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PowerSpec PC Systems: Support Tech Notes

Solid State Hard Drive (SSD) - Using SSDs with Secondary Data Drives



Solid-State Drive Information

This PowerSpec computer comes with a solid-state drive, also called an SSD, as the primary drive where Windows is installed. This computer also has a secondary drive or RAID volume which is intended for data storage. Solid-state drives use a newer technology for storing data that is faster than traditional hard drives, but because the technology is still relatively new, solid-state drives are smaller in capacity.

Storing Data on the secondary drive/volume :

By default, Windows creates special save locations (like ‘My Documents’ and ‘My Pictures’) in the same drive where Windows is installed. These folders can, and should, be changed so that the files are saved on your larger data storage drive. Follow these steps to change these locations:

1. Click the Start button/Windows logo, type C:\Users, and then press Enter.
2. Double click on the user name that is currently logged in.
3. Right click on the first folder and then left click Properties.
4. Click on the Location tab and then click the Move button.
5. Click on Computer on the left side of the window and then double click on the second hard drive. The second hard drive is usually listed as D: but it may vary.
6. Create a folder (or folder structure) where the data will be moved and stored. To create a new folder, click the New Folder button near the top of the window.
7. When finished, click the Select Folder button at the bottom and then click OK.
8. There will be a prompt asking if the files should be moved to the new location, click Yes.
9. Repeat steps 3 through 8 until all the folders have been moved. Once they are moved, they will no longer show up in C:\Users\<user name>.

Note: This process only changes the location of the currently logged in user. If there are multiple user accounts, repeat these steps for each user on the computer.


Installing Programs to the secondary drive/volume :

Windows also sets the default install path for programs to the same drive where Windows is installed. Some programs can be very large in size; these programs (or any program for that matter) can be installed to the data drive as well to save the space on the smaller SSD.

To install a program on the secondary drive, watch the prompts during the install. Sometimes the program will show the installation path and will have a button to change the location. Other programs may hide the installation path in the Advanced or Custom installation options. Choose the Advanced or Custom option and watch for the opportunity to change the location.

Note: Already installed programs cannot just be moved to the secondary drive. These programs will need to be uninstalled and then reinstalled to the secondary drive. To uninstall a program click the Start button/Windows logo, click Control Panel and then click Uninstall a Program.

Advanced Customization :

There are more advanced changes that can be made to allow optimal performance using an SSD boot drive. To view these other customizations, please visit the PowerSpec section of the Technical Support forum at http://www.microcentertech.com.


Call Tech Support.
For fee-based technical support, please call
1-614-850-3670 or send us an email.
Remember, it's important to have your system, model, or serial number ready when contacting our support staff with technical questions. Need help?


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