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Installing programs on another drive

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by floyd, 2007/04/14.

  1. 2007/04/14
    floyd

    floyd Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I've never have used 2 HD's im my computer before, but I was wondering if say for instance Drive D:\ is my boot drive, can I install and run programs from my C:\ or do I just have to use C:\ for data?
    Sorry if this is a dumb question, but would like to know before I make any changes.
    Floyd
     
    Last edited: 2007/04/14
    floyd,
    #1
  2. 2007/04/14
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Not a dumb question by any means :) .....

    In general C:\ is the boot drive and most programs will default to that drive with the option to install elsewhere - either to a different folder from the default which is usually Program Files or to a different drive.

    So the straight answer is - Yes, you can install programs on a drive other than the boot drive, BUT be aware that all programs, unless they are standalone executables (.exe), install a lot of files in the bowels of Windows. Thus part of the program is installed on the one drive with some elements installed on the boot drive. If you need to reformat the boot drive and re-install Windows you will still need to reinstall the programs.

    Overall there is no great advantage, IMHO, in installing programs on a separate drive or partition.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2007/04/14
    floyd

    floyd Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks Pete, that's kind of what I was thinking and just wanted a second opinion. I was just curious.
    Now if I can just start getting a life. LOL
    Floyd
     
    floyd,
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  5. 2007/04/14
    BillyBob Lifetime Subscription

    BillyBob Inactive

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    I disagree. Over the years I have found it well worth it to have more than one or two drives. I have found it best to have the C: drive just large enough to hold the Main OS itself with everything else on other partitions.

    I just checked and my C: drive is only 8.3 gig with app 2gig free. It has very little ( if anything ) other than the OS on it. Everything else is divided between six (5) other partitions. All downloads are stored on a partion of the H: drive plus they are backed up on a CD.

    BillyBob
     
    Last edited: 2007/04/14
    BillyBob,
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