Externally mapping a partition to a folder

[Guest Code_Cruncher]

I would like to be able to mount a partition and map it to the "Documents and

Settings" folder. Obviously, I cannot do this from Windows, because that

would require removing stuff it needs while it is running. So I have two

questions:

 

1. Does Windows need the Documents and Settings folder and the data in it

before it mounts and maps the other partitions? (I have a feeling that this

is a no; but just in case)

 

And

2. Is there any way I can externally change the mount points from the same

computer but on a different OS? For example, are the mount points in a file?

If so would I be able to modify them?

 

I just would like to be able to keep all my documents and settings on one

partition, separate from my programs and such. Any ideas?

[Guest philo]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

 

"Code_Cruncher" <Code_Cruncher@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:72F99C7A-14A9-4EC7-8242-80636803FDB6@microsoft.com...

> I would like to be able to mount a partition and map it to the "Documents

and

> Settings" folder. Obviously, I cannot do this from Windows, because that

> would require removing stuff it needs while it is running. So I have two

> questions:

>

> 1. Does Windows need the Documents and Settings folder and the data in it

> before it mounts and maps the other partitions? (I have a feeling that

this

> is a no; but just in case)

>

> And

> 2. Is there any way I can externally change the mount points from the same

> computer but on a different OS? For example, are the mount points in a

file?

> If so would I be able to modify them?

>

> I just would like to be able to keep all my documents and settings on one

> partition, separate from my programs and such. Any ideas?

 

 

Just right click on "My Documents"

 

select properties

 

there will be an option to move it to another location

[Guest jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

On 24 May, 22:14, Code_Cruncher

<Code_Crunc...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> I would like to be able to mount a partition and map it to the "Documents and

> Settings" folder. Obviously, I cannot do this from Windows, because that

> would require removing stuff it needs while it is running. So I have two

> questions:

>

> 1. Does Windows need the Documents and Settings folder and the data in it

> before it mounts and maps the other partitions? (I have a feeling that this

> is a no; but just in case)

>

 

That folder if you look in there, contains directories that store the

desktop for every user..

c:\docu...\user1

 

If you deleted the user1 subdirectory, then windows would recreate it

when you log in as user1 (if user1 is indeed still a user.. i.e. if

he is listed in users in comptuer management)

 

I don't know what would happen if you deleted the whole c:\documents

and settings

 

Windows might recreate it...

 

It does need it really, in order to run smoothly.

 

You have a few things you could try

-Store your data elsewhere! like in c:\data

 

- Right click "My Documents"....Properties You will see it is a

different type of directory to other ones. You can point it to

anywhere I guess. Though I don't use it so I haven't tried.

 

- SUBST command.

It was available in DOS and is there in windows XP

 

subst /?

 

C:\>subst y: c:\blah <-- so y: goes to c:\blah

 

C:\>subst y: /D <---deletes the Y: reference (leaves c:\blah).

 

- You could literally create a new partition and store your data

there.

 

 

> And

> 2. Is there any way I can externally change the mount points from the same

> computer but on a different OS? For example, are the mount points in a file?

> If so would I be able to modify them?

>

> I just would like to be able to keep all my documents and settings on one

> partition, separate from my programs and such. Any ideas?

 

I just asked myself the question of What settings are in there..

(since I don't care to back them up)

 

It has some Windows settings, but that is OS. You don't need that with

your documents/data.

 

It has Outlook Express email in there..

if you go into OE.. tools..options..maintenance..store folder. You

see it pointing there.

 

It has your desktop icons there.. Do you really need to backup

shortcuts to programs? I know what programs I find useful.. I know

them by name when I need them.

 

I personally use Web email.. You know you could use Web Email and OE.

And leave email on server. So you could use OE and still not need to

backup your email.

[Guest Big Al]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk wrote:

>

> I just asked myself the question of What settings are in there..

> (since I don't care to back them up)

>

>

> I personally use Web email.. You know you could use Web Email and OE.

> And leave email on server. So you could use OE and still not need to

> backup your email.

