OS on SSD storage on HDD

eZAK61 · May 27, 2016

Here is basically what I want to do;
I want my OS on my [C:] SSD and all other stuff (games, pics, programs, etc.)
on my [Z:] HDD and to have all this run automatically & seamlessly so that all future
downloads, installations, and updates find their way to the correct files and folders.

Here is what I have;

C: (1) 256GB SSD SATA_0 (w/ everything)
D: E: F: G: (1) 4TB HDD USB (4 partition Back_ups)

Z: (2) 1.5TB & (1) 2TB connected together as a storage space pool (blank)

Running Windows 10 Pro (x64)

Thank You in advance

ZAK

burdenbound · May 27, 2016

When ever you download files and/or install programs it will prompt you where you want it to go.

rhysiam · May 27, 2016

Programs you'll have to specify where you want it during the install process.

You might want to move your documents/downloads/pictures (etc) to the Z: Drive: http://www.pcworld.com/article/3025345/windows/move-your-windows-10-libraries-to-a-separate-drive-or-partition.html

"Updates" - you mean Windows updates? Just leave them on your SSD system drive, they belong with the OS. Any other program updates will install wherever the program is.

BTW - unless you have a really small SSD it's usually worth installing programs onto the system drive (SSD), unless you're running out of space or have a really good reason not to. Fast program load times is one of the nicest things about an SSD.

If you are short on space you can move your pagefile: http://winaero.com/blog/how-to-move-page-file-in-windows-10-to-another-disk/
And disable your hibfile: http://www.ehow.com/how_6356689_defragment-hiberfil.html

Though understand that both of those have implications which may or may not be an issue for you.

eZAK61 · May 28, 2016

Thanks for your answers!

So in this scenario: My 256GB SSD is almost maxed out, so I move my Games folder to Z:
Seems to work, games load but short cut icons are now a white page.
Any ideas??

So all future updates, (to what ever) should find their intended targets no matter where they are atored. Correct?

Next question, How do I move ALL of C: drive to Z: drive and have all files and folders accessible??
I tried windows image back up but it does not create a complete accessible image.
I then tried Acronis True Image 2016. It will not let me clone to Z: storage space as the destination drive.

What can I try next?

rhysiam · May 30, 2016

Late reply here. You may have solved this already? In case you haven't...

games load but short cut icons are now a white page.
Any ideas??

So your shortcuts aren't working, is that right? You can right click on them (one at a time) and choose "properties". You'll need to update the "Target". It will still be pointing to your old location. If you can't figure out the syntax post back.

Next question, How do I move ALL of C: drive to Z: drive and have all files and folders accessible??

I don't think that's a very good idea. Why do you want to do that? A 256GB should be plenty for your OS, programs and a few choice games. What's taking up all your space? You can use a program like "Treesize Free" (here) to figure out what's eating up all your free space. It's probably something in you libraries which I gave you a link showing you how to move in my earlier post.

Something is wrong or badly managed if you can't fit your OS on a 256GB SSD.

eZAK61 · May 31, 2016

In retrospect "move ALL of C: drive" was a bad choice of words'
I probably should have phrased it; "clone or copy C: drive"
The reason would be to have a redundant copy in the "Storage Spaces Pool"

The reason the 256GB SSD filled up was that I had 160GB of games on it.

eZAK61 · May 31, 2016

rhysiam :

Late reply here. You may have solved this already? In case you haven't...

games load but short cut icons are now a white page.
Any ideas??

So your shortcuts aren't working, is that right? You can right click on them (one at a time) and choose "properties". You'll need to update the "Target". It will still be pointing to your old location. If you can't figure out the syntax post back.

Yes, they are pointing to the old location. How do I change this?

USAFRet · May 31, 2016

Here ya go
Win 7 & 8: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-1834397/ssd-redirecting-static-files.html
Win 8.1 & 10: http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2024314/windows-redirecting-folders-drives.html

For Steam games, this:
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

USAFRet · May 31, 2016

eZAK61 :

If you desire a 'redundant copy', what you need is an image.
Automatically created, on a schedule set up.

Macrium Reflect does this easily. I have my C drive set to do a full image to a folder on another drive every night at 2 AM.
Every Sunday at 3AM, to a whole other PC.

eZAK61 · May 31, 2016

rhysiam :

Following the instructions in the link above; right click "folder" > right click "properties" > open "location" tab > .....
.NO Location Tab!

eZAK61 · May 31, 2016

USAFRet :

eZAK61 :

If you desire a 'redundant copy', what you need is an image.
Automatically created, on a schedule set up.

Macrium Reflect does this easily. I have my C drive set to do a full image to a folder on another drive every night at 2 AM.
Every Sunday at 3AM, to a whole other PC.

Thanks, I'll look into that

eZAK61 · May 31, 2016

USAFRet :

No Location tab present!

Steam games have a folder Z: in my case

USAFRet · May 31, 2016

eZAK61 :

Right click on your Documents folder
Properties.

There is no 'Location' tab?
Can you show a screenshot of this?

eZAK61 · May 31, 2016

Ok, found the 'location' tab. But only available in Desktop, Docs, Dwnlds, Music, Pics, & videos.
Which none of them can be moved to the storage pool.
Atleast not with that method.

USAFRet · May 31, 2016

eZAK61 :

That's what that setting is for.
So can you or can you not relocate those folders to your Storage pool?

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