Partitioning a New Computer

The point of having a separate data partition is so that you don't have to include the User folders files in the System image, only the OS and programs. If you use any other imaging program besides WIn7, it will not insist that you include the data partition in it. I'm sorry that wasn't clear enough after repeating it.

I only move the User folders that I use, leaving the others behind since they are negligible.

There can be problems occasionally like losing a Location tab on one of the User shell folders requiring to restore the User Folders - Restore Default Location, but these are rare so don't expect problems once you get it set up. We can help you all you need.

27dgb said:

Thanks to all those who have provided suggestions on this subject to date. I am still having trouble coming to grips with the specific folder/s to be moved and the actual process to do so. I am learning, so please be patient.

You don't have to use C:\Users at all and therefore don't have to move anything if you don't want to. You can instead just save files directly to some other partition--D, I, F, whatever. In such a case, C would contain nothing but Windows and apps. Data would always be on some partition other than C.

I can't remember when "C:\Users" was first introduced (XP or Vista?), but I never bothered with it at all.

ignatzatsonic said:

You don't have to use C:\Users at all and therefore don't have to move anything if you don't want to. You can instead just save files directly to some other partition--D, I, F, whatever. In such a case, C would contain nothing but Windows and apps. Data would always be on some partition other than C.

I can't remember when "C:\Users" was first introduced (XP or Vista?), but I never bothered with it at all.

If you move the "My" folders the "proper" way, by using the Location tab, then other software such as Office knows where they have gone and will continue using them This avoids the need to reconfigure your folder locations manually in each software you use.

Thanks again to all that have replied to this item. I tried the method of moving the data folders (My Documents, My Pictures, etc.) but for some reason (obviously an error I made) the My Documents folder has disappeared and I now have four icons of my data drive showing when I click Start, then my personal folder David. Will I have to re-install Win 7 to rectify this mess?

Type shell:UsersFilesFolder in Start Search box to see if Documents still appears under the User folder name. . If so does it have the documents icon superimposed on it? This means its still a shell (User) folder. Now rightclick on it to look at its Properties to see if there is a Location tab. Did it move successfully to where you want it?

If the folder is missing, has its location tab missing or only appears as a regular folder without the Shell folder icon on it then work through the steps for User Folders - Restore Default Location - Windows 7 Help Forums to restore it to your named User folder, move it again.

27dgb said:

Thanks again to all that have replied to this item. I tried the method of moving the data folders (My Documents, My Pictures, etc.) but for some reason (obviously an error I made) the My Documents folder has disappeared and I now have four icons of my data drive showing when I click Start, then my personal folder David. Will I have to re-install Win 7 to rectify this mess?

I doubt that will be necessary, and doubt also that your personal folders have totally gone awol. Install Everything Search Engine and once it's running type all or any part of one of your filenames, or even just an extension such as .doc and Everything will find it and tell you where it is located.

Good luck!

gregrocker, I typed shell:UsersFilesFolder in Start Search box to see if Documents still appears under the User folder name. It didn't.

I looked again at the User Folders - Restore Default Location - Windows 7 Help Forums but I cannot see anything there that is relevant because the My Documents folder does not appear.

BJB, I downloaded Everything Search Engine and installed it. I typed in My Documents, because that is the folder I am trying to locate and selected match case as the search criteria. The search showed My Documents with the paths C:\Users|David and C:\Users\Default. I selected open path to C:\User\David and when th window opened there was no sign of My Documents folder or the other folder that has disappeared My Music. When I opened the other path, a Documents and a Music folder were present.

I tried searching "Documents" and although the list was longer, I still could not find the vanished My Documents and My Music folders.

How do I get rid of the four identical disk icons indicating the I:\ partition?

Essentially if its not under your named User account, found by searching in Start Search box, in the location where you moved it, or in your Document Library, then proceed with the steps to restore it by using Option Two in User Folders - Restore Default Location - Windows 7 Help Forums.

If you'd like to install TeamViewer at all defaults and private message back to me the ID and password I will connect to restore your Documents folder since I've done it enough it comes easy to me. I realize now it seems strange but it is not that hard.