>

 

If you leave mail on the server, some ISP's have a limit and that might

bring your email to a halt.

 

In the Documents and settings\username folder is NTUSER.DAT which I

believe to be part of the registry. (its hidden)

 

Some folders like local settings and application data (hidden again)

are used by apps to store their own settings and temps.

 

Then you have the 'send to' folder etc.

[Guest jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

On 25 May, 02:17, Big Al <Bi...@nowhere.com> wrote:

> jameshanle...@yahoo.co.uk wrote:

>

> > I just asked myself the question of What settings are in there..

> > (since I don't care to back them up)

>

> > I personally use Web email.. You know you could use Web Email and OE.

> > And leave email on server.  So you could use OE and still not need to

> > backup your email.

>

> If you leave mail on the server, some ISP's have a limit and that might

> bring your email to a halt.

 

 

Big Web based ones like yahoo, hotmail, and googlemail, don't have a

limit practically speaking.

 

Yahoo does not..

Hotmail and Googlemail are in the gibabytes

None of them let you attach a file >10MB.. some less.

 

I reckon you won't fill their limit.

 

Googlemail has a POP server.

 

Yahoo is a story.. don't care about Hotmail.

>

> In the Documents and settings\username folder is NTUSER.DAT which I

> believe to be part of the registry. (its hidden)

>

 

can you give me an example of what you gain from backing that up ?

 

the profiles I see with that file, have the file very small, like

512KB, or 712KB.

 

You either backup your OS properly, like an Image. Or not at all.

> Some folders like local settings  and application data (hidden again)

> are used by apps to store their own settings and temps.

>

 

examples?

 

Maybe MS Word templates.. with some word versions..

But if it's your data, you should save a copy elsewhere when you make

it.

 

And OE.. But I mentioned about OE Email.. No need to backup. And that

applies to any email client..

 

> Then you have the 'send to' folder etc.

 

what?!

 

reminds me of send to "my briefcase".

[Guest Big Al]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk wrote:

> On 25 May, 02:17, Big Al <Bi...@nowhere.com> wrote:

>> jameshanle...@yahoo.co.uk wrote:

>>

>>> I just asked myself the question of What settings are in there..

>>> (since I don't care to back them up)

>>> I personally use Web email.. You know you could use Web Email and OE.

>>> And leave email on server. So you could use OE and still not need to

>>> backup your email.

>> If you leave mail on the server, some ISP's have a limit and that might

>> bring your email to a halt.

>

>

> Big Web based ones like yahoo, hotmail, and googlemail, don't have a

> limit practically speaking.

>

> Yahoo does not..

> Hotmail and Googlemail are in the gibabytes

> None of them let you attach a file >10MB.. some less.

>

> I reckon you won't fill their limit.

>

> Googlemail has a POP server.

>

> Yahoo is a story.. don't care about Hotmail.

>

>> In the Documents and settings\username folder is NTUSER.DAT which I

>> believe to be part of the registry. (its hidden)

>>

>

> can you give me an example of what you gain from backing that up ?

I don't. Ever. I'd export settings to a .reg file directly out of the

registry if I wanted something backed up.

>

> the profiles I see with that file, have the file very small, like

> 512KB, or 712KB.

>

> You either backup your OS properly, like an Image. Or not at all.

>

Bingo. I do an Image once (or quarterly), then backup small details (2

gig total) daily.

>> Some folders like local settings and application data (hidden again)

>> are used by apps to store their own settings and temps.

>>

>

> examples?

>

Firefox and Thunderbird, my email/browser, store all the settings there.

So I back them up daily.

> Maybe MS Word templates.. with some word versions..

> But if it's your data, you should save a copy elsewhere when you make

> it.

>

> And OE.. But I mentioned about OE Email.. No need to backup. And that

> applies to any email client..

>

>

>> Then you have the 'send to' folder etc.

>

> what?!

>

Well if you make additions to that folder like I have a "downloads" in

send to, so I'd like to have that on a restore.

I backup my 'start menu' too. So I know what I had as a reminder of

restore.

