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OS and programs on a different drive

Discussion in 'Computers & Technology Forum' started by gb93433, Dec 30, 2004.

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  1. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    Does anyone know how or if I could install Windows XP on one hard drive and my programs on another? The reason I would like to do this is because I could clean the disk that is involved with the internet and not have to install the other programs each time I do.
     
    #1 gb93433, Dec 30, 2004
  2. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    Yes, you can — usually. During install, specify the second drive as the destination drive.

    Of course, you might not need to do that, depending on which programs you're running. With many programs you can specify where documents, attachments, cache, etc., are stored without having to put your programs on a different drive: only the junk goes there.
     
    #2 rsr, Dec 30, 2004
  3. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    I can easily save the documents I want to save on the second hard drive. But I seem to be unable to install programs from a CD to the second drive and leave my OS on the first hard drive. What I want to be able to do is to periodically clean the first drive leaving everything else alone so I don't have to reinstall al the programs that needs Windows XP to run.

    I would like to just have the OS on one drive and the programs on the second drive. Over time it seems that the computer runs slower and slower and when I clean the disk and reinstall the programs it runs much faster. But it is a lot of work to reinstall so many programs. Plus some of the programs require an authorization number from the company such as Microsoft Office 2003. It takes me about 8 hours to reinstall evrything when I clean the disk.
     
    #3 gb93433, Dec 31, 2004
  4. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    gb,

    If you keep up the maintenence on your computer, you shouldn't need to "clean" the HD.

    A good firewall, a good anti-virus, some adware/spyware blockers/removers, possibly a pop-up stopper. Defragment once a month. Uninstall unneeded programs (all of it...even the data files it leaves behind). Kep your registry cleaned. Use 'msconfig' to keep unwanted programs from starting up with Windows.

    "An ounce of prevention..." as they say.

    But, yes, it is possible to do what you want. You'll probably have to set your "trashed" drive as default, but have your computer boot up your OS from the "good" one...check your BIOS for an option to have the computer boot from a different HD than the default one.

    In Christ,
    Trotter
     
    #4 Trotter, Dec 31, 2004
  5. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    I use this computer probably about six hours per day on the internet doing research through databases and other sources through the university. Recently I started getting error reports and I couldnt seem to get rid of it so I formatted the hard drive and reinstalled the OS. The error reports appeared to be a file or more missing or corrupted. Reformatting the hard drive did solve my problem. But I started thinking that it would be much easier if I could install the OS on a hard drive or partition and keep the programs separate from the OS. When I tried a few days ago some of the programs wanted to only install where the OS was. They want to install under "Program Files" in the OS. So how can I get the computer to start with the OS and then run the programs from another partition or hard drive?
     
    #5 gb93433, Dec 31, 2004
  6. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    If the programs have to be installed as a part of the OS...?

    Ya got me, brother.
     
    #6 Trotter, Dec 31, 2004
  7. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    You should be able to change the specified directory manually.

    That, of course, is not the case with some Microsoft programs, such as IE. (I suppose there's probably a way to work around that, but I don't know what it is.)
     
    #7 rsr, Jan 1, 2005
  8. ICU2YB

    ICU2YB New Member

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    gb93433

    Ever consider using two computers, one strictly dedicated to the web? That works best for me.

    [​IMG]
    Dave
     
    #8 ICU2YB, Jan 2, 2005
  9. exscentric

    exscentric Well-Known Member
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    You can just change the drive letter and it will add the program files directory to the new drive, but most programs stick files in Windows directory to even if you have programs on a separate drive if you restore the os drive you will have to reinstall the programs that install to windows directory.

    I'd go with the two computer idea above, they are dirt cheap anymore or even just pick up a used one for your internet work.
     
    #9 exscentric, Jan 2, 2005
  10. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    Check retrobox.com for a dirt cheap PC. They are surplus systems, left over when corporations upgrade their equipment. None of them have an OS, but you can have them install Win XP for a fee.

    Plus, if you want to, you could get a laptop for either use...just for a change.

    In Christ,
    Trotter
     
    #10 Trotter, Jan 3, 2005
  11. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    What has been your experience with the company?
     
    #11 gb93433, Jan 7, 2005
  12. SpiritualMadMan

    SpiritualMadMan New Member

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    Download TweakUI fo Windows XP

    http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

    Once installed go to 'My Computer' - 'Special Folders' (in TweakUI)

    There are many 'Special Folders' you can put just about literally anywhere...

    Most Programs will adhere to these settings...

    But, when the install comes up it usually tells you where it wants to install something and gives you a chance to 'Browse' for a different location...

    Caution: Often the directory you select when Browsing 'Drops' the unique Folder Name for the Program itself. So, you may have to re-enter that...

    On my home system I partitioned my Drive three ways: (C:)4GB for the OS (E:)12GB for Apps/Programs and the rest (F:) for 'Storage'...

    Have fun... WinXP will move the contents of the folders on the next boot to the new location in 'most' instances...
     
    #12 SpiritualMadMan, Jan 7, 2005
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