How to store system files in a folder other than the default (Windows) folder

When I install Windows XP on a clean reformatted hard drive, I am not given the option to choose which directory I would like the Windows system files to be stored at. It usually stores it in Windows directory. How can I choose which directory to store those files at (i.e. change the directory location where the system files will be stored at?)

By default, the Windows XP system files must be installed on the
same partition you designated for its installation. You cannot
change the location to a different partition unless you wish to
install Windows XP on different partition which you created.

HOW TO: Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941

Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"David D." <daviddascoli@juno.com> wrote in message:
news:7A1B8D78-5E39-4889-866B-91C7666E7BB9@microsoft.com...

| When I install Windows XP on a clean reformatted hard drive, I am not given the option to choose which
directory I would like the Windows system files to be stored at. It usually stores it in Windows directory.
How can I choose which directory to store those files at (i.e. change the directory location where the system
files will be stored at?)

I do understand that you have to install the Windows system files on the same partition, but what if I want to store the system files on the same partition but in a different directory other than \WINDOWS. For example, what if I want the system files to be stored at C:\WINNT instead of C:\WINDOWS? Previous versions of Windows allowed the user to specify which directory/folder they would like to have Windows installed to, it seems that Windows XP did away with giving the user the option when installing from a formatted hard drive

----- Carey Frisch [MVP] wrote: ----

By default, the Windows XP system files must be installed on th
same partition you designated for its installation. You canno
change the location to a different partition unless you wish t
install Windows XP on different partition which you created

HOW TO: Install Windows X
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=31694

Clean Install Windows X
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens

--
Carey Frisc
Microsoft MV
Windows XP - Shell/Use

Be Smart! Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"David D." <daviddascoli@juno.com> wrote in message
news:7A1B8D78-5E39-4889-866B-91C7666E7BB9@microsoft.com..

| When I install Windows XP on a clean reformatted hard drive, I am not given the option to choose which
directory I would like the Windows system files to be stored at. It usually stores it in Windows directory.
How can I choose which directory to store those files at (i.e. change the directory location where the system
files will be stored at?)