Is it safe to move files from C:\Program Files to another drive ?

Question

The programs we download from the Internet or copy from a CD get installed on C:\Program Files unless specifically diverted to another drive.

Now, is it safe to move files from C:\Program Files to another drive like E later ? Does such an action create registry errors and cuase the system to perform low ? If yes, then what is the best way of moving files from C:\Program Files to a different location ?

Answer 1

No, it's not safe. Windows keeps a record of where they are (and their parts). If you move them somewhere else, Windows will get lost.



To move them, use Add/Delete programs in Control Panel to delete, then re-install, changing the default directory to where you want them to be.



Probably good to do a backup of your hard drive first, before the deletions. Just in case something gets lost.

Answer 2

Basic Talk ... The first answer from Ricky is all you need to know. He's absolutely correct. Uninstalling and re-installing is your best bet.



There used to be utility software available that could do these moves for you without having to uninstall and re-install, but I don't trust them to all work well. In most cases, Ricky's suggestion is the best.



Good luck.

Answer 3

Ricky D's answer is the correct one.