Bill, on my computer nothing gets installed "by default" :-). I control exactly where programs are installed. As I wrote in my message, all my genealogical programs, data, GEDCOM files, utilities, images, research, etc., are all saved on their own exclusive drive partition. Each program has its own folder and within each of those folders I have a DATA folder. When I backup, within the various programs, the backups go to a special folder on another partition. This folder contains backups from other places as well. Periodically I burn the contents of this folder to CD's. As for backing up data contained in other non-genealogical folders, I have other programs to handle that. Outlook and its associated settings are backed up by Outback Plus daily. Outback Plus in its latest version will also back up the contents of My Documents if that option is set. I back up my Registry regularly (at least weekly) using either Regedit or ERUNT. I never have backed up my Desktop as I leave very little on there (only shortcuts) and it can easily be rebuilt if that was ever necessary. So, provided the correct methods are used, there is no problem with keeping data folders with the program or anywhere else. Having all data from all programs in one folder is another option which was suggested and I can see merit in that too. One thing, though, is you don't have to accept (by default) where Windows tells you something has to be saved to - you need to make that decision (if you want an organized computer, that is). Lance P. S. Check out Legacy Family Tree today! This full featured genealogy program can be downloaded FREE at http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Index.asp?mid=52583ii -----Original Message----- From: Bill Linn [mailto:billinn@suscom.net] Sent: Tuesday, 29 March 2005 6:41 AM To: Lance; PAF-5-USERS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [PAF-5] Path mystery Just my 2 cents. I wouldn't save data files in Program Files, (where PAF-5 installs by default). When I back up I never include Program files. If all your data that changes on a regular basis is in My Documents or a sub folder within My Documents you only need to backup that folder, maybe including your Desktop, Registry, and Email. Regards, Bill