User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installation

How to Create User Accounts on another Partition or Disk During Windows 7 Installation ​

   Information

There are several methods to move user profiles to another disk or partition after you have installed Windows 7. The easiest way is to use Audit Mode and System Preparation Tool, both built-in Windows 7 features, to permanently move the location of the folder Users.

This tutorial shows how to relocate both Users and ProgramData to another disk or partition when doing a new, fresh and clean install of Windows 7. If you have already installed Seven, and you'd like to move those folders away from their default location in C: drive, please read first post number 22 in this thread. Follow the steps told in that post, and continue then from beginning of the page 4 in this tutorial.

When Windows 7 is installed, 5 or 6 system folders are created depending on chosen bit-version:

• PerfLogs (Performance Logs), where Windows stores performance and reliability logs
• Program Files, where applications and software are installed. Windows x86 (32-bit) stores all applications here, Windows x64 (64-bit) only native 64-bit applications
• Program Files (x86), only in Windows x64. All non-x64 applications are stored here
• Windows, which contains core operating system files and drivers
• ProgramData, where some applications store application and user specific settings and configuration files
• Users. This is the "home" of all user folders. When a new user account is created and this new user logs in first time, Windows creates a set of user specific folders Users\New_User

Moving Windows and Program Files folders is not recommend by Microsoft. However, moving both Users and ProgramData folders is safe and can save a lot of space on system disk. Pictures, mp3’s videos, documents and so on, a user folder with its subfolders can be tens, sometimes hundreds of gigabytes.

For instance, using this laptop of mine as an example, the total size of Users folder and subfolders is at the moment about 240 GB. The size of ProgramData folder is at the moment almost 18 GB. I simply could not have these folders stored in my system C: drive, there’s not enough space.

When installing Windows 7, I recommend using Windows System Preparation Tool (Sysprep) in so called Audit Mode to relocate Users and ProgramData, leaving C: drive only for Windows and applications.

   Warning

An upgraded Windows cannot be sysprepped. As this method is based in sysprepping, this tutorial is valid only for Windows setups which have not been upgraded.

This means that if you have for instance in-place upgraded Vista to Seven, you cannot sysprep. The same applies if you have upgraded from a lesser edition to a better edition, for instance from Windows 7 Home Premium to Professional.

Notice that a repair install is also an upgrade install, so if you have ever done a repair install (= in-place upgrade to same edition), you cannot sysprep.

In other words, when sysprepping an existing Windows setup it only works if the Windows was installed clean and has never been upgraded or repaired using repair install, or if it is the original pre-installed Windows.

Using this method causes Windows 7 to lose activation information, and it needs to be reactivated afterwards. If your Windows 7 is an OEM version, you might not be able to reactivate it, at least not without phone activation option.

   Warning

IE10 Users: Please read this article first: Sysprep Fatal Error With IE 10 (FIX) | System Administration

Complete tutorial as PDF: View attachment Relocate User folders during Windows 7 installation.pdf (1.22 MB)

Kari

Related Tutorials

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• How to Change the Default Location of a User Profile in Windows 7 and Vista
• How to Change the Default Location of Windows 7 User Folders
• How to Restore the Default Location of Windows 7 User Folders
• How to Free Up and Recover Hard Drive Space in Windows 7
• How to Change the User Folder Name of a User Profile in Windows 7

 

[Kari]

That the folders do not be relocated is always because an error in either in the answer file or in the procedure, error so small that it does not prevent sysprep from working but nevertheless does not do what was intended.

Check the drive letters, folder locations and install.wim file.

 

[tjg79]

As I indicated, the file ran without error, but the Users folder didn't move. I don't see anything on D:.

I ran the file again, this time named relocate on D: and booted back into Audit Mode, but again, I don't see anything on the D: except the relocate.xml.

Now, when I attempt to reboot to OOBE, I get a sysprep fatal error. So, I'm stuck back in Audit Mode.

I think the problem with something hidden in the answer file is fixed, but the file execution is not moving any folders.

