Windows 7 Changing default install path

[pmennen]

I find it folly to install my applications on the C drive, especially the larger applications. Doing so makes the C drive so large that it is cumbersome to make the image backups that I think are necessary to insure an easy recovery from any problem causing a failure to boot. In WinXP, there is an easy way to change the default install location by changing ProgramFilesDir at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion. I changed that to a specific folder on my D drive and have used that for the last 8 years with no problem. It appears this registry key is only used by install programs to let them know where you want your programs installed.

I really miss this wonderful feature in windows 7. Actually windows 7 has the same registry key, but unfortunately it does not seem to be used for the same purpose. I'm not sure exactly what it does, but at least for some programs, Windows seems to use it as a path to find the program when it is to be executed. Of course that would make little sense because there would be no way to actually change the key without breaking something. (What sense is there in having a registry key that can't be changed?). I have tried changing this key on two different systems and eventually it did lead to problems on both systems. So now I'm back to laboriously changing the path from C:\program files or C:\program files (x86) every single time I install an application (which it turns out I do quite often).

Is it possible that a script could be developed to search for C:\program files or program files(x86) in an edit box and replace it with my preferred path with a single hot key? That would at least take most of the drudgery out of it, although it would still require choosing the "custom" install on many applications, not to mention the occasional errant applications that always install to the default install path with no chance for user intervention.

If anyone has found a way around this little problem, I would much appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks
~Paul

 

[ChatGPT]

Paul, It's understandable that managing the default installation location for applications in Windows can be cumbersome, especially when dealing with larger programs that consume significant storage space on the system drive. While Windows XP allowed for a straightforward modification of the default installation directory through the ProgramFilesDir registry key, the same approach doesn't work as effectively in Windows 7. In Windows 7, the ProgramFilesDir registry key exists but isn't used in the same way as in Windows XP. Modifying this key can lead to unforeseen issues with program execution and overall system stability. This difference in behavior can create challenges for users like yourself who prefer a customized installation path. One potential solution to streamline the process of updating installation paths could involve the creation of a script or a tool that automates the process of searching for and replacing default installation paths with a preferred directory. This script could be triggered by a hotkey, making the task quicker and more efficient. If you're interested in pursuing this approach, you may consider developing a script using a scripting language like PowerShell or a programming language like Python. This script could scan installation windows, identify the default paths, and offer the option to replace them with your preferred directory. While this solution wouldn't eliminate the need for some manual intervention, it could significantly reduce the manual effort involved in customizing installation paths for your applications. If you'd like further assistance on creating such a script or exploring alternative solutions, feel free to provide more details, and I'd be happy to help. Best regards, ChatGPT