How Do I Set My Machine to Load Applications To A Different Drive?

[salparadise99]

Windows is currently set to automatically install all programs to my C drive, but there is not enough room left. For example, I am trying to load some HP Printer software via a CD ROM, but the software won't load because the installation program tells me I don't have enough space on my C drive. Frustratingly, it doesn't give me any option to load to my partitioned D drive which has plenty of space. Even if I download an application (like Acrobat Reader) from a web site, I can manage to save the installer program to my D drive, but once I double click on the installer it automatically tries to put the program on my C drive, and I of course get the same error message that I don't have enough space. Help!

 

[Freestone]

Most programs have a custom or similar option that once clicked enables you to choose the destination directory. Look for this option when installing.

However, almost all programs are going to want to write something to your C: drive even if you place it on the D: drive, so your main problem is to free up space on your C: drive. There is a tool called Disk Cleanup that may help you regain space on C: drive. You can start the Disk Cleanup tool by running Cleanmgr.exe, or by clicking Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup. Other areas to look at are emptying your Recycle Bin, and checking the size of your Temporary Internet file. I've seen this set on some systems to over a gigabyte in size due to Microsoft's algorithm developed long before huge drives sizes were common.

And you may want to consider taking some space from D: and giving it to C: drive with a tool such as Acronis Disk Director or Norton's Partition Magic. If you go this route I highly suggest backing up important data to a medium other than the drive you will be manipulating. If you have nothing on D: drive, you may want to consider giving up all its space and having just one large C: drive.

 

[NoCalAdmin]

Freestone is right. Many, most programs inharently need to be on and\or write to the C: drive.

I have a lot of SQL and SAS users who generate a ton of working data sets that can get really large. So, what we do is direct the data on their D: drive. So now these large sets aree created and stored on D: while the application runs of C:


Tom

 

[salparadise99]

Thanks guys! I am looking into free partition merging programs at download.com. A couple of questions have arisen now that you have led me in this direction..

-Does Windows 2000 have a Windows Disk Management tool that is capable of merging two currently partitioned drives?
-How do I tell whether I have an IDE drive in my machne?

Frank

 

[NoCalAdmin]

why would you wnat to merge these particians?

To tell if you have an ide- hit the windows key+Puase\Break button, click Device Manager and look at the IDE catagory, it'll be listed there

Tom

 

[salparadise99]

I want to merge them so that I don't constantly have to free up space on C when I want to download an application.

I bought & downloaded Partition Magic for $19.99 as suggested. It's a rar file. What free application opens it?

Also, I am still at the same point...I believe I need to free up space on C in order to use Partition Magic.

 

[NoCalAdmin]

sorry, not the IDE catagory, that'll show you your controllers, go to harddrives catagory, double click whats displayed and go to the details tab, it'll show you if you have an IDE...

Tom

 

[Freestone]

I found this app that unpacks RAR and is free, but never have used it: 7-Zip

http://www.7-zip.org/

How much free space do you have on C: drive now and how much does Partition Magic want?

 

[NoCalAdmin]

I have a hard time believing that applications are filling up your C: drive.

How big are your two drives?

Where are your My Documents stored? Still on C:.

That's music,photos and storage HOGS. Move simplistic data like this to D:

I've had issues with Partician Magic, you're right, you better have enough room for it to perform its tasks or you'll freeze in place and be hosed.

Tom

 

[salparadise99]

It's an old machine. I haven't used it in years..C drive is only a little over 2 Gigs, mostly used by the OS (I have no photos, music)

The way I was able to run Partition Magic was by temporarially lowering the cache that Internet Explorer uses to 1MB. This is ironic because I don't even use IE...I use Firefox. Neverhtheless, it freed up about 30 or so needed Megs. I ran Partition Magic and successfully merged the drives. Now, I have a whopping 6 Meg hard drive!!

Hey, at least I can load my HP printer software now without having a size restriction, even though of course....I now have a new problem...which is that when attemting to install the printer's driver on the included CD ROM, an error occurs which is that the program can't find a needed INI file! Help?

 

[Freestone]

Glad you got Partition Magic working!

As far as your printer driver, does the HP site have a newer version you can try downloading and installing?