Externally mapping a partition to a folder

[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?

 

[philo]

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

 

[jameshanley39]

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.

 

[Big Al]

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.

 

[jameshanley39]

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".

 

[Big Al]

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.


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.

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..



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.

 

[jameshanley39]

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.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was 5/24/2008 7:04 PM, and on a whim,
(e-mail address removed) pounded out on the keyboard:

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.


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.

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was 5/24/2008 8:18 PM, and on a whim,
(e-mail address removed) pounded out on the keyboard:

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.

 

[Code_Cruncher]

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.

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

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.

 

[jameshanley39]

On 26 May, 19:00, Code_Cruncher

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 myown
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.

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.

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>

 

[Code_Cruncher]

On 26 May, 19:00, Code_Cruncher


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.


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.

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.

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.



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.