If you need to move a program already installed, but do not want (or "can not") to reinstall the application again, do not miss this article!
We are all well aware that, to move an application to a different location than where it was installed (or, perhaps, on another partition or even on a separate hard drive) is not , just move the files that comprise it.
The process of installing programs in fact, usually creates a series of references in various parts of the operating system (mostly in the registry, but could also be involved in the configuration file saved elsewhere) that explicitly refer to the path chosen during the setup stage the program.
The solution generally adopted is to uninstall the program you want to move, and then reinstall the new location. But .. we are sure that there is a better way? what if, for example, the original installation disk is no longer available? Fortunately, the solution exists: just a little 'attention and technical acumen.
The idea is to move all the files that make up the program and replace that folder with a link to advanced, can "redirect" in a transparent way, all requests to the new location.
Follow me.
Office Move
Although this technique can be used to move almost any program without having to reinstall, this guide I wanted to migrate an installation of Microsoft Office.
I chose this software because, as anyone who has worked with Windows long enough, binds to its double wire installation path with the operating system and move it with a simple copy-paste can lead to dire consequences indeed.
In truth, I have noticed that the latest versions are better able to handle the situation ... but it is still a delicate operation, which, personally, I prefer not to entrust to an automatic.
0. Backup first!
I have actively used this technique in a couple of occasions at least, and everything went well.
Nevertheless, I strongly recommend to create an image of your PC with a tool in charge before you start: if something goes wrong, you may restore the original situation in a few clicks.
1. Safe Mode
We will work in safe mode.
In truth, this precaution may not be necessary, but will allow you to move files and folders as you like without running the risk that are currently in use: in this case, in fact, the move could not happen correctly.
Then reboot the PC in this mode: the step by step guide for beginners is "How to start the computer in Safe Mode".
2. Copy and move the folder
First, copy the folder on the desktop which is currently installed on the application you want to move.
If all goes according to plan, move the new folder from the desktop to the location where you want to store the program
This step is additional to a shift from direct, it is necessary to avoid ending up with a little 'file here, a little' from there in case something goes wrong. If you happen exactly this, simply delete the folder on the desktop and try again.
You are of course also free to rename the folder moved at will in the new location.
4. Delete the original directory
You can now delete the original location still stored.
It is possible that you receive at least a couple of warnings from the operating system: ignore and proceed quietly.
5. Create the symbolic link
We have now reached the heart of the whole operation. It is now necessary to create, in the same position in which there was first the directory itself, a symbolic link with the same name, referring to the new location.
We have examined the subject in the article "Complete guide to other links and hard links in Windows advanced", but for present purposes it is enough to know that it is special connections in Windows Vista and later managed in a fully transparent system OS and applications.
If you have installed "Link Shell Extension", the transaction can be completed in a few clicks: simply use the functionality offered by the program to create a symbolic link to the new folder that contains the program, then copy it to the location where was previously the application and have concluded. The entire procedure is detailed in the relevant article.
Again, I recommend paying close attention to the name you assign to the symlink: must match perfectly with that of the folder in which you were previously on the program, or all of the trick will not work!
If you want to proceed hand, open an administrative command prompt and issued a command like this: mklink / D "C: Program Files Microsoft Office" "D: Programs Office" , clearly changing appropriate paths to reflect your specific situation.
Remember that the syntax for creating symbolic links to directories takes first parameter / D , then the path to save the link, and finally the path to which the link should refer.
The result
If you did everything as directed, you will end up now with a symlink at the old location, referring to the new location where you moved the application.
After restarting the PC in "real", trying to launch the programs you'll have no problem
Just remember to never run programs directly from the new location: sinceratevi rather to always use related links to the original location.
See Pictures and Read more : Move applications without reinstalling, thanks to symlinks
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