Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10  

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  1. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #490

    ManhattanMarc said:
    Would you advise on how to obtain the install media with the install.WIM file, as the ISO file seems to no longer have it.
    See this post.


    ManhattanMarc said:
    Would you advise to delete this standard directory junction and recreate it to point to the new location of the users folder?
    I very strongly advice not to manually create any symlinks for the Users folder after it has been relocated with Sysprep. There's no reason for that; if the system creates C:\Users even after the relocation it will never grow above some kilobytes, in worst case scenario a megabyte or two. Totally irrelevant. Here's a screenshot from the machine I use to write this reply to show the irrelevance:
    Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10-2016_04_09_20_08_261.png

    The stuff going to C:\Users is from software that has been coded using absolute path C:\Users\User instead of variable %userprofile%. Luckily today it's mostly only some B-class old software, in my case the only content in C:\Users\Kari is an local appdata folder for Wondershare video converter, a software I tested and didn't like. In fact making the above screenshot reminded me about how much I disliked Wondershare and that I have uninstalled it, meaning I can delete the whole C:\Users folder.

    If the C:\Users disturbs you after the relocation, hide it.

    The system created link from Documents and Settings to C:\Users is today mostly irrelevant. It was made there by Microsoft when Vista came out, to offer cross OS functionality for those upgrading from XP which stored user data in Documents and Settings folder.


    ManhattanMarc said:
    While one can easily move the Pictures, Music, Videos, Documents, etc. Folders to another location using Start>Settings>System>Storage or the Location Tab Properties for each of these folders, successfully moving the AppData folder is a lot harder, if not impossible, and this is where you procedure to move the entire Users folder has true value.
    That is an additional bonus for the SSD users, in addition to saving storage space on system drive and separating user data completely from OS.

    Kari
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7
    Windows 10 Pro
       #491

    Thank You


    Kari,

    Thanks very much for your timely and accurate responses, it is much appreciated and I will take your advice.

    On a final note, it may be helpful for you to change your original instruction set page to incorporate the revised location for obtaining the install media with the install.wim file, as your subsequent post seems buried in this 50 page long thread, and most people will need it.

    Sincerely,
    MM
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 7
    Windows 10 Pro
       #492

    Continuous Reboot Cycle


    Kari,

    I need your help! I had followed all the steps for moving the users folder from an existing installation. Upon reboot, I get the OOBE Wizard and run through it accordingly. The problem is that after I hit Express Settings or after I go through the three screens of customized settings, I get a screen that says "Just a Moment ..." in a light blue background with a circular spinning set of dots. The screen flashes once, and the computer reboots and starts the same process again. I went through this at least 10 times at this point.

    I can hit Shft-Ctrl-F3 instead of clicking Express Settings or Customize, and the computer reboots into Audit Mode / the Administrator Account. From there I can see the Users Folder is actually already moved to the new location D:\Users with all sub folders seemingly intact. There was actually a residual empty folder C:\Users\Marc which I was able to delete. There were no files in C:\Users and that directory was very minimally populated prior to managing this procedure as this is being done shortly after a new install of windows and a few applications (Office 2016, Adobe Acrobat XI, and Google Chrome).

    I am actually writing this message from audit mode. Do you have thoughts on what is causing the problem and how I can get the OOBE to continue through to create a dummy account?

    Note: Originally I disabled all the accounts from the Administrator account including "DefaultAccount" and "Guest", but I have just re-enabled them, however the computer still seems to be in an infinite reboot loop. Also, I only have two drives on my computer, the SSD (C:\) and the HDD (D:\). The Windows Install ISO mounts as E:\.

    My D:\relocate.xml looks like this:

    <?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>
    </FolderLocations>
    </component>
    </settings>
    <cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="wim:E:\sources\install.wim#Windows 10 Pro" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
    </unattend>


    I have a 64 bit version of Windows 10 Pro, along with the x64 ISO that mounts as E:\
    Any help or guidance you could provide would be much appreciated.

    -MM
    Last edited by ManhattanMarc; 10 Apr 2016 at 20:13. Reason: Better Title
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #493

    ManhattanMarc said:
    I need your help! I had followed all the steps for moving the users folder from an existing installation.
    It is quite normal that the OOBE phase comes to Settings dialog, then makes a reboot or two back to Settings dialog before letting you continue. It does not happen often but it happens. Personally I start worrying only when a fourth reboot occurs; I have quite a many times had two or three reboots at that phase before OOBE continuing to user setup.

    That being said, the reason for OOBE going to reboot loop and not continuing to the user setup is almost always that the drive ID letters do not match what's told in answer file, system being unable to find the target drive for the Users folder.

