User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installation

How to Create User Accounts on another Partition or Disk During Windows 7 Installation ​

   Information

There are several methods to move user profiles to another disk or partition after you have installed Windows 7. The easiest way is to use Audit Mode and System Preparation Tool, both built-in Windows 7 features, to permanently move the location of the folder Users.

This tutorial shows how to relocate both Users and ProgramData to another disk or partition when doing a new, fresh and clean install of Windows 7. If you have already installed Seven, and you'd like to move those folders away from their default location in C: drive, please read first post number 22 in this thread. Follow the steps told in that post, and continue then from beginning of the page 4 in this tutorial.

When Windows 7 is installed, 5 or 6 system folders are created depending on chosen bit-version:

• PerfLogs (Performance Logs), where Windows stores performance and reliability logs
• Program Files, where applications and software are installed. Windows x86 (32-bit) stores all applications here, Windows x64 (64-bit) only native 64-bit applications
• Program Files (x86), only in Windows x64. All non-x64 applications are stored here
• Windows, which contains core operating system files and drivers
• ProgramData, where some applications store application and user specific settings and configuration files
• Users. This is the "home" of all user folders. When a new user account is created and this new user logs in first time, Windows creates a set of user specific folders Users\New_User

Moving Windows and Program Files folders is not recommend by Microsoft. However, moving both Users and ProgramData folders is safe and can save a lot of space on system disk. Pictures, mp3’s videos, documents and so on, a user folder with its subfolders can be tens, sometimes hundreds of gigabytes.

For instance, using this laptop of mine as an example, the total size of Users folder and subfolders is at the moment about 240 GB. The size of ProgramData folder is at the moment almost 18 GB. I simply could not have these folders stored in my system C: drive, there’s not enough space.

When installing Windows 7, I recommend using Windows System Preparation Tool (Sysprep) in so called Audit Mode to relocate Users and ProgramData, leaving C: drive only for Windows and applications.

   Warning

An upgraded Windows cannot be sysprepped. As this method is based in sysprepping, this tutorial is valid only for Windows setups which have not been upgraded.

This means that if you have for instance in-place upgraded Vista to Seven, you cannot sysprep. The same applies if you have upgraded from a lesser edition to a better edition, for instance from Windows 7 Home Premium to Professional.

Notice that a repair install is also an upgrade install, so if you have ever done a repair install (= in-place upgrade to same edition), you cannot sysprep.

In other words, when sysprepping an existing Windows setup it only works if the Windows was installed clean and has never been upgraded or repaired using repair install, or if it is the original pre-installed Windows.

Using this method causes Windows 7 to lose activation information, and it needs to be reactivated afterwards. If your Windows 7 is an OEM version, you might not be able to reactivate it, at least not without phone activation option.

   Warning

IE10 Users: Please read this article first: Sysprep Fatal Error With IE 10 (FIX) | System Administration

Complete tutorial as PDF: View attachment Relocate User folders during Windows 7 installation.pdf (1.22 MB)

Kari

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Change the Default Location of a User Profile in Windows 7 and Vista
• How to Change the Default Location of Windows 7 User Folders
• How to Restore the Default Location of Windows 7 User Folders
• How to Free Up and Recover Hard Drive Space in Windows 7
• How to Change the User Folder Name of a User Profile in Windows 7

 

[Kari]

After following this tutorial & loving the setup, I'm now trying to plot out my backup plans. But D, now 350GB, is considered a system disk. Kari, do you advise anything in the way of how to take an image of this kind of setup? This is definitely a big drawback, and I'm thinking about trying to figure out a different setup that will allow for an image of only the OS+apps as I have other backups of the data.

For Windows, every drive that contains one or more system folders is a system drive thus included in backup (using native backup and imaging). This subject was discussed earlier in this thread (posts #41 to #47).

Some third party backup applications might let you exclude additional system drives.

Kari

 

[coldengrey]

I've been following the audit tutorial pdf and have what is surely a naive question (keep in mind I've always bought dell oem installed, so I've never dealt with actual windows install.)
Background: Currently on vista 32, am swapping empty 500gb hdd for clean install of windows 7 64bit...

During audit mode phase, when I need to get the "relocate.xml" script to the windows 7 install-
will I have access to copy "relocate.xml" script off of a flash drive (drivers working at this point?)
How do I get that script to my empty hdd?

THANKS!

 

[Kari]

During audit mode phase, when I need to get the "relocate.xml" script to the windows 7 install-
will I have access to copy "relocate.xml" script off of a flash drive (drivers working at this point?)
How do I get that script to my empty hdd?

THANKS!

When it's time to enter Audit Mode while installing, Windows 7 is already installed. You enter Audit Mode after final reboot, when you would normally name your computer and give Windows your username. This automatically means that most of the Windows drivers are already installed, network connections are working and so on.

