1.) That's how I prefer to do it. Although you should always keep a backup, it's nice to be able to reformat your hard drive should the OS go south without worrying about deleting all of your personal files.
2.) Usually not a good idea as most programs look to a specific directory to load their settings from and may malfunction if you move them. Then again, if you don't mind redirecting each individual program, and hunting down the registry keys as necessary...
3.) That's exactly it...Microsoft decided to separate the 64-bit and 32-bit software, which is particularly beneficial should one program have both versions installed. (Internet Explorer is one preinstalled example.)
Hope this helps,
John
Before I start transferring files, installing programs etc on my new computer, I have a few questions regarding organizing the folders. I have 2 hard drives (no raid).
1. What?s the best way to separate the files on the 2 drives? OS and programs on one and Data on the other?
2. I can see how to put personal data (pictures, movies, documents, etc) on the 2nd drive but what about stuff like .pst files, firefox profiles, QuickBooks files etc? Should I move the files that I can where I can direct the associated programs to look to (I think pst files and QB files can be moved and have the programs look to the new drive)?
3. Why is there a Programs File folder and a Programs File (x86) folder? I assume only 32 bit programs are installed in the x86 folder (this is on an HP HDX laptop w/ Vista 64 bit)?
Any other tips on organizing folders are appreciated.
Thanks,
Jamie

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