win 8.1 and moving users / program files folders

DoubleUB · December 10, 2013

Hey,

I'm going to build a new computer this weekend. Through school I can get an official win 8.1 pro for free.

My build will consist of a 60GB SSD and a 1TB HDD.

I'm wondering if it's possible to move the users folder and program files folder to my D drive without any issues?

Been reading all over the net that people had loads of trouble using this practice. Well, the bad comments that I found ( and there's many) all said they couldn't upgrade from 8 to 8.1 because of said folders who were moved. (I won't need that upgrade)

So can I move those folders after I've installed a fresh 8.1, or should I look for a 120GB SSD to be safe?

thanks in advance !

W

squirrl · December 10, 2013

i've tried it before, but it's not really a good idea. Doesn't work that well. Just keep the main programs on the SSD, and then make sure you set the install path of the rest to your HDD. As for documents, you get the option to change the location of the folders inside users, however some silly programs still insist on saving into the Users/Username/... folder even if you have specified otherwise. (itunes is one of them)

The best option is to make use of libraries. make a folder for each thing (documents, pictures, videos, downloads) on the D drive, and add them to libraries alongside the default folder. then make the new ones the default save location. if anything happens to want to save in the old place, then it's still accessible.

For downloads don't do a library, that is one of the only ones that is ok to change the location in properties. you won't be able to change appdata without messing stuff up, so it's probably best to keep it local and clean it up every so often when it gets large.

GoodBytes · December 11, 2013

Do not move User folder or Program Files, unless you enjoy living in a world of problems, none stop.

Just install your programs to the D:\ drive, and your done.

For your personal folders, you can right-click on Document, Picture, Video, etc.. and select "Properties", then go on the "Location" tab, and from there you can relocate the folder to where you want on your HDD folder.