Would someone please recommend a good software program for transferring program files between hard drives?

Question

I just installed a new 300 GB. external H.D. and would like to move some existing programs from primary H.D. to give it a little more breathing room.

Answer 1

The problem with the previous answers is if you move programs from C:\ to D:\ they most likely will not work anymore. Moving the folders from the Program Files folder IS easy. However, when you did the initial install on your computer, all of the pointers for the program that were written to the registry were aiming at the C:\ drive. Once you move the folder the reg keys will assume the program is no longer installed because they are not able to search other drives for the executable. They only do what they are told. You can either reinstall the programs, and tell them to install on your second hard drive, or I know System Mechanic Pro has a module called Software Relocator which will move the programs and readjust the OS settings for you.

Answer 2

I too bought an external hard drive, and the way I dealt with things was to uninstall programs from C: then I installed them again, but directed the installation to the hard drive (which I call G: on my computer). I didn't even know a software program exists to move stuff. I really don't "trust" some programs, and they take up even more space on my already taxed hard drive. I just installed/uninstalled things.

When I try just moving programs, things mess up big time, and some components become rabbit reproduction: rampant, all over the place, crazy.


I try to keep the computer hard drive where main operating programs go, and use the external for all the peripheral stuff. Things like games, digital editing, that stuff all goes on the external drive.

A key to organization, I found, is to set up the external drive with various folders. Then install games into a game folder. Photos into a photo folder. Programs into a program folder. Otherwise, the new drive gets very busy, very messy and very unorganized, very quickly. Programs don't like being moved, once installed, so give them a folder and a home from the start.

My daughter especially likes the external drive, as she has put so much music onto the computer it's amazing. She also plays a lot of games, and the hard drive is great for those.

We still have trouble with not enough RAM, and the external hard drive doesn't help with that, but that's another couple hundred to invest.

Enjoy the hard drive.

Answer 3

Why pay for a third party software program, when the O/S you're using now has the capabilities?

I am guessing that you try to copy large amounts of database using the file manager but it locks up?

1. Copy in smaller amounts
2. Drop to a dos shell and use the copy command.

Simply copying over programs does not work.

There is the registry setting.

You'll need the install disk.

Answer 4

*IF* you're talking about actually moving PROGRAMS that were installed on your (old) C drive, then NO you can't. When you installed them on the C drive there were "pointers" telling Windows the program was installed on C drive, so when you attempt to run the program Windows won't find it.

You'll have to reinstall the progam\s to the (new) D drive.

You CAN however move files created by programs to the D drive but you'll have to edit the program's Save to Option.

Answer 5

Norton bought out a good program a few years ago called "ghost". I still use a 10 year old version of it (becuse it fits on a floppy disc back then) newer versions should be equally good for transferring things from one drice to another even if they have different harddrive sizes.

Answer 6

It's called your Operating System. Copying between drives is a standard feature.

If you're not sure how, repackage your new drive carefully and take it back for the money. You don't deserve to have a computer.

Answer 7

Well, the default copying program is the best..no need to go for 3rd party software. just copy the files directly.

Answer 8

Norton Utilities is a good one.