How can I choose 'docs & settings' and 'prog files' folders before/during setup

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nik Blackwell
  • Start date Start date
N

Nik Blackwell

When installing OS's I prefer to have user data (Documents and Settings) and
applications (Program Files) on separate partitions/drives from the system
(Windows/WinNT). Each time I've installed XP and tried to set these folders
to be on anything but the same drive as the system, I end up having to
manually force, via the registry, the path for many different folders. This
is mainly the case for the subfolders of profiles. Is there not an easier
and more importantly, cleaner way of doing this? I've heard of the
deployment tool but do not know how to use it. Also, although I have more
than one computer at home, and could network them to serve up setup files,
this would be inconvenient. If possible, floppy disks would be a preferable
solution.

Regards,
Nik
 
Program files can be change by the following settings in unattend.exe

[Unattended]
ProgramFilesDir="D:\Program Files"
CommonProgramFilesDir=""D:\Program Files\Common Files"


regards
Johan Arwidmark

Windows User Group - Nordic
http://www.wug-nordic.net
 
Its to cut down on fragmentation, and leave the system drive/partition as
'static' as possible.
 
I've heard of unattend.exe before, and am aware of that setting. My question
was more about how to go about the whole process. Also my main problem is
with 'Documents and Settings', and then additional profiles defaulting to
the system drive.

Johan Arwidmark said:
Program files can be change by the following settings in unattend.exe

[Unattended]
ProgramFilesDir="D:\Program Files"
CommonProgramFilesDir=""D:\Program Files\Common Files"


regards
Johan Arwidmark

Windows User Group - Nordic
http://www.wug-nordic.net



When installing OS's I prefer to have user data (Documents and Settings)
and
applications (Program Files) on separate partitions/drives from the system
(Windows/WinNT). Each time I've installed XP and tried to set these
folders
to be on anything but the same drive as the system, I end up having to
manually force, via the registry, the path for many different folders.
This
is mainly the case for the subfolders of profiles. Is there not an easier
and more importantly, cleaner way of doing this? I've heard of the
deployment tool but do not know how to use it. Also, although I have more
than one computer at home, and could network them to serve up setup files,
this would be inconvenient. If possible, floppy disks would be a
preferable
solution.

Regards,
Nik
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Ok, in order to change location for documents and settings you can use
the ProfilesDir value in the [GuiUnattended] section...

This entry is valid only on clean installations of Windows XP or
Windows Server 2003

and I of course ment unattend.txt (not .exe...a typo...) :)

regards
Johan Arwidmark

Windows User Group - Nordic
http://www.wug-nordic.net


I've heard of unattend.exe before, and am aware of that setting. My question
was more about how to go about the whole process. Also my main problem is
with 'Documents and Settings', and then additional profiles defaulting to
the system drive.

Johan Arwidmark said:
Program files can be change by the following settings in unattend.exe

[Unattended]
ProgramFilesDir="D:\Program Files"
CommonProgramFilesDir=""D:\Program Files\Common Files"


regards
Johan Arwidmark

Windows User Group - Nordic
http://www.wug-nordic.net



When installing OS's I prefer to have user data (Documents and Settings)
and
applications (Program Files) on separate partitions/drives from the system
(Windows/WinNT). Each time I've installed XP and tried to set these
folders
to be on anything but the same drive as the system, I end up having to
manually force, via the registry, the path for many different folders.
This
is mainly the case for the subfolders of profiles. Is there not an easier
and more importantly, cleaner way of doing this? I've heard of the
deployment tool but do not know how to use it. Also, although I have more
than one computer at home, and could network them to serve up setup files,
this would be inconvenient. If possible, floppy disks would be a
preferable
solution.

Regards,
Nik
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I too have a seperate harddrive for all my files and
stuff. Most programmes have an option to let you put files
where you want them, not XP. So I've read this thread,
and, I haven't a clue what your on about, "the
[GuiUnattended] section..." of what?
-----Original Message-----
When installing OS's I prefer to have user data (Documents and Settings) and
applications (Program Files) on separate
Click to expand...
partitions/drives from the system
 
I too have a seperate harddrive for all my files and
stuff. Most programmes have an option to let you put files
where you want them, not XP.
Click to expand...

Two words: TweakUI XP :-)

But you are right in that you may not be able to move the whole of
"C:\Documents and Settings". What you can do is move the "My ..."
ghettos out of the account subtree to wherever you like.

This I do, always.

Trouble is, every newly-created account will start off with the MS
duhfault paths. If you can fix *that*, please tell me!
I haven't a clue what your on about, "the
[GuiUnattended] section..." of what?
Click to expand...

Installation response file. WinNT.exe /? for syntax.

Yep. Even using TweakUI, some cleanup remains (esp. for the hidden
service accounts, "My Videos", and some AllUsers).

MS Messenger's dumping ground has to be set within MS Messenger
(Preferences), it can't even be done in Regedit!
I've heard of the deployment tool but do not know
how to use it.
Click to expand...

Join the club


-------------- ---- --- -- - - - -
Click to expand...
"I think it's time we took our
friendship to the next level"
'What, gender roles and abuse?'
 
Hi,

You can relocate the Documents and Settings folders to
another drive. Its just a little time consuming, Take an
average about 30 to 40 minutes to do and 2 reboots. I
have done it on 10 systems and have to do it on a bunch
more. If you like to know how to relocate the Documents
and Settings folder to D drive or whatever drive. Email
me at (e-mail address removed). I can send you a word file
that details how to change the location of Documents and
Settings. Also I have posted in "Customizing Your
Computer" section as well, Topic is Documents and Settings.

Jeff
-----$B85$N%a%C%;!<%8(B-----
I too have a seperate harddrive for all my files and
stuff. Most programmes have an option to let you put files
where you want them, not XP.
Click to expand...

Two words: TweakUI XP :-)

But you are right in that you may not be able to move the whole of
"C:\Documents and Settings". What you can do is move the "My ..."
ghettos out of the account subtree to wherever you like.

This I do, always.

Trouble is, every newly-created account will start off with the MS
duhfault paths. If you can fix *that*, please tell me!
I haven't a clue what your on about, "the
[GuiUnattended] section..." of what?
Click to expand...

Installation response file. WinNT.exe /? for syntax.

Yep. Even using TweakUI, some cleanup remains (esp. for the hidden
service accounts, "My Videos", and some AllUsers).

MS Messenger's dumping ground has to be set within MS Messenger
(Preferences), it can't even be done in Regedit!
I've heard of the deployment tool but do not know
how to use it.
Click to expand...

Join the club


-------------- ---- --- -- - - - -
Click to expand...
"I think it's time we took our
friendship to the next level"
'What, gender roles and abuse?'
-------------- ---- --- -- - - - -
Click to expand...
.
Click to expand...
 
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