Changing Program Files Directory

[a1ehouse]

After a fresh install of XP, I change my Program and Common Files directories to another partition. Normally you have to go through and find about 4 different places. So I've made a reg file. Thought you may find it of some use as well!


Copy between the lines, paste into notepad, save as Change_ProgFiles_Dir.reg (save sa type all files) and double click it! Simple

-------------------------Copy below--------------------------------------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion]
"ProgramFilesDir"="D:\\Program Files"
"CommonFilesDir"="D:\\Program Files\\Common Files"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Control\Session Manager\SFC]
"ProgramFilesDir"="D:\\Program Files"
"CommonFilesDir"="D:\\Program Files\\Common Files"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Control\Session Manager\SFC]
"ProgramFilesDir"="D:\\Program Files"
"CommonFilesDir"="D:\\Program Files\\Common Files"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\SFC]
"ProgramFilesDir"="D:\\Program Files"
"CommonFilesDir"="D:\\Program Files\\Common Files"
----------------------------------End Copy------------------------------------

 

[Cosmin]

Good job !

 

[dpr]

is there a beifit to installing the programs on a different hard drive than windows? (speed ect)

 

[a1ehouse]

Benefits I've found:
Not having to install all your proggies after a re-install (only biggies like M$ Office) Trial and error really, but a lot don't need reinstalling.
Quicker defrag times for OS partition and prog files dir.


Just found this aswell:

If you use the unattended install option, you can add this to the [Unattended] section:
ProgramFilesDir=D:
CommonProgramFilesDir=D:\Common

Cool huh!?!

You can also change the Documents and Settings folder under the [GuiUnattended] section:
ProfilesDir=E:


Check out
here for further details!