User file question

[Ted Harris]

I performed a successful clean install of Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. I installed the OS to a 100gb volume with the intention of using that only for the OS. I, without thinking, allowed the setup to name that drive C. Further, without noticing I allowed the Programs folder and the Users folder to go into this volume. I intended for everything but the OS to go into a large second file named E. My thinking is that the only way that I can fix this situation is to do a new clean install and get it right this time (as much as my limited knowledge will allow. I would appreciate any comments on how to rectify this.

 

[sivart]

Create the folders you want on the other partition
Right click on the "My Pictures", "My Music", "My Documents" etc and select location. Select your new folder and move them.

Why wouldn't you want the "Program Files" on the main drive with the OS?

 

[Ted Harris]

It was suggested to me that running the OS in its on partition would allow easier reinstall or upgrade. Thanks for the help.

 

[Alone]

I prefer to keep my files separate from the OS. But I would suggest keeping all your installations on the OS partition, and all your personal files (documents, movies, music, pictures, etc) on a separate partition.

 

[RebateMonger]

It was suggested to me that running the OS in its on partition would allow easier reinstall or upgrade. Thanks for the help.

Generally, if you have to reinstall your OS, you are going to need to re-install most of your programs anyway. They might as well be on the same partition. The Windows Registry is what keeps track of most of the progam installs and if you do a re-install, you lose the Registry and lose track of what was installed.

The best solution is to avoid having to ever re-install. Keep System Image backups of your C: volume and if something gets damaged, just restore that volume. That'll give you back your previously-working OS along with the programs, all in one package.

 

[corkyg]

. . . The best solution is to avoid having to ever re-install. Keep System Image backups of your C: volume and if something gets damaged, just restore that volume. That'll give you back your previously-working OS along with the programs, all in one package.

Agree! What I do is clone a duplicate drive for every computer. Once that is done, the need to re-install is greatly minimized, and it is not traumatic.

I keep most of my programs on the OS (C) drive, but keep their data files on a separate (RAID 1) drive. That way, when I change main drives, there is no change in data.

 

[Ted Harris]

Thanks guys!