Windows 7: Programs on two different drives

When I try to do a Backup or create a System Image, my HDD isn't listed as an option. Is that because my Users and ProgramData is stored there?

You may want to try free Macrium Reflect or Paragon Backup 10 which offer more imaging options. Win7 may only want the System-involved partitions.

If you want a scheduled backup of your User files then you can use Windows file Backup in addition to the Image: Backup User and System Files

I prefer to keep it simple: just drag n drop the active User folders to external at a regular interval alongside the image.

Alright, so I'm to the point where I'm having to delete various programs to make room for new programs or games. So I'm back for guidance on what it's safe to move to my Data drive.

Have you moved your User folders to the HD yet? If not the easiest method is to Copy them intact then rightclick each folder to link to the related Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums. This avoids issues which arise sometimes when moving the User folders.

If you must move programs to the HD then I'd move the ones you use the least, so the most used programs benefit from the faster speeds. To move a program Uninstall it in Programs and Features and then reinstall it to the data HD.

Oh yeah, I moved the User folders when I got the SSD.

So no registry issues, etc. from re-installing them to the data HD?

The known issues are that Win7 backup imaging forces you to include the data HD since it sees the User folders as System files so wants it part of the image. You can avoid this by using Macrium - Image your system.

Another issue I've seen is that you can get unresolvable permissioning issues from running installers from Downloads folder after moving it. This caused me to move User folders back, copy them to data drive, then rightclick link them to Library - Include a Folder - Windows 7 Forums which is actually an easier method that still shows everything you link in the Documents, Pictures, Music, Downloads, etc. folder.

I would not myself install Program files to another drive as I want them a part of the image, faster speeds offered by SSD, etc. But you should have the choice of where to install the program during it's Custom installation. Just remember it writes keys to become a part of your OS, but its files will be off on another HD.