using a 2nd external hard drive

[helpme50]

My original hard drive installed on my computer, letter "C" gives messsage disk is full. I purchased a 2nd external plug and play hard drive. I plugged it up, it is visible in My Computer. When I try to install a basic print shop program I still get message, "Disk is full". I did use 2nd hard drive letter "E" for destination of said installation but it says "C" disk is full. help

[wideboy]

A lot of (most?) programs will install something on the C drive even when you specify another drive (for example, entries in the registry). I would drag some of your data files (especially photos and videos) from the C drive to your new one first - then try the install again. You want to keep at least 1GB free (preferably 2GB or more) on the C drive (Windows uses it while in operation). Also think of backing up some files to CDs or DVDs.

[vehelpfulguy]

Excellent advice from wideboy. One extra thing.

It is NOT a good idea to install ANY programs on your new "E" drive.

Install all programs on the C drive and leave the new drive for pictures, mp3 files, movies etc.

The reason for this is that if you have to unplug your "E" drive for any reason your programs will carry on working.

As wideboy says, to make space on "C" drive move some large files (movies etc) from the "C" drive to the "E" drive.

[wideboy]

PS. Forgot to say - download the free program 'TreeSize' from here:-

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,2307 5-order,1-page,1-c,alldownloads/description.ht ml

or

http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/index.sht ml

This will show you what is hogging your C drive. It's also usually available on the cover disc of computer magazines.

[wideboy]

Good advice from vehelpfulguy (as usual). If you had a second internal hard drive as well, THEN you could install your applications onto it (it is also recommended to move the page file to this - bit more complicated)

[boobesque]

"it is also recommended to move the page file to this"

I would instead recommend adding a 2nd page file instead of moving it