Hello,
You *can* move some of that stuff, but it's more involved than simply
using the move command or copying and pasting the items to a new
location, as Windows will no longer know where they are, and you will
have a broken system. As far as I know, you *cannot* move the Windows
folder, and if you do, your computer will no longer boot up.
Moving the "Program Files" folder is not recommended, and this page will
explain why -
<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933700>
Instead of moving your Program Files folder you can accomplish some
reduction in usage of the C drive by simply installing any new programs
you get to another partition or drive on your system. When you are
installing a program, always select the "advanced" or "custom" install,
and you should be presented the opportunity to select the location to
install to.
Keep in mind that many programs will still insist on putting some of
their files in the Program Files folder, or will at least rely on files
installed there which are "common files" from Microsoft. Also, many
registry settings are made during a program install, which will be gone
after you re-install your operating system, so not all of the programs
you installed to the separate partition or drive will work after you
reinstall Windows.
Here is an article which shows how to move your Documents and Settings
folder -
<http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_mydocs.htm>
Simply ignore the "My Music" folder, and put your .mp3 downloads on a
separate partition or drive, as you will still be able to access them
with no problems. You may have to point Windows Media Player or other
players to the actual location of your music files the first time you
start it, but after that it will remember where they are, and use that
location instead of the My Music folder.
If you then have a problem which requires a reinstall of the operating
system, your music files will be safely out of the way, and will still
be there after you reinstall.
Later, Ray Parrish
Michael wrote:
> Sorry to keep this going with neophyte questions. At what level can we
> assume to be safe for transferring files to removable storage before
> we reformat? At the C: drive level, can I safely move "Program
> Files", "My Music", "WINDOWS", anything else? Can I move "Documents
> and Settings", and within that, the folders for each of our personal
> accounts?
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Don Penlington" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 9:12 AM
> Subject: Re: [PCSOFT] Internet Explorer pop-ups.
>
>
>> Michael wrote:
>>> if I do
>>> decide to reformat the hard drive, can I first safely clone the C:
>>> drive or
>>> copy it out to the removable storage>>
>>
>>
>> There's no point in cloning a defective hard drive, as you'll only
>> end up with the same problems you already have.
>>
>> Yes, you can copy your individual data files to your external drive
>> (or disks).
>>
>> There are many reasons for slow performance.
>>
>> First run a startup manager---or msconfig if you have nothing
>> better---and disable ALL startups. Msconmfig won't let you disable
>> any vital system files, so it's quite safe to use.
>>
>> Reboot if see if that helps performance.
>>
>> Computers do tend to slow down with age, as they accumulate rubbish
>> over time. How long since you last defragged, or reformatted?
>>
>> Often slow performance can be as simple as 2 or more running
>> applications fighting each other over the use of resources or
>> conflicting in some way. Removing everything from startup will help
>> resolve this possibility.
>>
>> If that doesn't help, the cause is deeper. Run several good
>> antispyware scans, (I suggest SuperAntispyware, Malwarebytes, Spybot,
>> AdAware---all freeware). Spyware can use up valuable resources as it
>> tries to dial home and is a common cause of slowdowns.
>>
>> Run Task Manager and see if anything is using up an unusual amount of
>> memory or CPU time. CPU "system idle" should be a steady 97-99% with
>> no applications running. Anything less indicates trouble.
>>
>> Adding RAM only masks the problem at best. Slowdown problems left
>> unresolved have a nasty habit of suddenly compounding into serious
>> issues or can easily become terminal if you don't eliminate the cause.
>>
>> Telling you to add more RAM to fix XP problems when you already have
>> 1Gb is really bad advice, it's like telling you to add more oil to
>> your car engine after it starts making funny noises.
>>
>> Don Penlington
>>
>> "Hold No Punches.." Rode brings you great shareware/freeware
>> programs with his honest opinions in this weekly column.
>> http://freepctech.com/rode
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (6.0.0.386)
>> Database version: 5.11560
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>
>
>
>
>
> E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (6.0.0.386)
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>
> PCSOFT's List Owner's:
> Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
> Mark Rode<[log in to unmask]>
>
--
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<http://www.rayslinks.com/Troubleshooting%20and%20fixing%20Windows.html>
Trouble shooting and Fixing Windows
http://www.writingsoftheschizophrenic.com My poetry in web pages
PCSOFT's List Owner's:
Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
Mark Rode<[log in to unmask]>