Installing Programs on Drive Separate from OS

GodOfPlunder · Jan 25, 2014

This is my first time owning a computer with more than just a single HDD. I now have a SSD that I had planned to solely store the OS and a couple programs I use frequently on. Problem is, I don't know how to ensure all other programs are installed onto my HDD. They're all installed onto the SSD by default since the OS is there, and many don't have a "Custom" option.

USAFRet · Jan 25, 2014

Which applications don't allow the choice of where to install? Almost every application I've seen in the last decade does.

GodOfPlunder · Jan 25, 2014

Adobe Flash and Microsoft Security Essentials, for instance. These programs I don't necessarily mind on the SSD, I suppose. But if there is a way to tell the PC, "Hey, I know Windows wants to hoard everything, but I want my programs on THIS drive from now on," that would be an excellent thing to know.

tonyzet · Jan 25, 2014

Unfortunately most .msi programs are required to be installed inside the "C:\" or whatever volume the system is installed. As USAFRet said, most modern programs give you the "Installation folder option" during Install Process

USAFRet · Jan 25, 2014

GodOfPlunder :

MSE (or other AV) you want on the SSD.

My 128 SSD has the OS, and ALL applications on it. Currently, 47GB used space.
'All applications' includes Office 2013, Adobe Lightroom, Corel Video Studio, Paintshop Pro, etc, etc, etc.

You might be surprised at how little actual drive space applications take up.
Initially I had put other, seemingly large, applications elsewhere. After investigating...it absolutely was not necessary.

Games are a different animal, though.

mamasan2000 · Jan 25, 2014

I haven't tried but you could perhaps use symlinks, symbolic links.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/16226/complete-guide-to-symbolic-links-symlinks-on-windows-or-linux/

GodOfPlunder · Jan 26, 2014

As of now, I'm installing everything I can with custom settings. As for the rest (Nvidia Drivers, Adobe Flash, etc.), I've found an application that allows me to move their file folders without altering the program. http://download.cnet.com/SymMover/3000-2248_4-75677418.html
My PC is set up to be a gaming rig, and my SSD is a bit more limited, being advertised as only 60 GB. A few gigs of programs moved could mean the difference between being able to play ACIV on the SSD or not.

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Installing Programs on Drive Separate from OS

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