I want as less as possible on my 64GB SSD drive

[Plecto]

Hi. I just installed windows 7 ultimate on my 64GB SSD HD, along with it I have a 1TB regular S-ata HD. I have to say that going from XP to 7 was pretty neat and it seems to be working well for an old bloke like me. The thing I want though is to keep everything on my S-ata HD and leave the SSD-drive for the OS, but how do I do this? Are there any major settings I could change which would make everything to store on the s-ata, like program files, the desktop, my documents, temp files etc.?

 

[zigzag3143]

Hi. I just installed windows 7 ultimate on my 64GB SSD HD, along with it I have a 1TB regular S-ata HD. I have to say that going from XP to 7 was pretty neat and it seems to be working well for an old bloke like me. The thing I want though is to keep everything on my S-ata HD and leave the SSD-drive for the OS, but how do I do this? Are there any major settings I could change which would make everything to store on the s-ata, like program files, the desktop, my documents, temp files etc.?

while all of the above are movable they are several reasons why you may not want to do so.

Program files can be run from another drive but if that drive is either disconneced or damaged your system is toast.

Documents can and should be moved to ensue if the OS crashes you will have access but it is a both difficult to do.

Temp files are deleted when the disk cleanup is run so why bother?


If you give us some system specs and the reason you need to we might be able to help more


Ken J

 

[pparks1]

And keep in mind that if you want your programs to open and run as fast as possible, you will want them installed onto your SSD. Use your standard hard drive to store internet downloads, music files, picture files and the like.

 

[Plecto]

My specs are:
Intel Dual Core E2200
1 64GB SSD drive
1 1TB s-ata drive
Geforce GT220 512mb Screencard
2GB DDR2 PC5400 ram
Can't remember the name of the motherboard, but I guess you don't need that.

Well, I guess I don't have to bother with the temp files, but I have to instal programs on the other harddrive. Installing 10gb games on a 64gb harddrive woun't do it for long.

 

[whs]

Here is a tutorial on how to move your user data http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/72427-data-partition.html Just apply a little logic on how the create the partition on the HDD rather than by shrinking C (as shown in the tutorial).

Then I suggest you delete the hiberfile (assuming you do not use hibernation). Open an elevated Command Prompt and run Powercfg -h off That will save you the amount of bytes equal to the size of your RAM.

 

[Plecto]

Here is a tutorial on how to move your user data Data Partition Just apply a little logic on how the create the partition on the HDD rather than by shrinking C (as shown in the tutorial).

Then I suggest you delete the hiberfile (assuming you do not use hibernation). Open an elevated Command Prompt and run Powercfg -h off That will save you the amount of bytes equal to the size of your RAM.

Okay, that kind of helped, but how do I change the default installing path? I think I would be home free if I change the storage placement of favorites (and music, pictures etc.), the desktop and the program files, is there anything else I shoud move?

 

[whs]

If you follow the tutorial steps. the default path will be automatically changed. Just make sure you move each folder (Documents, Pictures, Etc.) to a defined folder on the HDD (Folder1, Folder2, etc.). Windows will assign the correct folder name. If you move it only to the HDD volume (and not a folder), you get a mess.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Create folders on your D drive for Games, Documents, Downloads, Photos, etc. Then, just store that data in their related folder. There's no need to configure or change anything in the OS. When you go to install your games, change the install path to D:\Games\Game_Name.

 

[BugMeister]

Create folders on your D drive for Games, Documents, Downloads, Photos, etc. Then, just store that data in their related folder. There's no need to configure or change anything in the OS. When you go to install your games, change the install path to D:\Games\Game_Name.

definitely move the My Documents Folder to the storage drive - there's a tutorial here which shows how to do it..

that'll save you quite a bit of space, as the My Docs file is generally used as a dumping ground for all manner of stuff - eg. game saves, etc..

do the same for the My Music folders, as well - that tends to grow like topsy..!!

 

[gregrocker]

Follow this tutorial to move your User folders to the HD: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18629-user-folders-change-default-location.html

Also keep an image of your OS/Programs partition stored there so you can reimage it easily in 15 minutes if it becomes irreparable, and your files are waiting and current in their data partition vault.

 

[DeaconFrost]

definitely move the My Documents Folder to the storage drive

What gets stored in there by default is very minimal, and when you start adising people to move their folders...you normally see them creating threads later asking how to take ownership of their files.

You mention, as an example, the My Music folder. How exactly does that grow over time? If you know you have a small system volume, don't use the folders...it is that simple. For example...iTunes let's you choose where your library is stored. MediaMonkey, WMP, etc...all let you choose. I have a folder on my D drive called Multimedia, and in it, I have folders for Music, Videos, and Photos each. Nothing goes into the My Music folder at all.

I'm a firm believer in the K.I.S.S. theory. Don't muck with the OS unless you have to...and to store data on a second drive...you don't have to mess with the OS.

 

[dajogejr]

If you use iTunes, there is an easy tutorial on how to move your media storage to another drive.

I was down to 20GB free of my 60GB SSD. Now I'm sitting pretty with everything I need and 36GB free...

 

[whs]

Deacon, you have a very good point. "Keep it simple" is also my motto. However, if you know what you are doing, it is pretty simple to move the user folders - at least all of those that have a Location tab in Properties. Unfortunately people make mistakes - e.g. they move the user folders to the volume rather than to predifined folders. That's where they get into trouble.
Therefore I recommend to thoroughly study the matter before you make a move. It is better to ask before than after you created a mess.