Solved Default installation directory, Win7 32-bit

[bawldiggle]

Current default install directory is "C:\Program Files"
Can this be modified after Windows is installed ?

Would the changes sabotage already installed apps/os/etc ?
I would assume 64-bit would be different to 32-bit

For over 10 years I have created "C:\Programs2" folder, where I prefer to install all my extra apps etc.

Some download/installs do not offer an install folder option, and just "dump" the install into "C:\Program Files"

I would appreciate some (any) expert advice... thank you

   Note

1. Backup registry
2. Open Registry:- Start/Run:= Regedit ... [OK]
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version
4. Name/String:= ProgramFilesDir
5: Value:= < change string to directory of choice >

 

[AddRAM]

You should be able to change the path to put it anywhere you want.

Doing future program installs like this should have no ill affect on anything that`s already been installed.

Why do you want to change it ?

If you change the path but still use C for the storage, it`s still on C, so what would be the point of the change ? ( rhetorical )

 

[Ztruker]

64 bit system have two program folders.

C:\Program Files
C:\Program Files (X86)

 

[bawldiggle]

AddRam +1

Some installs offer no user option where to install, I don't install my programs in "C:\Program Files"
I am also looking at replacing HDD in an Acer laptop with a WD Black2 dual drive, 2 drives.

Ztruker +1

64 bit system have two program folders.
C:\Program Files
C:\Program Files (X86)

Thank you for the info. I only just sorted out a generic script for 32 and 64-bit
My only experience so far has been 32-bit.
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Thank you all for your input