In the above example I only mentioned three specific programmes that I
install on D: drive. I also have Chameleon Clock on D: which also
retains it's setting though it needs to be re-installed when I format C:
and re-install the operating system. UltraEdit is another on D: which
never requires re-installing.
Others such as the anti virus programme NOD32, the firewall Sygate,
MailWasher, Word 97 and the media player WinAmp didn't retain their
settings when I previously installed them on D; so now when I format C:
and re-install the operating system I install them on C: drive.
My E: drive is quite large and is where I store binaries, media and
music.
When I've run a dual boots it was convenient being able to access my
programmes on D: or music on E: from all operating systems.
I've visited<
http://www.computorcompanion.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=326>
which I thought was excellent but still happy with my own PCs setup.
I'm aware of the importance of backups but I never backup C: because if
something goes wrong I'll lose nothing of importance. All I require from
Windows is to be able to run my computers and connect to the Internet.
I don't use Outlook Express, Messenger, Media Player etc.
I use IE6 every second week to go to Windows Update but use Windows
Explorer often.
"My Documents" is always moved to D: "Archives".
All my downloads go to D: "Attic".
I backup everything on D: to an external hard disk every day and I
alternate between two external hard disks.
E: "My Music" doesn't often change so has infrequent backups.
Yes, there are some programs like that, and others that are the
opposite, as Stan said. The point is that you can not rely on all, or
even most, programs to behave that way, so installing programs on a
separate drive does not generally provide the benefit you ascribe to
it.
My operating system can be re-installed from original CD in a couple of
hours and most of my important programmes can be run immediately the
re-install of my operating system is complete.