Change the Default Location for Installing Programs

Change the Default Location for Installing Programs

XP uses the C:/Program Files directory as the default base directory into which new programs are installed. 

However, you can change the default installation drive and/or directory by using a Registry hack.

 Run the Registry Editor and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion
Look for the value named ProgramFilesDir. By default, the value will be C:/Program Files. 

Edit the value to any valid drive or folder; XP will use that new location as the default installation directory for new programs.