Change default installation dir

[jackroo]

Ok so I have a tiny 40GB HD which runs XP I also have 1 x 180GB HD and a 500GB HD for downloads, Whats the best way to change the default installtion directory? Or get it to prompt to ask me where to install?

Aslo is there and way I can change where some installation files of some software allready sits on my PC without reintalling?

Many Thanks once again

[Mr.James]

change the default installation directory of what? do you mean the program files folder?

if you want to move files of software already install you're gonna have to re-install the program matey so it can update it's file paths and registry settings etc...

ps.

if you want your program files folder on your d: drive you will have to create a custom windows xp install cd. copy your windows cd to your hard drive. got to the support\tools folder and in deploy.cab there will be setupmngr.exe run that and it will ask you a bunch of questions about configuring your install. answer all the questions and it will create you a winnt.txt file. open it up and under the [unattended] section put the following lines.
ProgramFilesDir="D:\Program Files"
CommonProgramFilesDir="D:\Program Files\Common Files"

now rename the file to be winnt.sif and dump it in your i386 folder of the windows cd copy on your hdd. now download cdimage.exe and create a bootable cd from the custom windows installer you've just created...

reinstall windows and your windows folder will be on c: and your progam files folder will be on d: