Registry Guide for Windows

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

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(All Windows)
This tweak allows you to change the directory used as the default location for software applications and shared files.

This tweak can be easily applied using WinGuides Tweak Manager.
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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

Registry Settings

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

Related Tweaks

Change the Location of System and Special Folders (All Windows)

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