Linking to Users folder on different drive

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  1. Posts : 27
    Windows 10 x64 (b9841)
       #1

    Linking to Users folder on different drive


    Hello,

    Has anyone had any trouble linking the C:\users folder on another machine? I have successfully done this all the last 3 installs of windows I have done following these instructions: How To Change User Profile Location in Windows 8 without Registry Hack | Next of Windows

    But when I try and do it on my W10 install, I get an error trying to log in as a new user: The User Profile Service failed the sign-in.

    Not sure if it matters, but my c drive was labeled G while I was in the repair console.
    My commands looked like this:

    robocopy g:\Users h:\Users /COPYALL /E
    rmdir /s g:\Users
    mklink /d g:\Users h:\Users
    exit

    All commands seems to work fine. Anyone had any luck doing this?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 27
    Windows 10 x64 (b9841)
    Thread Starter
       #2

    I used the sysprep method, and it worked great! How long has this option been available, it really is fooproof, and simple. The lengthy instructions look daunting, but it really is only a couple simple steps.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #3

    Basically that has been available and possible since XP, although first from Vista it has really worked. I've used it in all my Windows installations since early beta versions of Vista, never had an issue.

    I deleted my earlier post in this thread (about the sysprep method with link to tutorial) because I have not yet updated the tutorial to explain what to do when you want to upgrade to next build. Apparently I deleted it too late, you had already seen it :).

    I will update the tutorial, it's on my To-Do list for tonight.

    Before upgrading to next build you have to revert the procedure (move Users back to C: drive), then upgrade, and finally after upgrade run Sysprep again to move Users again to another drive. This procedure is quite easy and fast, it needs to be done every time you upgrade.

    The issues is what I call "The Sysprep - Upgrade Dilemma":

    • A sysprepped Windows cannot be upgraded
    • An upgraded Windows cannot be sysprepped

    Luckily there's an easy workaround for this, as I mentioned I will add that to tutorial later tonight.

    Kari
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 27
    Windows 10 x64 (b9841)
    Thread Starter
       #4

    I have had updates give messages that they can't be installed due to linked Program Files for Users folder. Is this the problem you speak of? Is there a work around?
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    Which updates?

    Updates should work normally, never had an issue. It's upgrade which needs some adjusting.

    I have no good explanation why I forgot to add that information to tutorial as I promised earlier. Within two hours of this posting it will be added.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 27
    Windows 10 x64 (b9841)
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Not sure what update. I just locked into my computer and that error message was across my screen. I'll snap a picture next time.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #7

    I suspect it is the upgrade from Windows 10 TP Build 9841 to Build 9860. It's an upgrade and you should follow the instructions I just added to the tutorial a minute ago : https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...a.html#Upgrade. Click the link, it takes you directly to end of tut where the upgrade instructions are.

    As I said, the updates work as they should even in a sysprepped machine, here's the updates from this laptop which has had Users on E: since minutes after installation:

    Linking to Users folder on different drive-2014-11-03_21h13_42.png
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 27
    Windows 10 x64 (b9841)
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Great thanks a bunch.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 406
    Windows 10 21H1
       #9

    I have a totally different approach to this issue. I simply ignore the C:\Users folders. I put my files on D:\, F:\, etc and organize them the way I see fit and never put anything in those Documents, Pictures, and other folders. The only downside is that sometimes programs want to save files specifically in C:\Users\..\Documents, but they always give you a choice and it just takes an extra click or two to save the file where it belongs.

    The upside is that my files are separated from the OS. If the OS crashes or needs to be replaced (or updated, or upgraded, or reinstalled, whatever) my files are not affected, they remain where they are. OS installers may format the system drive, but all other drives are left intact.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #10

    unifex said:
    I have a totally different approach to this issue. I simply ignore the C:\Users folders.
    The thing with your method is that it leaves the AppData in C:\ with Temp and such. The sysprep method moves everything.

    I need one easy command, the X:\MyAnswerFile.xml containing information where I want Users to be moved:
    Code:
    %windir%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe /oobe / reboot /unattend:X:\MyAnswerFile.xml
    Thereafter everything is automatic; whatever I save to whichever folder in whichever user profile is saved on X: drive. AppData and Temp can take a lot of storage space on C:, not on my systems. Whenever I create a new user account its profile will automatically be created on X:. All installers may store anything they want in my systems to user profiles, it will automatically be saved on X:. When my system drive crashes my all user profiles with absolutely totally completely everything they contain are safe on X: drive.

    Each and every user does it of course as they see fit. For me it's a simple command once and then forget it completely: everything related to any user profile is always automatically stored on X: drive.
      My Computer


 

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