Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Hi,

So I built my computer with only an SSD (smart right?). Now, I want to migrate the User folder and the two Program Files folders onto a new hard drive. How could I go about doing this?

Reinstalling Windows is an option, but it will be a last-resort. I want to keep only my operating system on the SSD, while keeping everything else on the new hard drive.

Thanks in advance!

Hugazo Morales
2013-05-21 05:26:22
The best way to do it is with a CMD with xcopy, if you want to copy just the files or move them with the permissions, it will allow you to copy not only the files, but all the NTFS info attached to the folders and files.Here is something very helpful.http://ss64.com/nt/xcopy.html
MAKEUSEOF VIDEO OF THE DAY
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Justin Pot
2013-05-17 15:36:57
You could try this: http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/move-windows-software-hard-drive-breaking/It moves the files and creates a symlink.
Gaurav Joshi
2013-05-17 11:43:25
Use windows backup & restore tool and restore it on new hardrive
Alan Wade
2013-05-17 11:25:49
A complete mixup Rajaa. I thought I was commenting on a post I made, but it seems to have disappeared.
ha14
2013-05-17 07:42:25
i do recommend full transfer of THE OS to the new hard drive, so if some day you need refresh or reset features then this can proceed without troubles.SSD Boost Manager Seamlessly Moves Files and Programs Between Hard Driveshttp://lifehacker.com/5824362/ssd-boost-manager-seamlessly-moves-files-and-programs-between-hard-drivesif you have Intel SSD then you can use Intel® Data Migration Software http://www.intel.com/support/go/ssdinstallation/Paragon Migrate OS to SSDhttp://www.paragon-software.com/technologies/components/migrate-OS-to-SSD/AOMEI Partition Assistant homeHow to Migrate OS to SSD with Partition Assistant?http://www.disk-partition.com/help/migrate-system-wizard.html
Victor Ong
2013-05-17 22:31:41
The OS is already on the SSD. Along with EVERYTHING else I want to move off of it.
Alan Wade
2013-05-17 06:32:52
Sorry! the link should be: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_8-files/how-to-move-user-folders-to-2nd-drive-in-windows-8/f58029d0-bfcf-4fab-a266-a56f6d9e65b5
Victor Ong
2013-05-17 18:39:39
Thanks. Is there a way to change the location of the PROGRAMFILES too? I know uninstalling/reinstalling should be easier, but is there any possible way to migrate my programs. I don't want to have to go through all the trouble of reinstalling and downloading large programs (it becomes such a pain) and rearranging my start screen tiles.
Alan Wade
2013-05-17 06:31:38
There is an excellant tutorial on moving your user folder here:http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4275-user-profiles-relocate-another-partition-disk.htmlThe absolute easiest way with your program folders is just to re-install the software and change the install path to where ever you want it to be.
Rajaa Chowdhury
2013-05-17 06:29:31
Probably you can ask at Microsoft Community for Windows at http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows . Login with your live id, I guess you need to signup. I use the community a lot for anything windows. :)