Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10  

Kari said:

From tutorial, last part Upgrade:

   Note

Please notice that with the Build 10586 (TH2 version 1511) and later there has been no issues in upgrading even with relocated Users folder.

Thanks. for both info.
much appreciated.

Kari said:

Hi GeeZRX, welcome to Ten Forums.

There's something wrong in your planned course of action, the workflow is not correct. It starts to go wrong after you have created the initial system image before booting to Audit Mode.

Using your selected tasks and your goal, here's the correct workflow in your case modified to your needs:

1.) Boot from W10 install media

2.) When installation is done and you will be shown the Settings dialog (Custom vs. Express), turn PC off, connect the secondary HDD and create an image booting with Macrium rescue media (this step is a wise move which I admit I bypass; it allows you to restore W10 to pristine Out-of-the Box state if any unforeseen things happen later on)

3.) When image is done, turn PC off again, insert W10 install media but boot from primary SSD / HDD, not from W10 install media (Windows is already installed)

4.) You will be shown the Settings dialog again. Press CTRL + SHIFT + F3 to restart in Audit Mode

5.) Get the Answer File from this tut using IE as Edge does not work in Audit Mode

6.) Edit the answer file as needed replacing drive ID letters to your actual ones

7.) Save the Answer File

8.) Sysprep using /shutdown switch instead of /reboot switch using this command line:

Code:

%\windir%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe /oobe /shutdown /unattended:X:\relocate.xml

(Change compared to how the command is told in tut in red.)

9.) Windows syspreps and shuts down.

10.) Now for extra safety and convenience, create an additional system image with Macrium

11.) When additional system image has been created you are ready. Boot Windows normally, go through the final setup phase creating a user.

That's it. The additional system image in step 8 above is optional; if you don't want to / need to make it, use the /reboot switch as told in tutorial instead of /shutdown switch restarting directly to OOBE setup.

Kari

Kari...just wanted to reply back to say that in the long run I got your procedure to work fine! I had much trouble with the clean install and had to end up using a Dell W10 Recovery Disk to accomplish it which changed the "look" of the steps somewhat, but in the end all seems well. I am showing the installed version as 10.0.10240 and wonder if this may cause trouble as windows updates itself to current levels, but I'll deal with that as/if troubles arise. Thank you again for the help and a great tutorial!

Skip

Kari said:

Oh s**t!

My apologies for a dramatic start but not even in my wildest dreams could I have thought that you will do this with such an outdated version of Windows 10! I've had my fears that someone would still be using the original release although Windows 10 TH2 version 1511 Build 10586 was released already in November 2015 and is freely downloadable from Microsoft. That's why I have left instructions for those unlucky users (part Upgrade in tutorial). Sadly, you seem to be first who really needs those instructions.

This note from tutorial:

   Note

Please notice that with the Build 10586 (TH2 version 1511) and later there has been no issues in upgrading even with relocated Users folder.

What does the note mean in your case? To start with, yes you will have trouble. Yes, you might be forced to do everything from scratch again as soon as you decide to bring your Windows to current level, up to date.

To start with, you can do no upgrades without completely moving the Users folder back to C:. Read the last part of tutorial titled Upgrade before proceeding.

Why on earth did you install an old version?

Kari

Well, I really couldn't accomplish it any other way that I could see. I downloaded the .iso file from the Tech Bench site and made a bootable DVD from it, verified that it would boot in UEFI mode and then did a Parted Magic Secure Erase on my SSD, all with no problem. When I attempted to do the clean install the load would consistently stop at "Getting Ready to install files" 12-13% and while not locked up, the install never went any further or gave any error even after sitting for several hours. As I now had no way to download another .iso from MS I was left with reinstalling W7 and upgrading to 10 (which would leave me with a non-UEFI configuration...and reaching the end date for free upgrade) or try the recovery disk route. I chose that in hopes of moving forward. I now, at least have a means to re-download another .iso from Tech Bench (assuming I can obtain a functional one this time?) and start the process over yet again. I received this PC on June 2nd and have yet to get it functioning as desired and am growing increasingly frustrated but I will struggle on.

Skip

Kari said:

Skip, I wholeheartedly recommend now that you do as I suggest:

Wait until Tuesday (August 2nd). Microsoft will release Windows 10 Anniversary Update and they have already confirmed that ISO images for Anniversary Update will be available on the same day.


The Anniversary Update build will most probably be 14393; it's excellent, I am already using it through Windows Insider program. On Tuesday, download the brand new Windows 10 ISO, burn it to DVD or USB and do a clean install, following instructions in Method One in this tutorial.

Kari

Kari, I will wait and do as you suggest. Would you provide a link for the best site to obtain this specific iso? I used W10 previously to burn the iso file to a bootable disk...was this acceptable or do I need to use third party programs to burn bootable DVD's/USB's? I intend to make both this time in hopes that at least one will function correctly. I prefer the bootable DVD as it fits with my existing drive configurations... SSD as system C:\ , optical drive as D:\ and 2tb HDD partitioned as E:\PageSwapfiles - F:\UserProfiles - G:\Xpander... and doesn't confuse what windows expects. Thanks so much for your patience in helping me through this!
Skip