I'll download the AIK and create a new answer file and reload this Win 7. It doesn't take very long to install Win 7 when you don't download the updates.

I think I can get this to work now.

 

[tjg79]

Do the line indents in the answer file matter? Do they affect the file run?

 

[Kari]

OK. I've now repeated the test, done it two more times. I get the result as intended, Users on D: using the answer file I posted.

When you have downloaded the ADK / SIM ISO image, save it on an external storage for later use. Notice that as it's an ISO, you need to either burn it to DVD / USB or mount as a virtual DVD. For mounting in 7 I use Gizmo: Gizmo Drive -- Mount ISOs, encrypted hard drive images to a virtual drive

Be sure to check the drive letters using Disk Management, don't forget to stop the WMPNetwork Service before sysprepping. When Sysprepping, skip the reboot to Audit Mode (use /oobe switch instead of /audit switch). Be sure that you are using original Microsoft Windows 7 install media, be sure that the install.wim location in answer file and processor architecture value (x86 for 32 bit Windows, amd64 for 64 bit) are correct.

Do the line indents in the answer file matter? Do they affect the file run?

No.

 

[tjg79]

I'm reinstalling Win 7 at the moment. When I'm back up, I'll try your file again. This time I'll use the switches to reboot to Audit Mode and unattend. When I get back to Audit Mode after running the answer file, should I see the Users folder on the D:? I would think so, if the file ran as intended.

If not, I'll download the AIK and follow your instructions for a proper test.

 

[tjg79]

Check the drive letters, folder locations and install.wim file.

What is the install.wim file? Where is it located?

I'm back in Audit Mode with a fresh new clean install.

 

[tjg79]

OK, I'm back in Audit Mode after running the answer file and I don't see anything on D: other than the relocate.xml file. The Users folder is still on C:. So, I'm getting the impression that the file runs without error, but it's not moving the folders as intended. Do you want to see the log file?

View attachment Sysprep Log Files 4.zip

 

[tjg79]

I downloaded and burned the Windows AIK to a DVD. I installed the AIK on the clean Win 7 install in Audit Mode. However, I'm getting the impression that I need to install some additional components, because when I select "New Answer File", I don't see a Sources directory as depicted in your tutorial. When I open the "Select a Window Image" pop-up, the Look in Directory is Documents and there are no items that match the search. I don't see a "Sources" folder on the downloaded and burned DVD or anywhere in the AIK install folder. Do I need to download the other items on the AIK start up screen?

EDIT:

When all else fails, read the instructions. I found the source folder on the Win 7 DVD. This is a bit involved, but it's interesting. I think I can figure this out now.

 

[Kari]

I had a BSOD plus a few hours sleep. Back in business now. I am here most of the day apart some breaks required for me to keep pretending I have this thing they call The Real Life (doing groceries, walk, visit the pub and so on) .

Let me know how you proceed.

Check the drive letters, folder locations and install.wim file.

What is the install.wim file? Where is it located?

Second to last line in answer file:

[PLAIN]<cpi:offlineImage [/PLAIN][B][hl]cpi:source="wim:E:/sources/install.wim[/hl][/B]#Windows 7 Professional" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />

I meant that be sure its location is told correctly and that it is a valid, original Windows 7 install.wim file.

 

[tjg79]

Success!

I didn't like running the AIK SIM on the new install without any video drivers, etc..., so I attempted to create the answer file on a fully installed desktop and copy the answer file to the new install for a run, but that run didn't move the folders. I checked the log file and I saw that there was some reason indicated why the file didn't execute the command to move the folders. So, I installed the AIK on the new install and created the answer file and saved directly to the C:\windows\system32\sysprep folder.

When I executed the file, I knew something was working differently, because the system rebooted twice. When I entered OOBE and checked the location of the Users folder, it was on the D:\. The ProgramData folder is not visible on either C:\ or D:\, but it is likely hidden or will likely appear when it has something saved to ProgramData.

