Windows 7: Choosing Default Install Location?

I just got my newly built PC up and running, (after having to rebuild it to install a better heatsink). and I put two storage devices in it, a 1TB HDD, and a 60GB SSD. My SSD holds my operating system incase I want to do a clean install. and my HDD has all my files.

I want to know if there is a way to change the default locations programs pick to install to. (C:/User/Program Files/Program) so that I dont need to change it each time and create a new folder :/ cuz sometimes I forget and then I have to uninstall and reinstall in the right location...

The ideal way to install the programs is on the same drive as the OS. This is because they write to the registry and it makes things a lot cleaner that way. You would put your data on the HDD. Do you have a lot of programs that along with your OS would make the SSD too small?

As BigMck says, Programs should go with the OS as they intergrate themselves, so you def want them to be on the OS image.

You can move the User folders to another HD after install, or even simpler is organize your files on the separate HD and then link them to the related library:
User Folders - Change Default Location
User Folders - Change Default Location
Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums

well I have steam which installs all of its files inside the steam folder. This is pretty much the only reason I want it this way. All of my steam games would fill it up right away.

What issues might I run into if I have my programs on my HDD instead?

and is there a way that I could have my steam program on my SSD but have all my games download to my HDD? (im sure this isnt a good question for the Windows 7 forum but im just taking a shot). In hindsight I should have gotten a 120GB SSD but I didnt have the money at the time :P

In that case you can move Programs to the HD.

However if you reimage the OS to SSD you may lose the Program file path and be stuck with programs which will not uninstall or reinstall. I would include the HD Programs partition in the image.

You do not want the data in the image, however, to keep it lean and so that the latest data set is in place and waiting after reimaging. Keep data backed up to external or the cloud.

Yeah that makes sense, I will do that. Thanks for the help and advice guys!