    Did you read this warning and do as suggested in it (I have highlighted the part concerning you):

    warning   Warning
    If you intend to use drive D: as the location for the relocated Users folder, please read this before proceeding!

    Windows "likes" to set the the drive ID letters like this:
    • Drive C: > The system drive where Windows will be installed
    • Drive D: > First optical drive (CD / DVD drive)
    • Drive E: > Second partition on the same disk where the C: is located, or in case that disk only has one partition, the first partition on the secondary disk

    Now when you sysprep telling it to move the Users to D: drive, after the reboot Windows might find that the D: is an optical drive and your intended drive D: is now E:, sysprep fails and you have to reinstall.

    To be sure you are able to use drive D: for the relocated Users folder you need to set the drive letters manually before the sysprep is run. In Audit Mode you can do this for instance with Disk Management by manually changing the drive letters:
    • Change the optical drive letter to something at the end of the alphabet, I use X:
    • Change the drive letter of the partition or disk you intend to use for the Users folder to D:
    • If the partition or disk you want to use already has a letter D:, change it to something else, close the Disk Management, open it again and change the letter back to D:

    See the tutorial at our sister site the Seven Forums: Drive Letter - Add, Change, or Remove in Windows - Windows 7 Help Forums

    I recommend to always set drive letters manually to override the defaults but this is especially important for those wanting to use drive D: for relocated Users folder.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4
    WIN 10 64
       #494

    Kari said:
    No, it should be the install.wim file and that's the cause for your issue.

    If you create the Windows 10 install media as USB Flash drive in Media Creation Tool, the compressed and encrypted ESD file is used instead of the WIM file. You need to have an install media with the WIM file instead; easiest way to get it is to use the Media Creation Tool again, this time selecting the ISO image option. The ISO image created with the tool uses the WIM file. For Media Creation Tool, see tutorial: Windows 10 ISO Download - Windows 10 Forums

    Step 1, select Create installation media for another PC:
    Attachment 28723

    Step 2, select your language, edition and bit version. Be sure to select the same bit version as you are installing; you cannot use a 32 bit install.wim in sysprepping a 64 bit Windows and vice versa:
    Attachment 28724

    Step 3, select ISO file and let it be created. There's no need to burn the ISO to disk or flash drive if you already have an install media to use, the ISO will only needed when sysprepping :
    Attachment 28725

    When you have the ISO, do like this:
    • Install Windows 10 clean, boot to Audit Mode, create the answer file (this tutorial, Method One Steps 1 & 2)
    • Before sysprepping (Method One, Step 3), mount the ISO file as virtual DVD drive by double clicking it. Check the drive letter given for it by Windows, let's say the virtual drive gets letter F > use this CPI source in answer file:
      Code:
      cpi:source="wim:F:\sources\install.wim#Windows 10 PRO"
    • Sysprep as told in tutorial

    Should work now.

    Kari
    Kari,
    Sorry for the long quote but it is now 5 days and going for a re-install of 10 build 10586-164 and I am going nuts. I have downloaded 2 converters/dycrypters and 1 did not unzip the other, upon running as Admin and copying install.esd into the program folder. The error was "file is missing 4 of 5 images".

    I have tryed both media creation methods and the only on that had an install.esd was the mounted ISO and it had the afore mentioned .esd file. You don't mention any converters except the one on files.fm but the link is either wrong or they have changed missions--ie no files, the rest are Eastern European or
    Russian

    Anyway I am stuck here with an install.esd which appears to have been re-encrypted since your tutorial or I am again going to spend another few days trying to move a lousy file into a D: drive (a 1TB hard drive). Burning to DVD, mounting the ISO, and copy on to a USB stick produce the same install.esd.

    Do you have anything else?

    Thanks

    PastPEXPilot
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 4
    WIN 10 64
       #495

    Kari said:
    I gave this link in the post of mine you quoted: Windows 10 ISO Download - Windows 10 Forums. That tutorial has all the instructions needed to get an ISO with install.wim file.

    Apart of me coming to you and holding your hand while you try to follow the instructions given, I do not know how to help you.
    Kari,
    Just saw your post and if you are really serious about holding hands... I don't mean literally, of course, but I am in Oregon and the weather is great. Your welcome to sleep in a spare bedroom or a Marriott close by. I could not pay airfare as I don't have the dough but your offer is really kind. I bet I would learn alot. I am a great cook and all my lady friends agree-mostly French and also a great baker. So just say the word and poof, dude, u-do-drop-inn. You know Mary-jane is legal here.
    PastPEXPilot
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #496

    PastPEXPilot said:
    Kari,
    Just saw your post and if you are really serious about holding hands... I don't mean literally, of course, but I am in Oregon and the weather is great. Your welcome to sleep in a spare bedroom or a Marriott close by. I could not pay airfare as I don't have the dough but your offer is really kind. I bet I would learn alot. I am a great cook and all my lady friends agree-mostly French and also a great baker. So just say the word and poof, dude, u-do-drop-inn. You know Mary-jane is legal here.
    PastPEXPilot
    I thank you very sincerely. I have quite a lot Lufthansa airmiles, certainly enough for a round trip to Oregon. I just might say Yes, thank you and surprise you :). I understand that you would pay for the Marriot?

