I have a Dell Dimension 3000 with a 40Gb hdd and recently installed a 160Gb hdd.
I can see the hard drive (E:) in my computer and store data on it however the computer warns me that C: is running out of space and slows down regularly.

What do I have to change to make this do primary functions on E:

What do i have to change to make this do primary functions on E:

"Primary functions" doesn't even scratch the surface of what's involved. It isn't as easy as pushing a button. The operating system (Windows?) and any other software that is installed on C: has lots of configuration information referencing files on drive C:. There isn't any facility that moves it all to E: and starts using E:. Changing all the references manually isn't practical even if all their locations were known.

So, the available options are:
1) Physically swap drive C: with drive E: so the new drive becomes C: and reinstall the operating system and software from scratch. This is very time consuming, particularly if the original operating system and driver discs have been lost or misplaced as is often the case.

2) Purchase imaging software such as Acronis True Image (http://www.acronis.com), clone (make exact copy) the C: drive to the new E: drive, physically swap the drives so E: is now C: and C: is E:, and go on about your business. Should take less than an hour. The imaging software can then subsequently be used for backing up your data on the new C: drive to the old E: drive or an external drive.

3) Have local computer shop do #2 above for you.

I'd also suggest having the drives installed as C: and D: with any CD-Rom or other drives starting at letter E:. You could also split the new large drive into multiple partitions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_partitioning) - C: (Operating System) and D: (Your Data), and E: (Old Drive) to facilitate backup.

It is possible to move files from C:\Program Files to D:\Program Files, and then edit the registry to point to the appropriate point on D:. However, it's not for novices and it can still take some time. Scleros' suggestions are probably the best for most people.

"Primary functions" doesn't even scratch the surface of what's involved. It isn't as easy as pushing a button. The operating system (Windows?) and any other software that is installed on C: has lots of configuration information referencing files on drive C:. There isn't any facility that moves it all to E: and starts using E:. Changing all the references manually isn't practical even if all their locations were known.

So, the available options are:
1) Physically swap drive C: with drive E: so the new drive becomes C: and reinstall the operating system and software from scratch. This is very time consuming, particularly if the original operating system and driver discs have been lost or misplaced as is often the case.

2) Purchase imaging software such as Acronis True Image (http://www.acronis.com), clone (make exact copy) the C: drive to the new E: drive, physically swap the drives so E: is now C: and C: is E:, and go on about your business. Should take less than an hour. The imaging software can then subsequently be used for backing up your data on the new C: drive to the old E: drive or an external drive.

3) Have local computer shop do #2 above for you.

I'd also suggest having the drives installed as C: and D: with any CD-Rom or other drives starting at letter E:. You could also split the new large drive into multiple partitions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disk_partitioning) - C: (Operating System) and D: (Your Data), and E: (Old Drive) to facilitate backup.

Never have a local shop do something you can do yourself just as easily and pretty much for free!

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