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Users Directory migration to HDD

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I intend to install an MSATA ssd on my XPS 8700 and use the ssd for system and programs. I would like to migrate the users directory to the installed HDD after I have installed the ssd. I have researched this exhaustively and there seems to be many opinions on the best way to go about it. I have Windows 7 Pro 64. I am open to suggestions about the best way to accomplish this task, especially from those who have done this and have had success. Thanks.

 

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How much data is in your users directory at the present time?  If it is not that much data I would just copy the data to another location and then once you have things ready with the new drive copy it back to the new drive.  If you have a lot of data then a backup of just the users folder contents might make more sense.  If you backup that data you can easily open the backup file in Windows Explorer, provided you have TI 2016 installed on the PC, and copy/paste things back to where they go.  This would give you the opportunity to leave out some items like temp files for example that you may no longer need or want.

I have about 70 gb in users folder. I would definitely  delete the temporaries before migration. My intent is to have system and programs on the ssd and users on the existing hdd. This would allow me to get a 500gb msata vs 1tb and its associated elevated cost.

I think I would just get rid of what files you do not want from the users folders and then copy the users folder to another drive.  Make your upgrade to the new drive, setup the drive you plan to use for the user folders and copy them over.  At that point you can point Windows on the new drive to the users folders.  should do the trick.  Of course you will need a third disk to do this and maybe that is a problem for you.

Douglas,

What you are wanting to do is not recommended by Microsoft.  You should read:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/949977

Quote from the link:

"Caution Using the ProgramData setting to redirect folders to a drive other than the system volume will block your ability to upgrade to future versions of Windows.

By changing the default location of the user profile directories or program data folders to a volume other than the system volume, you cannot service your Windows installation. Any updates, fixes, or service packs cannot be applied to the installation. We recommend that you do not change the location of the user profile directories or program data folders."

Regards,

FtrPilot