 

> reminds me of send to "my briefcase".

>

>

 

The point I was just trying to make is, there are a lot of things in

documents and settings that you can and some you should and some you

should not (or don't have to) backup.

[Guest jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

On 25 May, 03:14, Big Al <Bi...@nowhere.com> wrote:

<snip>

> >> Then you have the 'send to' folder etc.

 

 

I see now

C:\Documents and Settings\user\SendTo

can amend that menu.

 

Buy why not put shortcuts to folders..

 

infact, a shortcut to your data folder which you backup anyway..

 

Actually, if I put a real folder in there it doesn't do very much.

 

What technique are you using to do backups?

i.e. software, and any automatic scheduling method?

 

 

I thought about looking into doing it automatically.. But means having

another hard disk permanently connected/runnung, which might mean the

hdd wears out quicker. (and I don't like the extra noise). I guess if

it's internal , alway in there, it's no hassle. But some form of off-

site backup is important. 'cos what if the comp gets stolen, or the

PSU goes and (unlikely, but) takes out other components.

[Guest Terry R.]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

The date and time was 5/24/2008 7:04 PM, and on a whim,

jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk pounded out on the keyboard:

 

<snip>

>

>> In the Documents and settings\username folder is NTUSER.DAT which I

>> believe to be part of the registry. (its hidden)

>>

>

> can you give me an example of what you gain from backing that up ?

>

 

 

Programs like ERUNT back up the file each time a backup is performed.

If you have ERUNT on auto-backup, it's done on a daily basis. Those are

per user settings that may change on a daily basis. Probably won't be

the end of the world, but depending on how often you backup your drives,

it may restore your most current changes.

 

> the profiles I see with that file, have the file very small, like

> 512KB, or 712KB.

>

> You either backup your OS properly, like an Image. Or not at all.

>

>> Some folders like local settings and application data (hidden again)

>> are used by apps to store their own settings and temps.

>>

>

> examples?

>

 

Look in the folder and you will see which ones do.

> Maybe MS Word templates.. with some word versions..

> But if it's your data, you should save a copy elsewhere when you make

> it.

>

 

Problem is, most users don't know what the programs store. Nor where

they are stored. MS has an awful habit of throwing settings in dozens

of different places, an many other companies followed suit. They should

have never changed from the DOS days when EVERYTHING in a program was

stored under one folder. When you were done with that program, you'd

remove that folder and there were no remnants. That's impossible now

days without searching all the drives and registry.

> And OE.. But I mentioned about OE Email.. No need to backup. And that

> applies to any email client..

>

>

 

Why wouldn't you backup your email client? Not everyone uses webmail or

IMAP. I have dozens of folders, configuration settings, etc. that I

couldn't re-create, and they're all kept locally. On a different drive

than the OS.

 

 

--

Terry R.

 

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[Guest Terry R.]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

The date and time was 5/24/2008 8:18 PM, and on a whim,

jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk pounded out on the keyboard:

> On 25 May, 03:14, Big Al <Bi...@nowhere.com> wrote:

> <snip>

>>>> Then you have the 'send to' folder etc.

>

>

> I see now

> C:\Documents and Settings\user\SendTo

> can amend that menu.

>

> Buy why not put shortcuts to folders..

>

> infact, a shortcut to your data folder which you backup anyway..

>

> Actually, if I put a real folder in there it doesn't do very much.

>

> What technique are you using to do backups?

> i.e. software, and any automatic scheduling method?

>

>

> I thought about looking into doing it automatically.. But means having

> another hard disk permanently connected/runnung, which might mean the

> hdd wears out quicker. (and I don't like the extra noise). I guess if

> it's internal , alway in there, it's no hassle. But some form of off-

> site backup is important. 'cos what if the comp gets stolen, or the

> PSU goes and (unlikely, but) takes out other components.

>

 

I have three hard drives. My OS's are on one drive and backup

partitions are created monthly. My data is on another drive and is

mirrored to the third. My programs are on the third drive. There are

redundant copies on each drive. That way my OS's drives are relatively

small (5 to 7 gig), and backup quickly. Same with the program drive.