    The legal M might be the deciding factor.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7
    Windows 10 Pro
       #497

    Kari said:
    It is quite normal that the OOBE phase comes to Settings dialog, then makes a reboot or two back to Settings dialog before letting you continue. It does not happen often but it happens. Personally I start worrying only when a fourth reboot occurs; I have quite a many times had two or three reboots at that phase before OOBE continuing to user setup.

    That being said, the reason for OOBE going to reboot loop and not continuing to the user setup is almost always that the drive ID letters do not match what's told in answer file, system being unable to find the target drive for the Users folder.

    Did you read this warning and do as suggested in it (I have highlighted the part concerning you):
    Kari,

    Thank you for the suggestion, unfortunately the drive letter assignment is not the issue. My computer only has two drives, and SSD on Drive 0 and an HDD on Drive 1. There are no optical drives. They drive letters are always C:\ for the SSD and D:\ for the HDD. Furthermore, as I had mentioned, the users folder was successfully moved to D:\ from C:\. Even using Audit mode and logging into the Administrator account uses this new users folder location. I have since rebooted the computer another 5 times with no luck in getting past the customization settings and into the initial local user account setup as the computer just keeps rebooting and starting the customization setting wizard over and over.

    This is a screenshot of Disk Manager from Audit Mode:

    Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10-disk-manager.png

    This is a screenshot of "My Computer" in Audit Mode showing the Users folder successfully moved:

    Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10-file-explorer-users.png

    Do you have any other suggestions on how to get the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup to run all the way through so I could use an account other than the Administrator Account in Audit Mode?


    Thank you,
    -MM
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 4
    windows 10pro
       #498

    Mr. Kari,
    DAMN it... A might FINE job you do in your lessions, yes lessons a better description for your work
    than Tutorial. Why Tenforums has not added the work of your self and a few others' here to your own category
    labled lecture hall is beyond me .

    That being said your MiC gain could use a boost 3db but not more than 5db if your able to set your gain
    in 1db increments.
    Now the question i may of missed it but have seen a clear answer. I followed section one sysprep"d user data
    to D:\ worked great first go no problem seen as yet. After finishing opened SETTINGS SYSTEM under the STORAGE tab
    should? NEW APPS WILL SAVE TO: be left pointed to C:\ or changed to the new user partition BETTER STILL DOES IT MATTER?
    the lesson leaves me thinking it should be left at C:\ but just incase i need a lil clairification please.

    Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10-sysprep2.png


    Also i found that after completing the user move and windows arives at the following screen pic 1 below
    At this screen be patcient wait for your system and HDD to finish be noisy. Then simply CTRL+SHIFT+F3
    to renter audit mode where prior operation is inaffect
    maybe it will work for others maybe it's a fluke I dont know my build specs are displayed in pic 2

    pic1
    Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10-sysprep1.png

    pic 2
    Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10-capture3.png

    Thank ya for reading
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #499

    ManhattanMarc said:
    Do you have any other suggestions on how to get the Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) setup to run all the way through so I could use an account other than the Administrator Account in Audit Mode?
    I have to be honest with you, I have never experienced something like this, nor heard about it happening. I am completely unable to explain why this is happening to you.

    I have a suggestion, though. Theoretically this should work, if it really works is impossible to say before you test it:

    1.)
    Shut down / turn off the PC

    2.) Remove Disk 1, the HDD

    3.) Clean install Windows 10 on Disk 0, the SSD

    4.) Go through OOBE setup, use a local dummy account as initial user. This dummy account will be later removed, use any username but your real username

    5.) When Windows finally arrives to desktop, open the Run dialog (WIN + R), type %windir%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe, click OK

    6.) When Sysprep dialog opens, set System Cleanup Action to Enter System Audit Mode, and Shutdown Options as Shutdown, click OK
    Move Users Folder Location in Windows 10-2016_04_15_07_58_401.png

    7.) PC shuts down now. Mount Disk 1 HDD, turn PC on, it will now boot to Audit Mode

    8.) In Audit Mode, remove the dummy account, check that Disk 1 HDD has correct drive ID letter. Proceed as instructed in tutorial

    This should work. If you decide to try it, please come back and post the results.

    Kari
      My Computer


 

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