Changing the path of software installations

Unless the software gives the option as to where to install the answer is No - and updates/patches to Windows have to be installed within Windows - nowhere else.

With only 10 Mb of drive space left on C:\ drive left I am surprised that Windows is running at all satisfactorily - generally speaking 20 - 25% free space is required for Windows to function normally, especially in terms of defragmenting the drive.

Suggest to your nephew that he moves as much data as possible to the D:\ drive to free up space on C:\. At the same time a good cleanup seems to be in order - clear out temp files .....

Start > Run > %temp% > Enter - all files and folders in the Explorer window which opens are safe to delete. 2 or 3 may be in use and cannot be deleted.

Navigate to C:\Windows\temp and delete al the files there, with the same rider as above

Delete the Temporary Internet Files and set the amount of disk space allocated to 50 Mb and for security purposes go (in IE) Tools > Internet Options > Advanced and scroll down to Security and check ' Empty Temp Internet Files folder when browser closed'.

Empty the Recycle bin - I have known folk to be hanging on to several Gb's of deleted files

If the above actions do not free up a significant amount of space you will need to consider changing the C:\ partition size or merging the two partitions using third party software such as Partition Magic or Acronis Disk Director. If youfollow this route be sure to back up all data first.

 

You can also move the page file (swap file) to the other drive. See How to move the paging file in Windows XP