windows xp stuff

[anthonyX]

I just finished my new computer built from scratch yesterday. My next step was to put a fresh install of Windows XP pro. I decided to partition my hard drives so I could be more organized. I have 2 physical hard drives partitioned into 5. My though was to keep the OS in one, the programs in one, and music and worked related items in the others. My thinking was that 8Gigs should be enough for the OS. I installed it and all went well. The crap I am running into is the fact of how many programs don't give me a choice where to install my programs. I want to use D:\program files\ for all programs. Well of course the OS is in C:\ so that is where programs by default want to be installed. Even some of MS crap won't give me the custom install or choice to change directories. How lazy can one be? How hard is it to add that option? These aren't old programs that I am installing. Now I have to install partition magic and do a merge. When did symantec buy PM? And why in the hell is it $70?? Damn I remember when it was $20 something.

[Hitman05]

Hmmm... I can't say I really ever see software not allowing you to change the drive to install on during setup. I am my company's helpdesk guy too, so I have to install a lot of software.

When it prompts you for the path, often I have to click "Browse" and change the C:\ to whatever drive I prefer.

I have a similar setup to you. Windows, Office etc is on my C:\ drive, all my games are on my D:\ drive partition, and downloads/random programs are on my E:\ drive.

[Wingnut]

I have not seen a program that I can't change the install path of. I've seen some that won't let you browse, but you can manually type the entry.

Also, don't worry about partition magic. Delete one of the uneeded ones on the same disc, make it a dynamic disc and expand the disc to the unused space.

[anthonyX]

Finally fixed it. I used my old copy of PM and it worked. The programs that wouldn't let me choose directories were the ones installed with XP (figured that would be the case). MSN - bastards , my virus scanner for some reason wouldn't install where I told it too, Opera bailed on me as well. It only took 2 programs to put me at the edge. The real unexpected culprit was XP. How does WinXP go from around 400megs to over 3 Gigs in one night? I guess all the updates are heavier then I thought. Still my computer is running excellent! I had no idea that what I though would be a modest update (going from a 2.8 ---> 3.4) would be such a difference. That plus the faster memory and even better Vidcard should set me up for another year or two of great gaming.

[kyleh]

You made an xp install fit in 400 megs? Hmmm... I think it's around 2.5gigs usually. I wouldn't recommend using a partition smaller than 5GB or so for Winders, there's no way to prevent programs from putting some information in the Winders directory, like DLLs and stuff. Plus, the registry is going to get a bit bigger everytime you install something. Leave a gig or so of slack and you'll never have to worry about either of those things.

[anthonyX]

I guess it was probably closer to 2Gig plus. I am still living in the win98 days :/