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
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!
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
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
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
@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
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.
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
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: User Profile - Change Default Location I suspect that's more suited for your situation.
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
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