 

--

Terry R.

 

***Reply Note***

Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.

Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

[Guest Code_Cruncher]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

 

 

"jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk" wrote:

> On 24 May, 22:14, Code_Cruncher

> <Code_Crunc...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> > I would like to be able to mount a partition and map it to the "Documents and

> > Settings" folder. Obviously, I cannot do this from Windows, because that

> > would require removing stuff it needs while it is running. So I have two

> > questions:

> >

> > 1. Does Windows need the Documents and Settings folder and the data in it

> > before it mounts and maps the other partitions? (I have a feeling that this

> > is a no; but just in case)

> >

>

> That folder if you look in there, contains directories that store the

> desktop for every user..

> c:\docu...\user1

 

Yeah I know. But are they needed before Windows mounts the other partitions?

> If you deleted the user1 subdirectory, then windows would recreate it

> when you log in as user1 (if user1 is indeed still a user.. i.e. if

> he is listed in users in comptuer management)

>

> I don't know what would happen if you deleted the whole c:\documents

> and settings

>

> Windows might recreate it...

>

> It does need it really, in order to run smoothly.

 

I know. I've tried moving the stuff in it to elsewhere with my other OS; the

results weren't good. I had to reconfigure everything. Not sure why; but

moving the stuff back (from my other OS) didn't work.

> You have a few things you could try

> -Store your data elsewhere! like in c:\data

 

I have to admit; it's mostly just a streamlining issue (though it also makes

it easier to backup my documents and settings) to save time; I can't

configure (or atleast can't find a way to configure) Explorer or the Start

Menu to have links on them in the side pane or anything to folders I tell it

to. And I don't want to clutter up my desktop any more :/ ; or write my own

file browser (not an easy task; I've tried).

> - Right click "My Documents"....Properties You will see it is a

> different type of directory to other ones. You can point it to

> anywhere I guess. Though I don't use it so I haven't tried.

 

Tried that; its just not enough... Some programs I use are stupid enough to

store the data in the "hidden" folders under the user name. When I do that,

it leaves those in my user folder under the "Documents and Settings"; which

I don't want.

> - SUBST command.

> It was available in DOS and is there in windows XP

>

> subst /?

>

> C:\>subst y: c:\blah <-- so y: goes to c:\blah

>

> C:\>subst y: /D <---deletes the Y: reference (leaves c:\blah).

>

> - You could literally create a new partition and store your data

> there.

 

Yeah; that's what I want to do; and would if I could map my partition to the

"Documents and Settings" folder. I'd expect it requires an empty folder

though. I suppose I could find out exactly how that works and do it from my

other OS. A bit harder than I was hoping, but thanks for telling me about

that.

> > And

> > 2. Is there any way I can externally change the mount points from the same

> > computer but on a different OS? For example, are the mount points in a file?

> > If so would I be able to modify them?

> >

> > I just would like to be able to keep all my documents and settings on one

> > partition, separate from my programs and such. Any ideas?

>

> I just asked myself the question of What settings are in there..

> (since I don't care to back them up)

>

> It has some Windows settings, but that is OS. You don't need that with

> your documents/data.

 

See my rant above about how some programs are stupid (under your mentioning

I could move where "My Documents" points).

> It has Outlook Express email in there..

> if you go into OE.. tools..options..maintenance..store folder. You

> see it pointing there.

 

Don't use.

A. That's a stupid place to store emails

B. I'm an open source guy :)

> It has your desktop icons there.. Do you really need to backup

> shortcuts to programs? I know what programs I find useful.. I know

> them by name when I need them.

 

I'm fairly certain those aren't backups; Windows has to store them somewhere

:P

> I personally use Web email.. You know you could use Web Email and OE.

> And leave email on server. So you could use OE and still not need to

> backup your email.

 

I like my email on my computer. More secure that way; I don't run out of

space nearly as quickly; etc. etc.

The only problem: I can't get it everywhere. But then; email isn't really

important to me. Most directed at me is worthless.

