defaultshome-directoryuserswindowswindows-vista
I would like to move the default location of my c:\Users\USERNAME to another drive. What is the easiest way to do this and how?
I know that I can move each of my "Special Folders" like Documents, Pictures, etc. but that does not include the AppData folder. Also, many programs and installers incorrectly put stuff in C:\Users\USERNAME\Documents etc. even after I moved Documents to another drive and I end up with duplicate folders.
Check the affected profile directories for a hidden desktop.ini file.. This file can alter the display name and other directory display attributes. Deleting the desktop.ini file should restore the directory's display to "normal".
On XP, the PersonalizedName in the [CopyOnDelete] section:
[DeleteOnCopy]
Owner=jscott
Personalized=5
PersonalizedName=My Documents
On Vista/7 the directory label can also be modified with LocalizedResourceName in [.ShellClassInfo]:
[.ShellClassInfo]
LocalizedResourceName=@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-21798
The number -21798 refers to the Downloads directory.
We used File Server Resource Manager to create a File Screen to silently block desktop.ini files within user network profiles.
Best Answer
For individual folders (My Docyuments, My Pictures, etc., the "Special Folders") I do the registry/GPO thing you alluded to. However, if I want to move the entire folder structure I cheat. Move the folder to a new location, and then create a junction pointing the old folder to the new folder. So all your programs will still think the folder is
c:\users\usernamebut that's just a junction point tod:\users\username.