When OS/2 is installed it sets up a directory called OS!2 2.0 Desktop on the boot drive, corresponding to the desktop work area. In this directory it installs some default objects for the user which the user can work with to subsequently create new folders and other objects for himself.
The result is that user files are created on the same partition as the operating system. Many users would prefer to keep their data and programs in a separate partition from the operating systems, in case they have to format their partition to install a new release of the operating system.
Fortunately, it is possible to move the desktop to another drive or partition, though this can only be done after installation - the OS/2 install program always puts it on the boot partition. The process to do this is simply:
This will result in the desktop structure, with all its subdirectories, being physically moved to the new drive or partition. All references in OS2.INI to objects within the corresponding folders will be updated to reflect the change.
If the user does have to reinstall his operating system, however, this approach may cause other problems in rebuilding the desktop. Among the factors to be considered are:
The implementation of the Workplace Shell is discussed in Workplace Shell Implementation; an understanding of the way in which WPS objects are created and stored will help the user to decide how to structure his system.