Changing location of Program Files folder(s)

**farhaded** · 23 Dec 2007

Dear All,

I am currently setting up my new machine with Vista business 64-bit, and am aware that vista creates 2 folders for x64 and x86 software.
However i have a fairly lean disk partition (80gb) for vista and want to keep this drive free for windows and virtual memory/scratch disks.
This means that all software needs to be loaded on another partition or on my second hard disk.
Is this possibe?
Do i have to create 2 new program file folders to mimic the existing setup? i.e say for eg. d:\program files(x86) and d:\program files..??
Your help is appreciated.

Farhad E.

**Brink** · 23 Dec 2007

Hi Farhad,

Welcome to the forum.

You will not be able change or move the locations for the programs included in Vista. (EX: Windows Mail, Sidebar, Firewall, etc...)

You will not need to create two folders on your other partition for a 32 bit and 64 bit Programs folder. When you install a program, just make sure you change the installation location for it to your other partition.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

**farhaded** · 23 Dec 2007

Shawn,

thanks a million for that.. i don't want to change the location of existing windows files/drivers, but subsequent software would be better off installed on another partition i think.

BTW do you know if there is any advantage to either sticking to the "default" program files and program files(x86) format v/s loading all programs in a "non-default" folder in another drive? I do intend to load a mix of native 64 bit software (autocad and maybe down the line 3dMax 2008) as well as the usual complement of 32 bit software and games.

Thanks,

Farhad.

**Brink** · 23 Dec 2007

Farhad,

The advantage of having 3rd party programs installed on the other partition is if something happens to the main partition with Vista, you can simply reinstall Vista and just have to make new shortcuts for your programs instead of reinstalling them.

The only purpose of having separate Program Files folders is for pure organization. If you have both 32 bit and 64 bit versions of the program installed it helps to keep them separated. (EX: the programs that came with Vista) Otherwise it makes no other difference.

Shawn

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