Clean install + Change in program directories = Trouble

Justin213141 · 02 Jul 2011

Hello guys
After doing a clean reinstall, I have discovered a problem bugging my system (Windows 7 Ultimate x64).
Straight after the install, I changed my program directories, as in here, to another drive. However, not only did I change all 4 Strings (ProgramFilesDir, ProgramFilesDir x86, ProgramFilesPath & ProgramW6432Dir) to the same directory (E:\Program Files), but I also changed the common file entries (CommonFilesDir, CommonFilesDir x86, CommonW6432Dir) to the same directory, on the different drive (E:\Program Files\Common Files). I had copied all of the contents of both C:\Program Files x86 and C:\Program Files into my new directory, copying the 32-bit folder first, then overriding with 64-bit, however I now face a new problem
I first started noticing my downloads disappearing whenever they reached 100% (firefox and ie) and initially found no way to fix it. But then I came across using sfc /scannow, which fixed my initial problems, but then lead to the corruption (i think) of stickynotes, i.e. click on sticky notes -> Sticky notes has stopped working -> Close program -> repeat. So I used sfc /scannow again, but that just lead me back to my initial problem with the downloaded files disappearing.
So to sum it up, I am now stuck between being able to download files, or use stickynotes and I would really prefer to be able to use both at the same time

Maguscreed · 02 Jul 2011

Have you used this method?
User Profile - Change Default Location

Moving program files can result in policy and application rights violations and cause problems.
The user folders can be moved without problem if you take the proper steps though.
The root program files is best left alone in my experience though.
Simply installing all additional programs to a program files folder of your making on another drive or something.
That's just my personal experience though.

logicearth · 02 Jul 2011

You should have left Program Files alone. Manually point installers to the new program files location. But the stuff already in program files after you install Windows should not be moved. Those files are Hardlinks moving them to a new drive creates duplicate content without reclaiming any space on the other drive.