Any new and easy way to move Users dir?

[JeremyCT]

I've used the hard link method in the past. It's a bit tedious, but it seems to work. Resetting the "Location" data isn't ideal since it doesn't (can't AFAIK) move everything. There seems to be a method involving scripting the Windows 7 install using a custom xml file, but I'm not sure if that's any better/worse than the hard link method.

Has anybody found a better/easier way to relocate the C:\Users directory to a difference disc? I have an SSD coming in a week or two, and I'll be doing a fresh Win7 install, so now's the time to do my research.

 

[redduc900]

"Hard link method" meaning you used Robocopy from the Recovery Console Command Prompt, then created a symlink from C:\Users to X:\Users?

 

[JeremyCT]

My typical method is to use Roboocopy then create an NTFS Junction with mklink /j

Basically, I use the Lifehacker method: http://lifehacker.com/5467758/move-the-users-directory-in-windows-7

Is there something better?

 

[Mpegger]

There's a easier way.

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

I've used it plenty of times to move various files that are constantly written to off the SSD and onto the HDDs.

Downside to this method and the ones above: You better have a good FULL backup if you are moving important system directories or files that are meant to be on C: to another.

 

[jaymz9350]

Did they really make it that hard in 7. In Vista I just go to the folder properties and change the C: to E: on all my user folders and I'm good to go after a install/reinstall and delete what's left on the C drive.

 

[JeremyCT]

Jay - all of the folders cannot be moved that way. The "AppData" folder in particular tends to get pretty big and cannot be moved using the Location tab.

 

[medo145]

you could try and modify the values in regedit at this location

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders