Reposted For 1999farfer: Start-Up options

Dear Grif,

Thank you, thank you!!! I will definitely NOT remove windows updates form Add/Remove Programs. You saved me much heartache.

After installing SP2, I think it best to just leave as is.

One other question..... Most of our data and program files are on C drive. Do you recommend moving all data files to D and just keep program files on C? Is there a simple way to transfer?

I did a test and moved ''Connie Files'', within ''My Documents, to D, then I clicked on to ''My Documents'' on the desktop and made a shortcut to D ''Connie Files'' so that when I save a document it would go to the ''Connie Files'' on D. Seems to me there is a simplier way. Your comments are appreciated very much. Thank you.
Connie

First, we need to know if D & C drives are actually two separate hard drives or are they partitions on the same hard drive? Next, how much space do each of them contain?

Everyone has a slightly different opinion on this one so hopefully others will give you ideas to. This is just my way of doing it.

First, IF drive D has lots of free space, then you can move all sorts of data to it so it won't take up space on the C drive. Preferably, place data, songs, pictures, etc. that aren't accessed too often. I would leave all your program files plus the "My Documents" folder containing frequently accessed files on the C drive. Because "My Documents" is a "default" folder for saving files to, I leave it right where Windows put it. Frequently, it can't be moved anyway. Also, keeping the programs on the C drive is good because many programs won't run correctly if placed on anything but the C drive..

From now on, whenever you create a new document or save a file to the computer, choose the D drive folders to save them to. There are lots of ways to do that. I do it during the "Save As" process. During the "Save As" process, simply use the drop down arrow next to the "Save In" line to navigate to the D drive folder of your choice. You'll need to first create new folders on the D drive by opening the drive, RIGHT click on a blank area, choose "New", select "Folder", then name the folder to something you prefer..like "Connies Files" or something similar. Create multiple folders...one for "Connies Music", "Connies Pictures", etc.

Most importantly, whether you put the files on the C or D drives, DON'T FORGET to make backups to CD's. If the computer quits tomorrow what would you do if you lost that data?

Hope this helps.

Grif

Dear Grif,

Yes, we have 2 separate hard drives. I am going to take your advice and leave programs and My Documents (by trying,I found out that you can't move it as you advised) on C Drive. Have already started moving jpg's, photos and files of that nature to D. We have lots and lots of space on D.

I know you gave instructions to save ocuments to D. However, if I understand you correctly, by leaving ''My Documents'' on C I won't need to do that. This may be a basic question... but should I just leave documents (Word, Excel, etc.) on C along with the programs and back up documents as needed? Thus, not creating ''Connie's XP Documents on D?

Am doing some ''cleanup'' before installing SP2 such as deleting alot of jpg's, and other files that we don't really need. Right before installing I will follow your instructions. I've got to take the plunge and install SP2 or ''cleaning'' will take forever...ha!

Thanks for all your help and will let you know how the installation went.

Best regards,
Conie

If you have lots of personal documents which are saved to the "My Documents" folder, you may want to move them over to the D drive...If you only have a few, or if you want to keep those that you frequently use in the C drive "My Documents" folder, then that's all right too.

It's all personal choice..

And good luck with the update to SP2..It's about time! LOL

Hope this helps.

Grif

...You may have already planned on doing this, but immediately after installing SP2 BE SURE to visit the Windows Update site and get current...There are LOTS of updates after SP2.

Hope this helps, too.

Grif

Dear Cursorcowboy,

Thanks for your post. When manually installing I usually put downloads in a folder on the desktop and like you, install when I want.

I went to your recommended site and did some reading which I will get back to (bookmarked the site). I will take Grif's advice and keep programs on C and put miscellaneous files on D. We do have 2 separate drives.
I am almost finishing ''cleaning up'' before installing Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2.

Regards,
Connie