There are no problems in saving the script on USB stick and use it as the source. I've even had a few installs when I have not found the right stick, so I've entered Internet in Audit Mode, logged in to Seven Forums and copied the script from this tutorial.

Kari

 

[baj2k]

I'm having an odd problem. I followed the tutorial to the letter and all worded well. The only problem is my D:\User\<myuserid> folder looks more like XP than Windows 7. It has My Documents, My Pictures, My Music , and My Videos folders instead of the way my other PC's that have Windows 7 on them with just Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos folders without the "My" prefix... This was a clean install of Windows 7 on a new SSD using this tutorial

Is this odd or what... check Picture 1... also there are "hidden" shortcuts to these folders in the same D:\User\<myuserid> folder. Check out picture 2.

Any ideas??? I'm going to do it all over again and see what happens but this is very strange and unexpected...

PICTURE 1

PICTURE 2 - Showing "hidden" files with shortcuts

 

[Laker]

Hi Kari,

I'm applying this wonderful installation option to my brand new M4 64GB SSD. I've been using your install option on my HDD since January with great results. There have been about 3 installs with the same media (SD Card) without issue.

Now the oddity I'm experiencing is the dreaded 'Fatal Error' when running the relocate.xml script. WMPNetworkSvc is not running (Manual mode in services.msc) so I don't what else could be causing the error.

I'm installing windows onto a M4 SSD in my Gateway M-6862 laptop (see system specs). When I come to the point of running the script, I connect the old HDD into the OOD via a PATA HDD caddy. The HDD has been NTFS formatted via diskpart. Two partitions D:\-new location for users & program data & M:\-Documents, Downloads & Media.

I've also tried to install with the HDD connected at the beginning of the install and get the same 'Fatal Error' message when running the script (as an administrator I should add).

Everything installs without issue to the HDD but not to the M4 SSD. What are your thoughts on how to resolve?

Cheers,

Steve

 

[Kari]

@Laker

I'm sorry but I really do not know what it could be. I've had one computer, an HP laptop, where nothing helped; I simply could not do this, but I still today have no idea why.

I believe it is a Windows service related problem, so only tip I can give is (when first booted to Audit Mode) stop as many services as possible, leaving only those vital for Windows to run.

Keep me posted if you find a fix!

Kari

 

[Laker]

Kari,

Thanks for the tip. I'll test your theory that one of the windows services is the cause. My schedule is tight at the moment. Work projects and studying for a software certification exam is taking all my time. I'm 'studying' now you see. Saturday morning is looking like a good time to tackle the issue and report back.

 

[dwbarnett]

Folks, Need some clarification please...re script.

Ok, following along, I have Win7 Ult on my SSD drive and 1tb on d drive. I want to move the users stuff to the D drive.

However, just a little confused, as i already have Win7 Ult 64 installed. So, do I still want the the Win 7 CD/DVD in my E drive; even though I already have Win 7 installed on the SSD? This is what is confusing me a little on the script.

The tutorial says to continue from page 4; which is runninf the script in audit mode. I'm just not sure what to put in the wim:E section (14)...since I already have Win7 Ult installed.

Also, it's an OEM version...will that make any difference.

I never got a response to my last query; but hopefully Kari and one of you folks will be able to answer my questions.

Holding off, till I know for sure. SSD drive getting low, with all the crap; would really like to accomplish this procedure.

Thank You
David

 

[Miranova23]

However, just a little confused, as i already have Win7 Ult 64 installed. So, do I still want the the Win 7 CD/DVD in my E drive; even though I already have Win 7 installed on the SSD? This is what is confusing me a little on the script.

Let me stop you right there. This particular procedure for moving the user account can only be done during a new installation. Unless you're willing to reformat your SSD, this is not what you want.

I suggest taking a look at this: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/87555-user-profile-change-default-location.html I suspect that's more suited for your situation.

 

[dwbarnett]

Ok, according to post 22; and the beginning of this thread. Kari, gives a procedure to relocate your program data and user stuff; after win7 installed; using the script.

Now, you are saying I can't do this following the procedure, from the tutorial and Post 22 by Kari?

I read that other procedure, it seemed to be causing some stability problems for folks. Most, using Kari's tutorial were having little to no problems.

His post 22 refers to moving the user/program data after win 7 installed on the SSD. That is what i was following.

It's just that on the script, you are supposed to point the script to your DVD drive; I was confused, in that I already have Win 7 installed; would I jsut run the script.

Or go ahead and place the Win 7 DVD in the drive and then run the script anyway.

That is what I needed clarification on the procedure.

Thank You for taking the time to post to my query. Still confused at this point.

