Can in-house applications be installed somewhere other than Program Files?

Question

Hi,

I hope I posted this in the correct location.  I previously posted it here: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproappcompat/thread/05b0cbf9-81d3-4e51-9100-34e1cc69d6ad?prof=required

My company is preparing to migrate from XP to Windows 7.  I have found forums that discuss the recommended locations for folders.  I was wondering if anyone can tell me what the advantages and disadvantages are of placing our in-house apps (and possibly other apps) outside of the Program Files directory, or point me to a Microsoft site that explains why they should be in the Program Files directory.  For example, if we place our application files in C:/Apps in order to keep our directory structure intact, will there be permission issues or other problems?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I don't think you need to show yourself the "designed for Windows" logo.

As for permission issues, your program's installer needs to assign necessary permissions for the install folder, regardless where the user choose to install. A feature to let the user to choose the target folder is common among installers, and such program should work when they are installed outside program files. So as long as you are doing your job, your app should have no problem running in C:\apps

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Answer 2

Thanks Sheng!  It is difficult to find official documentation from Microsoft to resolve the issue, so your response is much appreciated.