Change Program and Common Files Directory (All Windows)

Registry Guide for Windows
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Registry tweaks, tricks & hacks to optimize, enhance and secure Microsoft Windows.

Change Program and Common Files Directory (All Windows)
Category: Home > Windows > Windows Explorer

This tweak can be easily applied using WinGuides Tweak Manager.
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This tweak allows you to change the directory used as the default location for software applications and shared files.

Open your registry and find the key below.

Change the value of "ProgramFilesDir" and "CommonFilesDir" to the desired Program Files and Common Files directories.

Restart Windows for the change to take effect.


(Default)	REG_SZ	(value not set)
CommonFilesDir	REG_SZ	C:\Program Files\Common Files
ProgramFilesDir	REG_SZ	C:\Program Files


	HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

Settings:

System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion]
Name: CommonFilesDir, ProgramFilesDir
Type: REG_SZ (String Value)
Value: Directory Name

Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.

Last Modified: July 29, 2002

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