Can I specify Folder location during Vista setup?

Lammypie

Ok, I know this can be done in XP, although I haven't done it.

I'm planning a vista install tomorrow 26th (as that's when my retail official version arrives), I wish to install on to the C: drive, however I wish the program files to install on the D: drive and maybe the Users folder on the E: drive.

Any Ideas how to do this with Vista?

Lammypie

Ok partially figured it out.

In XP you can use an answerfile and unattended install to do this.
This is still the case with Vista, however there are important differences. Anyone wishing to attempt this should familarise themselves fully with the changes introduced by the Vista Unattended Installation Kit.

However since RC1 Vista microsoft removed the ability to change the location for the "program files", leaving "program data" and "users" customizable.

This is a shame as separating these sections can provide real world speed increases inline with what you would expect from a RAID-0 setup without the added risk of total failure.

This limitation may be todo with the fact that some vista applications such as media player are hardcoded to look for the programfiles folder in "%SystemDrive%\Program Files" as opposed to just "%programfiles%", so any reference to another drive would still be sent to systemroot and it all wouldn't work with syntax errors. I think this is a bug in microsoft programming in these applications hence why they pulled the ability to do this in the unattended installation kit (As it didn't work). No doubt microsoft will think this is a 'feature'

There is still a way to relocate the program files folder however it makes use of symlinks, and I don't have any more time to experiment.

Those interested can check out this link which goes a long way to making things clearer. Including a good guide on using the symlinks
http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=81968&st=20



Regards