Best,
David

 

[Miranova23]

I didn't realize you weren't referring to the main tutorial. You should probably just check with Kari himself, but I believe this is all that he intends...

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
<settings pass="oobeSystem">
<component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<FolderLocations>
<ProfilesDirectory>d:\Users</ProfilesDirectory>
<ProgramData>d:\ProgramData</ProgramData>
</FolderLocations>
</component>
</settings>
<cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="[COLOR="Red"]wim:E[/COLOR]:/sources/install.wim#Windows 7 ULTIMATE" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

1. Yes, leave your Windows Installation Disc in the DVD drive, whichever letter that happens to be.

2."Change the drive letter in wim:E to that of your CD/DVD drive where your Windows 7 installation DVD currently is."

That's all.

 

[dwbarnett]

Hi, Thanks again for your time.

since I already had Win 7 Ult installed; ie no install disk; I was just verifying that I needed to put the disk in the drive, before running the script.

If so, I guess when the install routine starts, I cancel out of it then?

That is were my confusion lies. Thanks again for your time.

Best,
David

 

[Miranova23]

...how are you running the installation without an installation disc?

 

[dwbarnett]

Hi. I Already have Windows 7 Ultimate installed on my SSD(C.

I have a 1TB D: Drive. Kari says in post 22, this is what was done with Win 7 already installed. Going into audit mode, the sysprep and running the script.

I have edited the script for my system, except the part regarding were to point to the DVD ie E: drive. If it's already installed; and I'm reloacating the User/Program Data to my D: drive per tutorial; does it matter if I have the DVD in the E drive; since Win7 Ult is Already installed on my SSD c: drive.

Hope that clears things up. Hopefully Kari will see this at some point and chime in as well.

Best,
David

 

[Miranova23]

I mean, I don't think you'll be able to run the audit mode at all without the installation, or perhaps a recovery, disc. There are certain tools on it.

 

[dwbarnett]

OK, I think I'll create images of the D and C drives; put in the installation disk, cancel install of Win 7; and follow the tutorial. If it goes screwwy, I'm OK with the image files. If it works....Perfect!

Thanks again for your time.
Best,
David

 

[Kari]

Yes, this procedure works in most cases also when done on an existing system. Been there, done that, have photos to show .

About the install media needed, also when done on an existing system: install.win is absolutely essential for this method to work, for sysprep to do it's magic. One place where I know for sure where every user can found it is the Sources folder in Seven install media. If you have install.win in another place, it's up to you. Just remember: in that script there's not a single command or line without the purpose.

For this tutorial to benefit most of the users, I gave a script that everyone can use. You can modify it as you wish, of course. This tutorial is only my personal preferred method to free space on system disk. It's meant to be used as it is, tested and working, but of course you can do whatever and however you want to.

Kari

 

[PvL]

Sysprep error -2147024864

Thanks great thread.
I ran into a small problem though I'd thought I'd share.

Error when executing syprep
SYSPRP LaunchDll:Failure occurred while executing 'drmv2clt.dll,Sysprep', returned error code -2147024864[gle=0x00000020]


I had trouble getting sysprep to work. see link below.
This happened every time (3x) I had to use sysprep after every reboot.
I changed the users and programdata after I'd freshly installed W7, probably the reason.

In my case I had to stop the service after going into the Windows taskmanager

<Ctrl-ALt-DEL> Taskmanager
Net stop WMPNetworkSvc

After stopping it it worked like a charm


see also
Sysprep on vista

 

[Kari]

Hi PVL, welcome to the Seven Forums.

This is a known issue. If you read the tutorial to the end, you'll notice that there's a warning of this possible error because of WMPNetworkSvc, and instructions on how to stop the service to allow SysPrep to work.

Kari

 

[JaysJimlad]

Kari, what you have offered in this tutorial is just what I have been looking for. It seems to be much simpler than a lot of other offerings.
I am a little nervous but with a saved image, I should get there if anything goes wrong.

As you will see below I have just done a re install and although you say it can be done at the re installed state, I am going to go back and re install again following your tutorial from the begining.

You say "If you don’t have a second internal hard disk or you have not created and formatted an empty partition on your system disk,"

I note the word 'empty'. I have created a partition for my Windows 7 home premium O/S - 'C' and another partition on the same drive (1Tb) for my 'Users' folder plus anything else I wish to park there. Prior to re installing my O/S I located some of my data I didn't want to lose due to the re install/format. Is this a problem as the 'D' partition isn't empty?
I have another 1Tb drive and a slower older 500Gb drive where I could copy and paste the data I have on the 'D' drive.

What happens with this revised installation when you re install again, does the system try to set up the complete O/S on the new 'C' drive?
Do you need to carry out the whole tutorial again?

Regards

JaysJimlad