Separating OS from data files HELP

doherty420 · 11 Jan 2012

So i'm trying to upgrade my OS to Windows 7 Ultimate and after doing a bit of research, it seems I have to separate my OS files from my data and program files. Now i've already partitioned my hard drive into 2 separate disks/drives but the only problem is, i have no idea which files i should move to the new drive in order to separate my OS files from the others. Can anyone help me out?
I've attached a screen shot of my C drive if anyone can point out which files i need to transfer
Cheers :)

Sedril · 11 Jan 2012

Usually, it's just in your "users" directory under your name.... Documents, pictures, downloads, music, etc.... Those should be the majority of it unless you have specifically created a folder and put files into it...

doherty420 · 11 Jan 2012

So should i just move 'users' to the new drive? Also should i move my program files aswell? Thanks for the fast reply :)

essenbe · 11 Jan 2012

This tutorial of how to move user files may help.

And here is a tutorial on doing an upgrade install that may help you.

TVeblen · 12 Jan 2012

Just to clarify:
You normally don't (can't*) install a new operating system without re-installing all of your programs, as well as drivers and utilities. So forget saving those.

"Your data" is then all of the saved files (documents, pictures, music, bookmarks, address books, etc) you created while using those programs. You should know to what folders you have saved these things.

You want to 'back up' or move "your data". Plan on reinstalling everything else.

(*you can, to a certain degree, but this is an advanced OS installation)

kado897 · 12 Jan 2012

If you don't want to move your user directory you can use the Libraries feature to group together files on different drives. This is my videos library.

Separating OS from data files HELP-screenshot98_2012-01-12.png

Mark Phelps · 12 Jan 2012

Your sig indicates you're running Win7 Home Premium. If all you're doing is using the Anytime Upgrade to upgrade that to Ultimate, you shouldn't have to do anything special. The upgrade will replace some system files and add new functionality.

doherty420 · 12 Jan 2012

Sorted it and installed the new windows thanks guys

just one problem because i had to create a new user, i now have no documents or anything as my data files are saved to the partitioned drive/disk so how do i move my data files to the new account?

essenbe · 12 Jan 2012

You can either copy the user files from the data drive back to your C drive, or read the link in post #4 about moving user files and move them to your data drive in the corresponding folders.

whs · 12 Jan 2012

From the new user account, open the data partition from Computer and right click on each top folder and INCLUDE them into the appropriate library.