 

 

Anyways; thanks for the ideas.

[Guest jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

On 26 May, 19:00, Code_Cruncher

<CodeCrunc...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

<snip>

> > You have a few things you could try

> > -Store your data elsewhere! like in c:\data

>

> I have to admit; it's mostly just a streamlining issue (though it also makes

> it easier to backup my documents and settings) to save time;

 

I don't understand at all

 

If you are doing this drive letter to access that folder, so as to

make it easier to browse to, then c:\data is fine. It is also easy to

browse to.

 

> I can't

> configure (or atleast can't find a way to configure) Explorer or the Start

> Menu to have links on them in the side pane or anything to folders I tell it

> to. And I don't want to clutter up my desktop any more :/  ; or write my own

> file browser (not an easy task; I've tried).

>

 

Drag folders onto the picture of START in the bottom left hand corner

(I don't know how permanent that is though.. But you could drag to a

more permanent place on there)

 

or you can right click start.. click properties, and drag folders

there.

 

If you do a right-click drag, you can choose move or copy.

 

It does a shortcut.

 

I personally wouldn't relaly look for a shortcut for something like c:

\data on my desktop.. You mention you have loads of icons there.

By the time I have made windows smaller and moved them around , I

could have done start...run..c:\data Even for longer directories.

Because it autocompletes them(except perhaps when low on space, then

it doesn't autocomplete!).

 

One thing I used to do, for the long directories , was use a program

called shortkeys, which is brilliant.. You can type something and it

replaces it.

 

Great for programming if using a basic Programming IDE.

so (if you are cursed with doing java, then) psvm becomes public

static void main(String[] args) ....

 

Great for entering data into forms, so jamesadd_ Becomes

james hanley<tab>195 Byvoo street<tab> e.tc.

 

Great for getting to folders, so when you do start...run...

you only need to type an abbreviated thing and it expands to the full

path.

 

 

> > - Right click "My Documents"....Properties   You will see it is a

> > different type of directory to other ones. You can point it to

> > anywhere I guess. Though I don't use it so I haven't tried.

>

> Tried that; its just not enough... Some programs I use are stupid enough to

> store the data in the "hidden" folders under the user name.

 

Never bothered me. I don't care what software stores in c:\docu.

Those who rely on OE, might..

You don't even use OE.

 

What software do you have that is storing stuff there?

> Tried that ; its just not enough... Some programs I use are stupid enough to

> store the data in the "hidden" folders under the user name.

> When I do that,

> it leaves those in my user folder under  the "Documents and Settings"; which

> I don't want.

>

 

 

Reading that the first few times, I had no idea what you meant

 

I don't move that folder anyway, I don't use it. So since you haven't

defined what you mean like a techie should, I had no idea what you

meant.

 

<snip>

> See my rant above about how some programs are stupid (under your mentioning

> I could move where "My Documents" points).

>

 

I see.. Since "Application data" and "Local Settings" are

hidden(within docu).. And I suppose programs when storing in docu,

only store things there. So whenever programs store it there, they

store in hidden folders..

 

note- the fact that they are hidden is an irrelevance to me.. So you

choose to view "hidden" files/folders.

 

But was what bothered you the fact that they store them there at

all(whether in hidden folders or not)?

 

What difference does it make that they are hidden. How does that

relate to moving the "My Documents" folder ?

 

I haven't moved it before.. You have had the problem. You tell me.

 

<snip>

[Guest Code_Cruncher]

Re: Externally mapping a partition to a folder

 

 

 

"jameshanley39@yahoo.co.uk" wrote:

> On 26 May, 19:00, Code_Cruncher

> <CodeCrunc...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

> <snip>

> > > You have a few things you could try

> > > -Store your data elsewhere! like in c:\data

> >

> > I have to admit; it's mostly just a streamlining issue (though it also makes

> > it easier to backup my documents and settings) to save time;

>

> I don't understand at all

>

 

It makes it easier and faster

> If you are doing this drive letter to access that folder, so as to

> make it easier to browse to, then c:\data is fine. It is also easy to

> browse to.

