Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10  

SignedAdam said:

Am I right in saying this wont work for Windows Apps if you move the Program Files ? because I moved all folders 4 times over and still end up with the Windows Apps not working at all, even if I change the xApp key found in the registry, please view my reply on this post, as to how I get around it,

https://www.tenforums.com/general-discussion/18239-how-change-program-files-location-windows-10-a-2.html

I am just an amateur on this, but my understanding is that you need to leave the Program Files, Program Data etc on the C: drive, and can only move the Users folders. I think this means the Apps would also stay on C:

Making the Apps work does seem very sensitive to the sequence you do things - it was only when I use Method 1 with Audit Mode that it worked for me - that way I thing you change the environment variables before any user folders are actually created.

Wanted to do this, since my sys partition is totally crapped by user folder and Microsoft Search (.edb ), but sysrep only tells me the old story of "sysprep was not able to validate your windows installation".

I'm using a Windows 7 -> Windows 10 upgraded version btw.

Hi dears,
I had been trying this procedure for a month already, at least 100 times and always fall into the infinite loop during oobe, it just lets me complete 3 steps and when it gets into the "just wait..." message after a couple of minutes it reboots.

I have tried it in many different ways already and I have used the image I took before applying the unattended file more than any other backup in my life hahaha.

My logs: http://www.filedropper.com/setuplogs
My unattended.xml (D: is the drive where I will store my files, G: is the mounted windows 10 iso file):

Code:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
    <settings pass="oobeSystem">
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <FolderLocations>
                <ProfilesDirectory>D:\Users</ProfilesDirectory>
                <ProgramData>D:\ProgramData</ProgramData>
            </FolderLocations>
        </component>
    </settings>
    <cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="wim:G:\sources\install.wim#Windows 10 Pro" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

Kari, can you tell me if you notice something key in the logs? I have checked these for a while already and I cannot see anything suspicious.

Thanks in advance you all and best regards,
Diego.

Kari said:

One clear error and a rather bad mistake in your answer file is that you are trying to relocate the ProgramData folder, too. Since Windows 8 it doesn't work anymore. Only system folder possible to relocate is the Users folder.

This quote from the very beginning of this tutorial:

Due the fact that I do not download and open anything from file sharing sites I have not seen your logs but I guess that this, trying to relocate the ProgramData folder is the main reason for your continued reboot loop; the system finds something not allowed and can't get past of it.

In the future please read the instructions first then follow them to the letter. Also, if you want to show some files from your PC, upload them here instead of posting a link to a file sharing site (instructions: Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Ten Forums - Windows 10 Forums).

Kari

Hi Kari,
Yes, I saw that note and I was thinking already that you were going to refer to that note directly, and in fact it is probably right because I just tried moving the users folder only before waiting any answer and it worked.

On the other hand, I understand you are not following any links but however I guess that at this stage and after your reply it does not make too much sense to upload any logs.

Best regards,
Diego.

Kari said:

Since build 10162 the in-place upgrade works also with relocated Users folder; a repair install is nothing but an in-place upgrade install using the same Windows version and edition and should therefore now work without any additional steps.

Kari,

I used your sysprep method in the past to move my Users folder from my SSD to a 2nd HD with a PC on Windows8 and Windows 8.1. I'm now wanting to upgrade-in-place from Win8.1 to Win10 using the Windows update nag option with minimal work.

I've read the EightForums and now TenForum, but am confused about the path foward when using the Windows Update version of Win10 upgrade in place.

Do I :
1. Traditional way: Sysprep my Win8.1 to move my users back to SSD from 2nd HD, Upgrade in place to Win10, then Sysprep to move Users back to 2nd HD.
or
2. Simple New Way-Upgrade-in-place my Win8.1 to Win10 without relocating Users back from 2nd HD to SSD. As you mention above, build 10162 the in-place upgrade works also with relocated Users folder.

#2 seems easier if its possible. I have not yet had the WUapp download the 3GB of files for the Win10 upgrade, so cannot verify the build number.

Thanks,
Steel

HI Kari, hope you can help
I've moved profiles to a new drive, done all the above and have the no start menu issue.
Brand new user is fine
Can move the profile back to C:\ and it returns, it's all good

I can repeat the process several times and it's consistent, the copied user is slow, and doesn't have start menu so obviously missing some priviledges, no errors to speak of in the Panther logs..

Any ideas?

Worse case I could back up the profile, delete the account and then restore it back, hoping to prevent that.
The windows easy transfer type tool, now depreciated (for good reason) is there some sort of new tool, ie say wanted to move from w10 to another w10 machine..

Thanks in advance