Installing programs to 2nd Hard Drive.

Boothy99 · 10 Feb 2010

I recently bought a new PC with Win 7 Home Premium, 64bit installed (previously used Vista Home Premium 32bit).

I understand (as far as I'm aware), that 64bit apps should be installed into the ''Program Files'' folder on the root of drive C, and that 32bit apps should go into the ''Program Files (x86)'' folder.

I'd like to know whether there's a problem with installing programs onto a 2nd Hard Drive I've bought. I ask, because the owner of the PC shop claims I shouldn't do so unless I'm using an installation disc (as when playing games), to run the program.

I'd like to place a ''program Files'' folder on the second hard drive and install some 32bit programs into this, to save space on my primary C Drive. Are there going to be problems with this please?

I've searched this Forum (and asked Mr Google), for an answer to this particular question, but couldn't find anything. Hope it wasn't staring me in the face

Cheers.

Jonathan_King · 10 Feb 2010

Welcome!

That should be no problem at all. I'm not sure what the owner is referring to, but there should be no problems at all installing to a second hard drive. That is actually a popular idea.

You do not need to have them install in the Program Files folder. You can install them wherever you want.

Not all programs allow you to change where they will be installed, but most do.

Hope this helps,
~JK

stormy13 · 10 Feb 2010

As JK said it isn't a problem, you can install just about anything anywhere you want. Easiest way is to select Custom when installing (or if that isn't present it usually will let you designate a folder, etc) and just change the driver letter you want to install too, easier than typing it all out.

I have been doing it that way for years to the point I haven't installed a game to the Windows partition/drive in I don't know how long. Also have a few games and programs that don't require to be installed every time Windows is installed (just add a shortcut to the desktop), and have been installed through several Windows installs (a couple of them 3-4 years, going through XP, Vista and 7). Also saves a lot of time if/when you do install/re-install Windows, don't have to spend a bunch of time installing those programs.

the owner of the PC shop claims I shouldn't do so unless I'm using an installation disc (as when playing games), to run the program.

Sounds more like he got his training from those idiots at Geek Squad. It doesn't matter where a game is installed if it requires the disk in the drive to run the game.

Boothy99 · 10 Feb 2010

To Jonathan_King & stormy13,
Much appreciate the swift reply from you both

I'll be sure to let the shop owner know too, so as he doesn't confuse any more newbies to Windows 7.

Many thanks,
Look forward to dropping by in here again...... looks to be a friendly / helpfull community.
Dave.