How to change default apps installing path?

HassenB

New Member
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Hello everyone,

I always wanted to make a small partition for the OS and use the rest of my HDD to store my apps and files but I couldn't format my PC as I had nowhere to back-up my work projects and files I'll need. So finally, I got an external HDD yesterday so I jumped quick on my PC to back-up my files and format (Note that my DVD reader is broken so I performed a clean install from a Partition where I stored Windows 8.1).

Everything went smooth but whenever I want to install a software or something, it default path is on A: (A: is the symbol of the small partition where I installed the OS). I want to install all my apps and store everything on the C: partition (Which is the main partition that have 550GBs).

I already changed the ProgramFilesDir's on the Regedit but whenever I want to install a software it still shows up as "A:" and even after manually changing it to C: the software doesn't lunch.

-------------------
I'm also having another problem, after installing Windows 8.1, when my PC boots up it asks me from where I'd like to boot (Windows 8.1 or Windows 8). I want to delete that Windows 8 thing so it automatically boots on Windows 8.1.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q8200 (4M Cache, 2.33 GHz, 1333 MHz FSB)
    Motherboard
    Intel Chipset G31
    Memory
    3GB DDR2 - 800 Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gainward GTX 550ti GS
    Sound Card
    PC Built-in Sound Card
    Monitor(s) Displays
    20" HP 2009v LED Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    600GBs SATA Hard Drive
    PSU
    OCZ ZT - 550W
    Case
    Basic HP Case
    Cooling
    Basic Fan Cooling
    Keyboard
    HP Keyboard
    Mouse
    HP Mouse
    Internet Speed
    2MBs ADSL
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    N/A
Hi, Welcome to forums.

What was the entry you made changes to in the registry?

You have to go here. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersionDouble click on the value ProgramFilesDir in the box type the path that you want as defualt and you are done :)
Restart to see Effects

Or, you can try this tutorial User Folders - Change Default Location - Windows 7 Help Forums
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64/ Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Made
    CPU
    Intel i5 2500K @ 3.3GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Z68 V Pro
    Memory
    16GB DDR 3
    Graphics Card(s)
    HIS 6870 ICEq edition
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 22" Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080
    Hard Drives
    WD 1 TB
    Seagate 2 TB
    WD 320 GB
    PSU
    coolermaster 750 W
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF 912
    Keyboard
    TVS Gold
    Mouse
    Samsumg
    Internet Speed
    4 Mbps
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG 2013 IS
It is not a good idea to install apps to a separate partition.
You won't gain anything and,,,, in other words, if you have to reinstall Windows, you will have to reinstall all the applications again anyway. It won't save you from having to do that. Unless you are using Portable Apps.
The way security has changed in Win8 will cause security and possibly other issues
when trying to bypass the default location of Program Files folders.
Not a good idea.

Storing Files is a different story, and Archer posted the recommended tutorial for doing so.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
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