - Change Default Location
    and not seens any real problems.

    I've been here 6-8 hours every day since before WIn7 release so see the trends and cases. Most of these workarounds were developed here.

    Moving the named User Account has never been the most recommended way of doing it, and lately there are regular reports of problems that have resulted.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 13,576
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #10

    ya you don`t move the folders, you just link them.

    Never move the User/User`s folder off C.
      My Computer


 
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