How do I move the path C:\Windows\Users[my name] etc. to my data drive

[Nisko]

All of my data is on a separate drive - except for C:\Windows\Users\[myname]\ etc. How do I move this path to my data drive and have all the apps that use it point to the new location? Thank you..........

 

[AddRAM]

You really don`t want to do that.

 

[Nisko]

Why not? It seems logical. Please give me a reason not to do it. It contains so much data that I believe it belongs on my data drive.

 

[Mellon Head]

Is this what you're looking for?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

Be advised, AddRAM is right, this can cause some problems if not done properly. It's better to do this when you have a fresh install and minimal data in the User folders. You could wind up losing the data you're trying to move to the data drive.

 

[Nisko]

But why not do it? Could you explain a little better? I keep two backups and two Images of both my OS drive and data drive at all times. Shouldn't this keep me safe?

 

[sgage]

But why not do it? Could you explain a little better? I keep two backups and two Images of both my OS drive and data drive at all times. Shouldn't this keep me safe?

Why not just move your data to where you want it, instead of playing games with your /Users/(name) directory. You can tell your programs what drive/directory to use as default. That's what I do.

 

[Nisko]

And that's what I have always done too. However, there is a lot of data and settings on the Users path that I had no choice in (that I know of). It just dawned on me that I should put that data also on the data drive. What harm would that do?

 

[sgage]

And that's what I have always done too. However, there is a lot of data and settings on the Users path that I had no choice in (that I know of). It just dawned on me that I should put that data also on the data drive. What harm would that do?

No harm whatever. Many programs default to putting stuff in (username)/Documents, or whatever, but most every program can be configured to use whatever directory you want as a default.

 

[Nisko]

OK, then how do I make the Registry point to this path?

 

[Nisko]

Late here - will pick up tomorrow morning. Thanks...........

 

[Mellon Head]

OK, then how do I make the Registry point to this path?

See the link to the tutorial that I gave you.

 

[Nisko]

Thank you - but I can't find the link to the tutorial. Also, I've been thinking about the possible downside you've pointed out: There have been times when I've made a change and haven't found a problem until long after my backups have been erased. Could this happen if I change the pointer? You have me concerned! Thank you.

 

[gregrocker]

THIS tutorial: User Folders - Change Default Location

Follow the steps in the blue link to move the active User folders in which you keep data to the data partition. That's all that's needed to accomplish what you want. Moving the User Account name is not a good idea because it contains hidden files that supply programs with your personalized data and should remain in C. We've seen problems with moving the User account, but few problems with moving the folders under it.

The main reason to do this is because it keeps the backup image of C more compact without old stale data onboard. If Win7 ever becomes irreparable, you simply reimage C in 20 minutes while your data remains safe and current in its own partition. The only caveat is that you cannot use Win7 backup imaging which deems User folder System files so wants to include them with the image. But there are better more flexible imaging apps like our favorite, free and easy Macrium Imaging - Windows 7 Help Forums