Need Help: New Win7 PC, want to add another HD and repoint user data location

ngp · 12-01-10, 06:36 AM

I just go a new Win7 PC that has one HD that contains the system as well as the user data location (My documents, pictures, etc.). I have an another, older PC from which I would like to take the 1TB drive from and install it into this new PC (easy enough for me to do that).

On the new PC, now with the new HD for data installed, I would then like to change the location of the user folders. I've come across articles such as this and it seems pretty easy enough to do, however, my fear is the "move" option. If I do the "move" from the C drive to the new HD, will my existing data on the target HD be overwritten or is Win7 just re-pointing the location?

Any advice / help would be appreciated.

4KRG · 12-01-10, 08:34 AM

I personally wouldn't do it via the method in your link

There is nothing really 'wrong' with that method, just not the best IMO (and this is of course 100% OPINION)

I use something called an NTFS directory junction point when I do this.

If you google around, there are many write ups done on this method, here is the first one I saw on google

http://www.starkeith.net/coredump/20...another-drive/

I also use a boot cd and robocopy to move the users folder, this way there is ZERO margin for error (although other methods will work fine)

ngp · 12-01-10, 12:41 PM

Thanks 4KRG...I'll take a look at that writeup.

12-01-10, 06:36 AM	#1
ngp DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Twilight zone Posts: 2,157	Need Help: New Win7 PC, want to add another HD and repoint user data location I just go a new Win7 PC that has one HD that contains the system as well as the user data location (My documents, pictures, etc.). I have an another, older PC from which I would like to take the 1TB drive from and install it into this new PC (easy enough for me to do that). On the new PC, now with the new HD for data installed, I would then like to change the location of the user folders. I've come across articles such as this and it seems pretty easy enough to do, however, my fear is the "move" option. If I do the "move" from the C drive to the new HD, will my existing data on the target HD be overwritten or is Win7 just re-pointing the location? Any advice / help would be appreciated.

12-01-10, 08:34 AM	#2
4KRG DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 15,444	Re: Need Help: New Win7 PC, want to add another HD and repoint user data location I personally wouldn't do it via the method in your link There is nothing really 'wrong' with that method, just not the best IMO (and this is of course 100% OPINION) I use something called an NTFS directory junction point when I do this. If you google around, there are many write ups done on this method, here is the first one I saw on google http://www.starkeith.net/coredump/20...another-drive/ I also use a boot cd and robocopy to move the users folder, this way there is ZERO margin for error (although other methods will work fine)

12-01-10, 12:41 PM	#3
ngp DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Twilight zone Posts: 2,157	Re: Need Help: New Win7 PC, want to add another HD and repoint user data location Thanks 4KRG...I'll take a look at that writeup.