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While I am reasonably competent in caring for my desktop (assembled my own from parts I ordered) and software (I load, try and remove many products); I cannot fathom how to install AIM 6.5.9.1 in an alternate directory.
My preference is “S:PgmsAIM”. Yet, I have uninstalled and installed 6.5 several times in the last few days and I do not find any option for an alternate directory. Running the install from the command line (Install_AIM.exe/s:Pgms”) was ignored as the software loaded without hesitation, or asking permission, into C:Program Files”.
……………….Any thoughts or feedback?
Have you tried setting your system-wide preferences such that $ProgramFiles (or equivalent) is S:Pgms?
Yes and no and maybe.
Yes, I tried the registry hack with the installation of a different application that also did not provide an option of a target directory. But, of all things, Microsoft Outlook failed with a common error. After reverting to the original registry configuration, Microsoft Outlook performed properly.
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No, because of the above anomaly, I’ve been extremely reluctant to invoke the registry path change.
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Maybe, I’ll try it.
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If I’m brave enough, I’ll let all know.
Thanks.
The steps are:
1. Close all programs
2. Remove existing version of program one wishes to move from “C:Program Files” folder to a new folder.
3. Invoke REGEDIT or other similar program.
4. Save existing registry.
5. Find the following registry key and change its value from “C:Program Files” to “?:new folder name”; where “?” is a drive letter. Note quotes are not used.
Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: SoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrent Version
Name: ProgramFilesDir
Value: C:Program Files6. Change “Value” to “?:new folder name”
7. Close REGEDIT
8. Reboot, so registry change takes affect.
9. Install program that misbehaves, e.g.: does not allow override via installation query. It should go to “?:new folder name”
10. Verify that program works.
11. Invoke REGEDIT or other similar program.
12. Amend the registry entry to the original “Value” of “C:Program Files”. Why? Because if one didn’t make this change upon first install of WINXP or WINVista, there may be other programs depending upon this value which will not function unless the value is properly set.
13. Reboot, so registry change takes affect.
Warning, one cannot simply move “C:Program Files after the fact (e.g.: system install) in toto to a new drive. Too many registry entries have “C:Program Files” imbedded, and thus many programs will cease to function.
No doubt, these steps will permit one to load and install other applications wherein the default target directory is always the registry value for ProgramFilesDir and one has a preferred alternate directory.
thanks for the answer guys. It was frustrating me.
P.S. back up your registry! I backed up by setting a restore point but I also use a freeware registry backup, there are several, the one I like is Erunt.
I posted your solution as well as a question to AOL as to why it was forcing a C: install on the AOL forums. Thank you again Cronus for the idea and TedT for the step by step directions and for being the guinea pig!
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