Here’s a nice tweak you can use in order to change the default folder of your Installed Programs from C:\Program Files to another directory.
Note: As this hack involves the modification of your system Registry, make sure you export the Registry subkey HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion before attempting the following steps:
1. Click Start || Run .
2. Type regedit. This will open the Registry editor.
3. Go to the subkey HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion.
4. Look for the value named ProgramFilesDir. By default, the value will be “C:\Program Files”. Modify the value to any other valid folder.
5. Close the Registry editor.
Feel free to look into these related tips:
- How to change Windows Explorer default startup folder?
- How to change your documents folder location in Windows Vista ?
- How to change MySpace default pictures?
Posted by Gili
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There isnt an easier way to do this without having to play around with the registry? The truth is its not to difficult to do.
My question, why would you want to change the default folder? I find it easier to have all my programs in one folder and then I create another folder for my games. This way I know where to look if I need to find a program or if I need to back up the folder.
Ari, thanks for your comment.
You might want to change the default folder in order to be able to install by default in different logical drives. For example – System will go in C, Installed Programs in D and User Data in E. As for the backup – please make sure you backup not only the files but also the system state (and have the media available as well), so you can restore. Backing up the folders themselves is somehow useless in case of Programs.You can also use the System Restore Functionality to revert installations you did in the past.
Hope it helps,
gili
System state? where is that? what is that?
see:
http://www.avirtualexit.com/2007/04/13/how-to-backup-the-windows-registry/
thanks
This is just what I was looking for. My wife was just asking me about this. Now I can give her an answer, thanks.