Win7 Program Files

[viper3two]

Hi

I have read quite a number of threads saying not to install sims or other software in the \program files or program files (x86) folders. Didn't know that when I installed win7, coming from an XP box. So I have about 2 terabyte of games across 2 drives in \program files (x86). I haven't really had any trouble or issues that I know of with any sim including BS, LO, LO2, ect. Would it be worthwhile to remove everything out of program files and put them in a directory \games? Would I see any performance improvement or anything? Not sure since I haven't had any kind of issues that I know of. Thanks.

EDIT: is win 7 64 bit if that makes a difference.

EDIT2: Drive C: contains Windows 7 and Office, other just regular apps and system utils ect.

Drive D: Contains games in \program files and \program files (x86)

Drive E: Contains games in \program files and \program files (x86)

 

So could I just rename the folders and do a regedit to switch all instances of the folder name? just for Drive D and E (games) or would that hose it beyond belief?

Edited August 25, 2010 by viper3two

[jpm1]

i don't think it's important

[viper3two]

ok, cool. I had just read like some things with modman and other games saying dont install into program files folder and issues with it, but I haven't had anything error wise with any of my stuff. Anyone else wanna chime in feel free. Thanks.

[Kuky]

If you don't have issues with it no need to change it. I think the issue might come if UAC is enabled but not sure as I haven't had any issues either (I have some software in these folders adn I have no issues). Also if you change directory you won't see any performance change.

 

You will get different load times if you have more then 1 HDD and one is faster then the other, also if the game is on one HDD and OS on another I would expect slightly better read/write times.

[viper3two]

Thanks kuky for the infos. Guess I will leave it be, haven't had any issues at all. Guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it huh? :)

[Haggart]

"Never change a running system". It's true what Kuky told, the "dont-install-in-program-files"-recomendations are based on the UAC-protection of this folders. But - if UAC is disabled (what I DO recommend, there're several security features which are more important and should be ENABLED before a warning system which is just praying it's own church), you could use or not use this folders as your wish. I've my Sims all in an games-folder on the main drive set, where Windows is also located. Only useful rec. I've is to collect all installed software on the windows-partition/-hdd and data and tracks, documents etc on another, if possible, move also the "My documents"-folders etc into another partition. By this separation, the programs you'ld anyway have to reinstall after reinstalling windows' will be wiped out with an broken win', and the rest will stay (mostly) secured.

[viper3two]

Thank you Haggart for the information. Agree, I will leave it alone if it is working fine. I checked and yep, sure enough I have UAC disabled. I think I did this during initial setup of the OS this time. Probably why I don't have issues. I will leave it be, appreciate the help on this to everybody. Thanks.

[G3]

if you have UAC disabled when installing and you used "run as admin" when doing so then you should be trouble free:thumbup:

 

as for editing moving the game folder and editing the reg, if you understand what you are doing then it shouldn't be a problem.

 

i suggest backup the reg before edits and keep a copy of your game install where it is now, so that if you mess it up then you can restore it easily without a full re-install of the game.

 

the issue most people have is installing with UAC enabled.

where it then puts files in weird places.

 

i always install software to my folder of choice, eg:

operationg system on c:

games on d:

 

then if you copy your reg keys, and want to format the OS you can without

messing up your games, restore the reg entries and fly.

[viper3two]

I may do this, I can make a copy of the registry before I start, then I took a look and I have enough free to actually copy the \program files to a different folder on each drive (\games). So if something goes south, I can just restore the registry and delete the copied over \games folder. I think also since the games and whatnot are not on the OS drive I think it should go off without a hitch. Will keep you posted on how it goes. Thanks.

[viper3two]

So far, so good. Made 2 backups of the registry, also made a restore point. Did drive E: first, it had fewer programs than drive D:. Copied E:\program files (x86) to E:\games using xcopy. Ran Advanced Regedit, search and replaced value names value data key data from E:\program files (x86) to E:\games. Tested MS flight Sim X, 2004, XPlane, EECH2, Falcon 4, Falcon 4 Allied Force. ALL WORK JUST FINE! Next tried to start a remove in the control panel on some of the programs, they all work fine too, stopped when it asked are you sure? so I wouldn't actually remove them.

Next up is drive D: (3 hours copy time lol)......

So basically, this will work if you want to do it, just be careful and make backups of what you are doing first incase something gets fubar'd!