At first I was confused, because it wasn't clear to me that the location of the Source folder when creating a new answer file is on the Win 7 DVD. But, once that was clear to me, this was a very easy task to perform. If you're not familiar with this, then it helps to practice on another system so you aren't doing it for the first time for record.

I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work perfectly as intended running an install on Intel Desktop RAID. I will try that next.

Of all the tutorials pertaining to moving Users' and ProgramData folders, I think this is the best.

As for the previous failures, I think that when you copy text from a pdf file, you are also copying some formatting commands that aren't visible. I think that is what happened on the first attempt. There must have been some hidden format commands copied that were not compatible with a proper answer file.

Also, rather than copy code and paste into notepad, I think it's better to load the AIK and run the SIM to create the answer file directly saved to the sysprep folder.

 

[tjg79]

What would happen if you just created the answer file and saved to the Sysprep folder and rebooted back into Audit Mode? I suspect nothing would be moved, because I get the impression that it only executes the command to move the folders on a reboot to OOBE mode.

Also, once the answer file is created and saved to the Sysprep folder, it would likely execute without running the commands from the cmd prompt window. I suspect if you simply clicked the Sysprep pop-up box to restart with OOBE selected, the system would then execute run the command on the first run from Audit Mode to OOBE mode.

 

[Kari]

Success!

NICE!!!

When I executed the file, I knew something was working differently, because the system rebooted twice. When I entered OOBE and checked the location of the Users folder, it was on the D:\. The ProgramData folder is not visible on either C:\ or D:\, but it is likely hidden or will likely appear when it has something saved to ProgramData.

ProgramData is by default a hidden folder.

I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work perfectly as intended running an install on Intel Desktop RAID. I will try that next.

Worth a try! I believe it will work.

As for the previous failures, I think that when you copy text from a pdf file, you are also copying some formatting commands that aren't visible. I think that is what happened on the first attempt. There must have been some hidden format commands copied that were not compatible with a proper answer file.

For the past five years this tutorial has existed it has got about half a million views, all the users done this by copying the answer file text, this is the first time I know this happened. I myself copy the text from the PDF when I need it (the same answer file works in every version of Windows from Vista to 10), and it has always worked.

Also, rather than copy code and paste into notepad, I think it's better to load the AIK and run the SIM to create the answer file directly saved to the sysprep folder.

Very true!

 

[Kari]

What would happen if you just created the answer file and saved to the Sysprep folder and rebooted back into Audit Mode? I suspect nothing would be moved, because I get the impression that it only executes the command to move the folders on a reboot to OOBE mode.

You can for instance sysprep and then return to Audit Mode, nothing will be changed and your customizations will not be done until you boot to OOBE.

Also, once the answer file is created and saved to the Sysprep folder, it would likely execute without running the commands from the cmd prompt window. I suspect if you simply clicked the Sysprep pop-up box to restart with OOBE selected, the system would then execute run the command on the first run from Audit Mode to OOBE mode.

Correct. However, better to learn to launch sysprep manually, according to the Microsoft the Sysprep GUI will be deprecated.

 

[tjg79]

Success when installed with Intel Desktop RAID active.

The first attempt failed on a RAID ready (SATA Drives set to RAID in BIOS, but no RAID configuration or Intel driver installed) when I created the answer file with SIM on a different Win 7 install and copied the file to the Sysprep folder. The file ran, but didn't move the folders.

The second attempt succeeded on a RAID ready (SATA Drives set to RAID in BIOS, but no RAID configuration or Intel driver installed) when I created the answer file on the system with SIM and saved directly to the Sysprep folder.

The third attempt failed on a Intel RST Desktop RAID 1 when I copied the answer file created during the second (successful) attempt directly to the Sysprep folder. The file ran, but was locked into a reboot loop and couldn't return to the desktop in either Audit Mode or OOBE Mode.

The fourth attempt succeeded after I reinstalled the OS on an Intel RST Desktop RAID 1 when I created the answer file on the system with SIM and saved directly to the Sysprep folder.

Each time, it's important to stop the WMPNetworkSvc.

For me, copied answer files don't work. I've got to create them for each run on the system with Windows System Image Manager (SIM).

 

[Kari]

Thanks for the update. You have the Windows AIK DVD now burned, it's a piece of cake to install Windows SIM when needed.

 

[tjg79]

Now that the Users folder and Program Data folder are on D:, must System Restore be set active on D: as well? On my previous install, I had moved the location of non-hidden Documents folders to D: and Windows backup would backup the documents on D: and image the C: drive weekly. System Restore was active only on C:. Do I need to image the D: drive to fully restore the system from a virus? D: is now part of the system due to the hidden system folders. What are the recommended settings for restoring or reimaging the system now?

 

[Kari]

As the whole Users folder is now on D:, it means that the essential user specific AppData folders (Local, LocalLow & Roaming) are also on D:. They need to be included both in System Restore and System Image. The same with "all users AppData" folder ProgramData, it's essential for system restore. If you use restore points, you need to enable them both on C: and D: drives.

When you then need to restore, the amount of available restore points is determined by the the drive which has less shadow copies available; set the reserved space for restore points to same percentage on both drives to assure they both can save the same amount of shadow copies!

 

[tjg79]

I think moving the Users and Program Data folders to another drive is a good idea and not for just space limitations. I think the OS is more stable when these types of files and folders aren't collocated with the system files. But, restore points, imaging and backup become a bit problematic. I don't need or want my documents, pictures and videos, imaged weekly or part of every restore point, because it'll take up too much space. Now I'm thinking of shrinking my D: to create an E: so that I can change the location of the Documents folders for more efficient imaging and restore points.

 

[Kari]

The software you have installed relies heavily on the user specific (AppData) and all users (ProgramData) application data. Leaving it out from a restore point or a system image means that when you restore the system, Windows system files and application install folders will be restored but the application data not.

 

[Clairvaux]

As the whole Users folder is now on D:, it means that the essential user specific AppData folders (Local, LocalLow & Roaming) are also on D:. They need to be included both in System Restore and System Image. The same with "all users AppData" folder ProgramData, it's essential for system restore. If you use restore points, you need to enable them both on C: and D: drives.

The software you have installed relies heavily on the user specific (AppData) and all users (ProgramData) application data. Leaving it out from a restore point or a system image means that when you restore the system, Windows system files and application install folders will be restored but the application data not.

So, what would be the correct backup and restore method ?

Suppose one enables System Restore on both C and D ; and one regularly does backups of C and D through Macrium Reflect or some similar software.

Suppose something wrong happens system-wise, and one tries to correct it by using Windows' Restore points. What would happen ? Would Windows be clever enough to roll back back whatever in ProgramData and AppData pertains to the system itself, and not to roll back whatever in there is "user data" in a common-sense way ? For instance, would one be able to repair one's system without losing one's last mails, or the last adjustments made to software menus ?

And another situation : suppose the problem is not corrected by Windows' Restore points, and one decides to restore from a Macrium image. When you image C and D with Macrium, it makes a single image file, but when restoring from it, you can chose C, D or both.

What would be the correct choice ? If you restore only C, do you run the risk of not repairing something system-related which might be in ProgramData or AppData, or of creating inconsistencies because the system itself on one hand, and ProgramData + AppData on the other hand, wouldn't be restored to an identical point in time ?

And if you restore C + D, obviously you would lose any recent changes to your documents, so that must be out of the question, right ?

(By the way, I've now done my second sysprepping installation on the lines of your other, mammoth tutorial, and I'm happy to report that it works. I even added some extra touches to the Answer file like setting up two user accounts for myself instead of one, putting the product key in two different places so that the product key input screen wouldn't show at all, instructing Sysprep to retain drivers despite the Generalize switch, and setting the time zone. Although I spent a lot of time chasing errors that prevented Sysprep to execute the Answer file. And I'm still not out of the woods for this install , but that's not related to Sysprep -- at least, I don't think so ! )