Well, MS programs like Office and Windows related, sure. But I use a bunch of smaller utility programs and it's difficult to edit .ini files or others because access is denied. Accordingly I have set up a Programs directory and installed several there in lieu of PF. Everything works well, I can modify and backup at will and I don't have to enclose the address in quotes.
I'll bet I'm not alone. Any thoughts?
tcebob
It's always been possible to install third-party programs as you are doing it, even installing on other drives or partitions. To more or less standardize things Microsoft chose the default of Program Files for 32-bit versions of Windows and using Program Files for 64-bit programs plus Program Files (x86) for 32-bit programs that can run on the 64-bit versions of Windows. I've not had much issue installing as I desire, especially where the C: drive or partition is small such as 150GB on a 1TB HDD. Microsoft Office seems to be the one program that wants most of itself on the same partition as Windows.
It's really up to individual programs to allow installation in other folders, even other drives but most often they do install some parts/files in other places in windows.
If and when software vendors and/or users 'violate' the recommended protocol of installing to the PF folder, Microsoft is hard-pressed to find a common denominator to potential faults experienced. Support can only be provided if the common denominator is the PF folder, an integral part of the Operating System.
"I can modify .. at will"
The PF folder is inside the 'castle walls' with a moat around the castle. Installing outside the 'walls' creates potential vulnerability. If the user can modify, so can malware.
Given a choice, I install outside the PF folder. I acknowledge and accept the risks. I mostly stay away from choice-less installers, like .msi extensions.
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