Windows 7: User Profile - Change Default Location

does that mean if move user profile on D and then I reinstall windows on C. I can use the old user profile on D again? If that so, I'm doing it. Thanks for this tut shawn.

The short answer is no. The GUID would be different. But your data would still be there

thanks for clarifying on that . so it means no.

Thanks for the great info. However, can't seem to get it to work.

At the new location, I don't seem to have 'permission' to write as I can't download anything or even have cookie saved.

Moreover, I also can't seem to delete the old profile folder. It kept telling me that the delete action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program, although when I look into the folder there's nothing it int!

Hello Alecela, and welcome to Seven Forums.

In your case, I would recommend to restore the default location of your user profile, and only move the individual user folders (ex: Music, etc...) that you wish to have at a different location instead.

User Folders - Change Default Location

I think I would do just that. The only thing is that now in my C:\Users\ I have a bunch of now defunct profile directories which were left over from previously unsuccessful attempts of moving the profile directory, of which I can't seem to delete, which is slightly annoying...

Alecela,

See if this may be able to help with restoring their default locations and deleting the messed up ones.

User Folders - Restore Default Location

If not, then you might consider creating a new adminsitrator account to use instead of the bad one, and delete the bad one while logged in to the new one after copying over and files you wanted from it.

Am I to understand then that you cannot assign your users folders to a different HDD from the initial install of Windows?

I see where all the above methods of reassigning registry entries and shells could retroactively accomplish that result, but is there any method to do this during OS install so that your entire users directory is just on a different HDD entirely?

I have a very limited SSD for Windows to run off of and don't want to miss any hidden or app data in my Users directory, so I'd rather just to a clean OS install if that will help.

Hello Foogama,

Sorry, but there is not an option to select where you would like to have your user folder located at during the installation of Windows 7.

The only options is to move your User Profile folder, or one or more of the user folders, after installing Windows 7.

Thanks for the tutorial, it is great information. I am having a problem deleting the old profile though and don't know how to get around it.

When I go to delete from C:\Users\Profile to be deleted, it starts deleting, but then I get a pop up that says, "This action cannot be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program" I hit "try again" but the pop up just keeps coming back.

The profile is not logged in and there are no programs open so I am at a loss. Any suggestions?