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.