relocating C:\users or just my libraries.

TigerUK · 25 Nov 2011 at 19:18

I want to get a SSD, currently my c drive is the default location of all my programs and data.

I am using 120GB data on my C drive and I intend to get a 120GB ssd [the 256GB option is out of the price range].

I did some back Alt+Enter properties trick on some key folders and found out the storage use..

10GB Programe files + Programe files (x86)
60GB C:\Users
of which 16GB my documents, 25.8Gb my music, pics 3.91GB.

I'm guessing loading files off a secondary mechanical drive with be less of a dampner on performance than my software applications.

So with that in mind how do I relocate all my data and libraries onto a D:\ drive?

I have a LAN setup which takes image backups of my drives so I got the data security element covered.

Should I remove all C:\users?? sometimes that folder stores some common shared application components, in which case perhaps its best to just move the documents, music and photos folders to the d drive.. that would give me plenty of free space to run a 120GB SSD, there will be 46GB free storage space on my 120GB SSD, is that enough?

madindehead · 25 Nov 2011 at 20:51

Just relocate your libraries.

AppData is used on boot up (as is ProgramData) and it will slow down your boot too much. I tried it, and decided to leave Users on my C drive, and just make a link to My Documents/Downloads/Pictures etc on another drive.

To move it, all you have to do is move it onto the D drive, and then just associate those with the old versions in C:/Users/Username. You can in fact use properties and move them off (assuming Windows 7)

mrk · 25 Nov 2011 at 23:53

Move libraries manually, then properties the library folders and add the new location, remove old location.

Simples.

TigerUK · 29 Nov 2011 at 05:04

it was actually a lot simpler than that.

open libraries.

right click on documents

open location tab

Change C:\ to D:\ in the path

And Windows took care of the rest, moved all the files, even updated shortcuts and some of the applications, so the automatically pointed to the new location.

repeat for music and pictures