Environmental Variables (windows)

Feenix · 16-04-2004, 16:40

Hey CF,
just wondering if there is a way to change an environmental variable to allow me to install programs automatically to a different drive?

e.g.
C: 5Gb system
D: 50Gb program files

Rather than having to change the drive letter from the default C: (which most installers use) to D: - can I edit the Environmental Variables to do this for me? I know it's not much hassle to change C: to D: but some progs auto install to the C: drive which I want kept purely for System stuff.

Ta

Semi On · 16-04-2004, 17:19

If you're using XP, download Powertoys , which is a tiny prog that adds functionality to XP that should already be built in.

In the options sidebar, choose My Computer > Special Folders and then select "Installation Path" from the drop down list, and set it to whatever you want. I've never used it for this purpose but it should do what you want.

If not using XP, then I don't really know! Maybe someone else will...

Shaun · 16-04-2004, 17:24

Semi On I get told that prog isn't a valid win32 program

Semi On · 16-04-2004, 17:29

Me too...looks like a 64bit version, but it doesn't mention it anywhere on the page.

Weird!

EDIT: D'oh...I linked the wrong file! That was for Itanium-based systems.

I changed the link in my original post.

bonzoe · 16-04-2004, 18:56

Quote:

In the options sidebar, choose My Computer > Special Folders and then select "Installation Path" from the drop down list, and set it to whatever you want. I've never used it for this purpose but it should do what you want.

If not using XP, then I don't really know! Maybe someone else will...

Installation path is the path where you load from eg CD drive letter . Doesn't appear to be an option to install to.

Semi On · 16-04-2004, 18:59

Ah well...like I said, I've never used it. Saw it there and thought it would do the job.

Someone else will have to come up with the solution, 'cause I ain't got a clue.

Feenix · 17-04-2004, 09:54

cheers for the quick response

checked out tweakui from that windows dowload site but can't get it to install - it seems I need SP1 installed.

on another note after a bit of googling found out the variable is %programfiles% - you can check out it's path by using yer command promt and typing "echo %programfiles%" or just by typing "set" for a full listing of variables.

Unfortunately, I have been warned, this isn't really a variable - some noobs have hard coded this path into their programs and if you change it much sadness will occur.

I'll give it a go and let you know what happens

Feenix · 17-04-2004, 10:05

well, just changed the %programfiles% variable and installed a program - makes absolutely no difference whatsoever

must be coded into the installation software rather than looking to windows for the path.

abailey152 · 17-04-2004, 11:28

When you package an installation up into a *.MSI file, the MSI "database" holds the default installation location (the TARGETDIR). This uses the variable [ProgramFilesFolder] as the pointer to wherever this folder is.

The location of your program files folder is stored in the registry, but there's also other locations you need to consider before moving it, such as the Program Files\Common Files folder's location. Check out the following link for tips on how to move your Program Files folder to another drive,

http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBG/TIP3200/rh3236.htm

Semi On · 17-04-2004, 13:21

Can I ask why you have to have your program files folder on a separate partition?

The only thing worth putting on a separate partition are things that leave no mark on the registry. I have all my pictures, movies and music on a separate partition, the rest on my system partition.

Feenix · 17-04-2004, 16:52

cheers abailey152 - going to give that a go tonight.

Semi On - I reinstall windows more frequently than I reinstall programs and it also means I can format my system drive, after that stuffing the windows installer disk in is easier and faster than reinstalling all my progs as well.

Semi On · 17-04-2004, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feenix

Semi On - I reinstall windows more frequently than I reinstall programs and it also means I can format my system drive, after that stuffing the windows installer disk in is easier and faster than reinstalling all my progs as well.

But like I said, unless your programs or games leave nothing in the registry, or anywhere else in C: for that matter, then you will have to re-install them.

Feenix · 18-04-2004, 11:51

seem to run fine over here without being reinstalled

Semi On · 18-04-2004, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feenix

seem to run fine over here without being reinstalled

Well you can count yourself lucky, then. Most apps register .DLL's or .OCX's when installed, and some rely on shared .DLL's/OCX's registered by other programs. Some apps also create hidden folders which contain settings. C:\Documents and Settings\User\Application Data is a good example.

This is the reason Windows apps need installers to do all that crap for you, and uninstallers to undo it all. Otherwise they'd use the Mac method of just dragging the app into the program folder and create a link to the desktop or wherever. When you want to uninstall, just drag the folder into the trash - done.