Dave My understanding is that if any program requires making changes to the XP registry and/or placing files in the Windows folder and/or sub folders, the program setup will find their location on C drive and make the necessary changes. As to the default install drive, I do not believe you can have it both ways. If you change the drive, you will need to specify the install location for your own programs during the program setup. If given the choice between express and custom installation, choose custom. However, there may be some less standardized program setups that do not give you a chose, in which case the program likely will end up on the default drive. BTW I've never changed the default installation drive, so I'm not sure if there might be conflicts between some program setups and the default designation. A way to achieve your goal might be to use a dual boot process (your's and the kids). I've never used a dual boot process so I'll leave that up to others to comment upon. I hope this helps. Tom Mayer Dave Schroeder wrote: > Sven, > Will all future installation of programs be place on the E: drive > after making this registry change? I don't necessarily want that to > happen. I use my E: drive for any programs the kids are installing. > That way they won't fowl up the OS which by the way is XP home with > SP2 and all current updates. > > The NOSPIN Group has added a new feature on our website, web based bulletinboard for questions and answers: Visit our sister website at http://nospin.com