can I change my default drive?

[sfbloodbrother]

One thing I don't like when I install new software on my primary computer is that it always creates folders for the C drive, which is my SSD for mainly the operating system. It's pretty full, with only like 5 GB left on there, and I want to make my D drive with my 1TB hard drive the default where files from software will be automatically saved to that hard drive. How do I do this?

Thanks all.

 

[kate]

1. Type “regedit” in Vista/7 start menu search box.
2. Navigate to the following registry key in the Registry Editor:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion
3. Locate the value named “ProgramFilesDir” and change the default value “C:\Program Files” to your new directory path(address).
4. Close the registry editor and reboot your system to apply the change.

Original source

 

[sfbloodbrother]

Original source

Thanks, I located this, but have other questions now.
There are 2 files for this, there is:
Program Files
Program Files (x86)

What one or both should I change?

Another question, will this try to move the current files on my C drive to my D drive?

 

[SiempreTuna]

That would suggest you have a 64 bit version of windows. If you intend to install 32bit s/ware (which most s/ware still is), you'll need to update both registry entries.

Changing this will NOT transfer what's on the C: drive already. To move existing software, you'd need to un-install then re-install.

NOTE: you should back up your registry (in RegEdit: File .. Export) BEFORE making any changes - just in case

 

[argedion]

You may want to do a full backup of your personal files before doing anything this way at least they are safe. Also with Windows you need to test it before you do it. Try installing a program after the registry changes and make sure that its working expectedly.

 

[palmtree5]

You may want to do a full backup of your personal files before doing anything this way at least they are safe. Also with Windows you need to test it before you do it. Try installing a program after the registry changes and make sure that its working expectedly.

Ditto on this. This really goes for any major changes you might want to make on a Windows computer

 

[Rukbat]

Also be aware - some data is still installed on the C drive when you install a program on the D (or other) drive. There are ways around that too, but it involves really mucking around in the registry or rewriting Windows (which can be done if you flog yourself with fishhook floggers for fun).