How to mount volume as C:\Program Files folder without LiveCD?

M

Maxim Anarchistov2016-02-09 11:19:35

Windows

Maxim Anarchistov, 2016-02-09 11:19:35

There was a need to replace the system folders on the C:\ drive (Program Files, Program Files (x86) and AppData) with volumes of another connected drive.
At the moment, I see only one way to solve this issue: mount the LiveCD and boot from it, transfer all the data from the ProgramFiles to the volume, and then, by deleting the ProgramFiles, rename the volume. Is it possible to perform such an operation without a LiveCD, inside a Windows environment?
And the second question: Is it possible to install the OS on a volume connected as a folder? That is, format the hard drive so that the C:\Windows folder is a mounted volume?
Win7x64

Reply

Answer the question

In order to leave comments, you need to log in

3 answer(s)

M

Maxim Anarchistov, 2016-12-21
@ozonar

In general, the working solution is essentially one - LiveCD, as stated in the question itself. Other options do not allow you to transfer everything.

R

res2001, 2016-02-09
@res2001

Windows most likely prescribes mount points in the registry. Find out exactly where and in what format the record is created (you can use the poke method). Then, booting from the live disk, add the necessary entry to the registry, transfer the files to the volume, leave the directory empty.
I think this should work with Program Files, but not with the system folder.
But can go from the opposite? Leave the system drive alone - transfer user profiles. This is done easily and without prejudice to the work of Windows.
So you solve the problem with the sudden end of free space on the system drive. If you're interested, I'll tell you what to do.
I have not left users on the system drive for a long time. Only the transfer of the All users profile can be problematic - a bunch of symlinks refer to it, but this is also transferred - Google to the rescue.

3

386DX, 2016-02-09
@386DX

Maxim Anarchist AppData can be moved, inside the Local LocalLow Roaming folder in the properties of each, you can change its location.
C: \ (Program Files, Program Files (x86) is most likely not so easy to transfer - installed programs will not work. If the folders are empty through the registry or tweakers