A program that operates like a filing clerk for default file locations

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I wish Windows would automatically prompt you to put all user files on D drive. Every time you add a new program, Windows could ask where you want to put user files so that you can put everything (except the programs) on D drive. Is there a program that does that for you, or that lists your programs and where the default storage locations are and whether they can be safely moved? If I was writing such a program, I would call it something like Location Master or Default Wizard or Electronic Filing Clerk. This seems so obvious to me. Also, I’d love to get rid of My Documents and the Public user folder and other stuff I don’t want. As storage capacity grows, filing is becoming a nightmare, so a solution is needed. I’d happily pay $50 for such a program, if it was logical and reliable. When I get a new computer, I don’t want to use Windows Easy Transfer because you end up with folders from old programs that you don’t want to install again, and I want a consistent filing system – I don’t want to reproduce a shambolic filing system.

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Martin,

You can move the Documents folder to any drive you like:

Move Documents Folder to Another Location

The Documents folder is situated at C:usersyournamedocuments However the document folder isn’t static. You can now move it to wherever you like.
To move the Document folder proceed as follows:

[*]Right Click the Document folder and, from the drop down menu, select Properties
[*]In the Properties window, Click the Location tab
[*]In the default setting dialog box you will see the current position of the documents file, i.e., c:usersJohnDocuments
[*]Just below the location dialog box you will see three buttons:

[*]Restore Default
[*]Move
[*]Find Target

[*]Click the Move button
[*]The select a destination window opens
[*]Select a destination for the Document folder and then Click the Select Folder button
[*]You will now be taken back to the documents properties window
[*]Next, Click the Apply button
[*]A message will now appear saying ‘Do you want to move all the files from the old location to the new location’
[*]To continue, Click Yes
[*]The documents folder, along with all of its files, will now be moved to the new location
[/LIST]
Note in the graphic below it shows the dialogs with the G: drive because I’ve already moved mine.
31527-MoveDocumentsFolder
You can also instruct all Microsoft office programs to set their default Open/Save directories to your liking in the Options menus. The Outlook .pst file can also be moved but takes a little more work post back if you use Outlook and need the instructions. :cheers:

P.S. Just so I don’t get Ted M. down on my case, you should ALWAYS do an Image Backup before attempting this kind of operation just for safety sake and to keep Mr. Murphy at bay!

May the Forces of good computing be with you!

RG

PowerShell & VBA Rule!
Computer Specs

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RetiredGeek,

Thanks for that. It’s a great start. Done.

Some programs hide user data in weird places. I’d love it if Windows forced developers to add a default user location during setup for all programs. Get Microsoft working for us for a change!

Cheers.

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I never store anything in the “Documents” or My Documents” folders. I create a DATA directory and subfolders from there. I have yet to run software that didn’t allow you to change the default save location for saved files.

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True, it’s just fiddly tracking down locations.

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