>

> > I can't

> > configure (or atleast can't find a way to configure) Explorer or the Start

> > Menu to have links on them in the side pane or anything to folders I tell it

> > to. And I don't want to clutter up my desktop any more :/ ; or write my own

> > file browser (not an easy task; I've tried).

> >

>

> Drag folders onto the picture of START in the bottom left hand corner

> (I don't know how permanent that is though.. But you could drag to a

> more permanent place on there)

>

> or you can right click start.. click properties, and drag folders

> there.

>

> If you do a right-click drag, you can choose move or copy.

>

> It does a shortcut.

>

 

If I put it there; it gets in the way (my list goes to the to of my screen).

I want it in the pane to the right of the software I use; where the "My

Documents" and "My Computer" links are.

> I personally wouldn't relaly look for a shortcut for something like c:

> \data on my desktop.. You mention you have loads of icons there.

> By the time I have made windows smaller and moved them around , I

> could have done start...run..c:\data Even for longer directories.

> Because it autocompletes them(except perhaps when low on space, then

> it doesn't autocomplete!).

>

> One thing I used to do, for the long directories , was use a program

> called shortkeys, which is brilliant.. You can type something and it

> replaces it.

 

If I want to type in the folders address; I use the command prompt. As for

ShortKeys; I don't want to buy it; and I don't want to install it. I have

enough stuff running as is.

> Great for programming if using a basic Programming IDE.

> so (if you are cursed with doing java, then) psvm becomes public

> static void main(String[] args) ....

>

> Great for entering data into forms, so jamesadd_ Becomes

> james hanley<tab>195 Byvoo street<tab> e.tc.

>

> Great for getting to folders, so when you do start...run...

> you only need to type an abbreviated thing and it expands to the full

> path.

>

>

> > > - Right click "My Documents"....Properties You will see it is a

> > > different type of directory to other ones. You can point it to

> > > anywhere I guess. Though I don't use it so I haven't tried.

> >

> > Tried that; its just not enough... Some programs I use are stupid enough to

> > store the data in the "hidden" folders under the user name.

>

> Never bothered me. I don't care what software stores in c:\docu.

> Those who rely on OE, might..

> You don't even use OE.

>

> What software do you have that is storing stuff there?

 

NetBeans and Gimp do. They aren't in the hidden folders; but they aren't

moved with the "My Documents" folder; because they aren't in it. Don't ask me

why they aren't in the "My Documents" folder; but they aren't.

> > Tried that ; its just not enough... Some programs I use are stupid enough to

> > store the data in the "hidden" folders under the user name.

> > When I do that,

> > it leaves those in my user folder under the "Documents and Settings"; which

> > I don't want.

> >

>

>

> Reading that the first few times, I had no idea what you meant

>

> I don't move that folder anyway, I don't use it. So since you haven't

> defined what you mean like a techie should, I had no idea what you

> meant.

>

> <snip>

> > See my rant above about how some programs are stupid (under your mentioning

> > I could move where "My Documents" points).

> >

>

> I see.. Since "Application data" and "Local Settings" are

> hidden(within docu).. And I suppose programs when storing in docu,

> only store things there. So whenever programs store it there, they

> store in hidden folders..

>

> note- the fact that they are hidden is an irrelevance to me.. So you

> choose to view "hidden" files/folders.

>

> But was what bothered you the fact that they store them there at

> all(whether in hidden folders or not)?

>

> What difference does it make that they are hidden. How does that

> relate to moving the "My Documents" folder ?

>

> I haven't moved it before.. You have had the problem. You tell me.

>

> <snip>

 

It relates to the problem because the data that should be stored to the "My

Documents" folder is not, and is not moved because of it.

 

 

I understand you're just trying to help; and I do not mean to offend; but

its frustrating when you don't just answer my original question and instead

look for alternate solutions.

Now; is there a file which I can edit to make Windows mount my other

partition at the "Documents and Settings" folder?

 

Thanks in advance.