Can I install windows on one HDD, but have users on a different one?

I just purchased a new Sager NP9130. I am putting a 64GB mSATA SSD in it for the windows boot, as well as a 256GB SSD for all of my software, and lastly a 500GB Hybrid Drive for all of my files.

I don't have the computer yet, so I am trying to figure this all out before it gets to me.

I want to install windows on the mSATA drive so it will have fast boot times, but make it so the user folder (usually C:\Users) will be on the HDD (so it would be something like G:\Users). That way when I drop a file on the desktop it will be stored on the "G:" HDD, not my mSATA drive.

The other thing I want to do is put my "Program Files" and "Program Files (x86)" folders on the 256GB SSD, but I think I can just change the install path when I install my software, right?

Sponge Bob

Posted 2012-08-21T18:48:53.863

Reputation: 1 211

Check out the first answer in this MS Answers thread: Win7: how do I move user folder to a different drive

– CharlieRB – 2012-08-21T19:16:58.650

Answers

Check out the first answer in this MS Answers thread: Win7: how do I move user folder to a different drive

CharlieRB

Posted 2012-08-21T18:48:53.863

Reputation: 21 303

nice user icon, btw. – Sponge Bob – 2012-08-22T18:28:01.477

This is actually quite simple, using symlinks:

Install windows as you would do normally.
Move the Users folder to the desired destination.
Make a symlink to the Users folder. Run mklink /D "C:\Users" "G:\Users" in the commandline.

Repeat step 2 and 3 with the Program Files folder.

BrtH

Posted 2012-08-21T18:48:53.863

Reputation: 166

Thanks, and I might do this for the Program Files folders, but I like the idea of actually changing the location during setup as @ChrlieRB showed in the comments. – Sponge Bob – 2012-08-21T20:59:46.850