Windows programs won't run after changing default install path

Hello.

I did a clean install of windows 7 pro using sysprep to move my user files and program data to other drives. This works well as I only have a 120gb SSD running W7 and a partition for Win 8 Pro that I haven't installed yet.

I changed the default installation path from c: to s: in both the 32/64 bit registry and now some of the programs (photoviewer, media player, defender) won't run. I've fixed the programs that I could, pointing those back to c: as I did not move any of the programs that comes with windows. How do I fix these?

When I did this, I just manually copied both Program Files folders to the root of the new installation directory. I think some system installed programs, like WMP, use the registry settings, and copying those folders fixed the problem for me. I didn't use any other tool or utility to move anything from C:.

I did this without pointing anything back to the C: drive, or changing anything else other than the registry settings. I also did this fairly soon after a fresh Win7 install. I think I had only two or three 3rd party programs installed at the time.

I didn't actually change the C. I changed the default installation path from c to s. It used to be so easy with Windows XP.

Thank you pseudoware. I'll do this.

Thank you for your reply, and you're right. Because it was a fresh install and I only had a few 3rd party programs, I restored my system back to before I changed the registry. I have an app mover and will move only those programs that I install where they do not give me an option to install to a different drive. While most programs do allow this, there are some programs that I need/use that will not give me that option.

Again, thank you for your help and know that I really appreciate it.