How to Move All User Data and Folders ??

[TwoRails]

Running XP Pro. How do you move all the related data / directories / etc. from "C" drive to a different drive and have XP and programs properly recognize the new location?

TIA

TwoRails

[trulad]

I just drag & drop from Windows Explorer. You just have to select the second drive when you want to open them.
Trudy

[Statica]

What data directories are you talking about?

Typically on C or what I suppose you mean by your system drive, there are 3 types of files that accumulate:
- Windows system files typically in %systemroot%\WinNT or %systemroot%\WINDOWS\* - this is, for most intents and purposes, not movable - you should pretty much install windows to a new location if you want that luxury.
- Program files which are installed by default on %systemroot%\Program Files\* ; these are movable but they involve a ton of registry entries that its just not worth correcting all of them, your best bet might be to make a conscientious effort to install any new programs onto a new partition/drive
- User Profiles and Data directories (like program customizations, my documents, desktop files etc etc); these are stored in %systemroot%\Documents and Settings\* ; they are not movable by a copy, well they are movable but the old directory is still going to be used. To copy them out go to System Properties from the control panel > ADVANCED > User Profiles > Copy To > And enter a new path (or click the Browse button)

You could also probably learn the use of fsutil hardlink to link your file on a different location.

Perhaps more info on what you want to move will help with better answers

[TwoRails]

Yes, sorry I was not more clear... /smackforhead

Not being use to XP it’s frustrating to not know where anything is, and not knowing how to do anything with it... What I am trying to do is move all non-OS items out of my “OS drive” and onto another drive like I did with Win 98.2 systems.

So, yes, the stuff like My Documents (and the included sub-dirs like My Music, etc.), Temp / Tmp directories, email, Internet cache, etc... so that Windows and Programs will automatic / still find the data.

With Win 98.2 such things were simple, but just changing the Temp directory is confusing to me in XP as there is not only a “system” Temp dir, but apparently one for each possible User. So I am clueless to if this needs to be done for *each* User, or if there is a simple way to change them all at once.

The same for the more important “Documents and Settings” and “My Documents” data and the like. Is there a way to simple move (not copy...) this to another drive? Or do you have to go thru somehow moving each User independently.

Programs are a non-issue as I install all non-OS programs onto different drives already, putting only stuff like vid and sound card drivers, etc., on the “C” / OS drive.

Statica, your “ > ADVANCED > User Profiles > Copy To >” tip seemed like a good way to go, but my “Copy To” option is greyed out.. ???

Also, I tried to find more info in Help about “fsutil hardlink” but came up empty...

TwoRails, the Confused...

[andyms18a]

the my doc folder can be moved by right clicking on it and go to properties and then look for the move button this works if you have it on the desktop if its just on the start menue you need to first set it to show on the desktop by right clicking the desk top select propties the second tab desktop has a button to customize the desktop click that then select the my doc icon and hit show on desktop

[Statica]

Originally posted by TwoRails Yes, sorry I was not more clear... /smackforhead Not being use to XP it’s frustrating to not know where anything is, and not knowing how to do anything with it... What I am trying to do is move all non-OS items out of my “OS drive” and onto another drive like I did with Win 98.2 systems. So, yes, the stuff like My Documents (and the included sub-dirs like My Music, etc.), Temp / Tmp directories, email, Internet cache, etc... so that Windows and Programs will automatic / still find the data. With Win 98.2 such things were simple, but just changing the Temp directory is confusing to me in XP as there is not only a “system” Temp dir, but apparently one for each possible User. So I am clueless to if this needs to be done for *each* User, or if there is a simple way to change them all at once. The same for the more important “Documents and Settings” and “My Documents” data and the like. Is there a way to simple move (not copy...) this to another drive? Or do you have to go thru somehow moving each User independently. Programs are a non-issue as I install all non-OS programs onto different drives already, putting only stuff like vid and sound card drivers, etc., on the “C” / OS drive. Statica, your “ > ADVANCED > User Profiles > Copy To >” tip seemed like a good way to go, but my “Copy To” option is greyed out.. ??? Also, I tried to find more info in Help about “fsutil hardlink” but came up empty... TwoRails, the Confused...

My Documents was touched upon by Andy. I'd recommend that you change settings individually than doing a profile copy. Use the following:
As for the rest of it:
a) TEMP/TMP - these are addressed as environment variables. Say for example you have 2 users - 'Indiana' & 'Jones' whose temp files you want moved out to X:. First go to X: and create directories X:\Indiana\Temp and X:\Jones\Temp
now go to System Properties from the control panel and go to the ADVANCED tab > Environment Variables (button)
In the user variables section - you should see TEMP - select it and click Edit and you should be able to change the VALUE to X:\Indiana\Temp ; do the same for TMP .. then look below for system variables and scroll right to the bottom you can change the system TEMP and TMP directories.

[jerobrien]

Keeping your operating system on one drive and your program files and miscellaneous on the other drive is a very good idea, keep the drive with your OS on it as clean and simple as possable so if you ever do a image of it also, you can reduce the time involved and the number of CD's it will take. Below is a utility to use to move program files from one partition to another or one HD to another and only cost about $6, and is well worth it and the best part is it works great without manually changing the registry. I have moved all programs on two different computers and did not have one problem, but you do have to pay attention to what your doing. All programs that are associated with Microsoft will have to stay where they are though. You can get "Coa2" at:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,9505,00.asp

hope this helps, and don't forget to use a good Reg cleaner when you get done.

[TwoRails]

Sorry for the delay... Somehow this thread slipped thru the proverbial cracks... Here's an update:

Haven't had much time to tinker with my own system, but I did have some time to experiment on a build the other weekend.

I set up 3 accounts (one admin, two limited users) with passwords and such. Worked great, as the L-users couldn't see anything they were not supposed to.

I then did the move stuff to a different logical drive, which in it's self went smoothly and as expected. The problem, however, was now everybody could see everybody else! Not wanted.

I then "played" with security settings and was able to to lock out the others.... but it worked too well as now the admin account could not see the two limited accounts.

I tried some quick things mentioned in other threads about the admin being locked out, but ran out of time. I wound up putting things back the way there where, and all worked as expected.

TwoRails