How to save to HD instead of SSD?

Sorry for the newb post. But I am having an issue in installing programs/games etc, to my HD. They automatically go to my SSD and I do not have that type of memory to use it for all installations. Some programs allow me to switch it to the D(Hardrive) but others like Steam for example have me downloading my games to my SSD, please can anyone tell me how to resolve this, and/or how to make programs automatically install to D. Thank you in advance.

 

Using Symlinks in Windows Vista - How-To Geek

Here 'ya go!

 

Thanks, will this work in Windows 7 as well? Is this difficult to do, I am not that computer savvy and really don't want to mess anything up. Thanks for your help.

EDIT: Very confused with that tutorial. Is there any way for the cpu to prompt on ALL installs onto what drive I want them.

Also this current game I'm downloading, should I just cancel, and then uninstall steam and reinstall it in D? Howdo I go about reinstalling Steam into D. Thanks again sorry for my ignorance.

 

It works with W7, and it isn't that difficult at all. You'll want to use the /J option to create a "virtual" folder that actually points to the HDD.

Test it out with a few dummy folders if you are not sure how to use it.

If you already have stuff installed, (with Steam off) move the directory to the HDD and make the symbolic link on the SSD next. Steam won't know a thing.

Not sure what you mean by the prompt thing? Maybe I'm not reading your question right?

 

This might explain it better Windows 7 Move the Users and Program Files Directories To A Different Partition | Tuts4Tech

If it is just for steam, you can try this method(doesn't need symlinks)
https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=7418-YUBN-8129

 

The symbolic links stuff allows you to target specific programs (for instance I make a directory symbolic link at C:\Program Files (x86)\Games that actually points to a HDD folder). The stuff you posted moves all programs and stuff (which is actually quite useful for really small SSDs).

Depends on what you need exactly.

 

Thanks again. With the prompt, I was referring to you know how some programs ask where you want to install the program.(by drive, folder, etc) All I want is new programs such as the Razor mouse configuration and games and anything besides the OS and maybe Office, to go to the HD instead of the SSD. Jeez I didn't realize this would be so difficult. lol thanks again, this is all new to me sorry.

 

Still confused, I'm far from computer illiterate too. I just don't understand what folder am I 'duplicating'?

EDIT: I have the prompt open, when you speak of dummy folders where do i put them C or D, and then it tricks the computer to instead of putting them say in C to D? I stil don't get it.

Also I don't want to add all files so unfortunately the other method is listed cannot use.

 

Thank you very much, I will do this when my game is finished downloading, seems easy enough. Hopefully I won't cross this path again. Most programs give you an option. I also downloaed this Tweak utility which maximizes performance and efficiency but disabling certain features not needed on the SSD.

Thanks for all your help guys.

 

You can't trust everything on the internet:

Do not, ever, move the contents of C:\Program Files to a different partition pointed to by a junction or symlink to the original location. Doing so WILL break a whole host of features, starting with Windows Update.

Trust me, I have been there, and done that, and spent a lot of quality time with high-level Microsoft support personnel on this issue. Fact is, on Vista and above, such manipulations are not supported, and will break the functionality of the OS. You have been warned.

 

Something so simple so complicated? Maybe I am not current but. When you install something doesn't it alway show the path and ask if OK, or change? Even if it doesn't it shows the path, I used to just change the C: to D:? The path always seemed fine, kind of generic "program files/xyz software/and so on. Create a program files folder on your HDD if you want but I think you would be prompted, "do you want to create". Yes.

Oh and as Prix said do not move installed stuff from C: install on D: from the get go.

If I am missing sorry guys, this just seems so simple and some of you have confused me on what OP wants.

You can even name the folder on the D:Windows/Program files/.....

Edit: Frankie you got? How you like, lovely aint it.

 

For most applications and programs installed it asks what drive you want it. But there are those few that don't. I currently have 49.1 GB free of 74.5 of my SSD. I did some tweaking with this program called SSD tweaker it got me back a few GBs. If I can have it at around 50GB free after an office install on the SSD, I would very happy.

And Yes its phenomenal this system. Especially coming from someone who has a 5 year old Gateway desktop before this. Everything is new for me from the HD Screen to Windows 7. Very pleasant experiences, just played about 4 hours of Dragon Age lol.