I don't know if this is what you want but the Command Center will let you control where you can install your plugins. However it wont let you do a custom install of the program or where it is to be installed. 
 
I hope that CW will expand the options available to us with the command center. 
 
I fully understand the need. 

CakeAlexS
Weird, when I upgraded the Cakewalk content went straight to a folder under my D drive where it belongs.
The cog icon allowed me the specify the VST file path settings before upgrading.
 
Maybe I have a later version of CCC?

JonD
Or the cog icon went unnoticed by some.  This is the kind of thing that should be made VERY CLEAR in the program.

I agree. It's however force of habit for me. Plenty of installers do it. Check XLN's for example, settings are hidden away. Before I install any software I hunt around for all the options that may be hidden away so I don't get caught out.
 
The great thing about XLN's settings is however that if you screw up, you just have to change the settings and it moves the files and folders around for you.

I just went thru this un-necessary exercise and have a simple solution. Go to the dir with your installation files, look for the Sonar installer, and run it manually. It's pretty similar to earlier installers and offers a 'Custom' install option. It doesn't have all the instrument option stuff, but that's a different issue. Anyway, you can then set the drv of choice for the program install and basic VST stuff. There is even an option to select between 32 vs 64b installs. I use both because I have a bunch of favorite 32b VSTs and bridging is a kludge. You probably need to set the installer to 'Run as Admin' first. I suspect that's needed for C3 as well.
I haven't tried the instrument installers yet and would love to get SI-Instruments off my C drv as well. CW really botched the C3 for SSD folks, imho. So, ditch the C3 and do it manually like we've always had to do it. 
 

m.letcher@q.com
I just went thru this un-necessary exercise and have a simple solution. Go to the dir with your installation files, look for the Sonar installer, and run it manually. It's pretty similar to earlier installers and offers a 'Custom' install option. It doesn't have all the instrument option stuff, but that's a different issue. Anyway, you can then set the drv of choice for the program install and basic VST stuff. There is even an option to select between 32 vs 64b installs. I use both because I have a bunch of favorite 32b VSTs and bridging is a kludge. You probably need to set the installer to 'Run as Admin' first. I suspect that's needed for C3 as well.
I haven't tried the instrument installers yet and would love to get SI-Instruments off my C drv as well. CW really botched the C3 for SSD folks, imho. So, ditch the C3 and do it manually like we've always had to do it. 
 

But remember, after you manually install, all updates can only be gotten (IIRC) through CCC.

m.letcher@q.com
I just went thru this un-necessary exercise and have a simple solution. Go to the dir with your installation files, look for the Sonar installer, and run it manually. It's pretty similar to earlier installers and offers a 'Custom' install option. It doesn't have all the instrument option stuff, but that's a different issue. Anyway, you can then set the drv of choice for the program install and basic VST stuff. There is even an option to select between 32 vs 64b installs. I use both because I have a bunch of favorite 32b VSTs and bridging is a kludge. You probably need to set the installer to 'Run as Admin' first. I suspect that's needed for C3 as well.
I haven't tried the instrument installers yet and would love to get SI-Instruments off my C drv as well. CW really botched the C3 for SSD folks, imho. So, ditch the C3 and do it manually like we've always had to do it. 
 

Does this mean that the Command Center will download the installation files in the designated download area (as determined by the "cog"/settings), and NOT simply install automatically?
... AND should you THEN want to install OUTSIDE of the CCC, there is a traditional setup.exe file in the download located in the designated download folder?
 
The "issue" of course is the "automatic launch" of the Command Center installer. If the download occurs and it doesn't automatically launch into installation, then this is the simplest of fixes: Manually install from the download folder.

Does anyone know if this is the protocol ... and please pardon if this sounds simplistic:

CCC downloads in to download folder (chosen in settings) ---> Pause (awaiting instruction to install)??

If so, then just exit the CCC at that point, navigate to the download folder chosen, and run manually. This would be an easy, simple workaround ... IF there is a pause. Since I would let it do anything until I was more certain, I've not yet installed anything but the Addictive Drum Plug ... which I WAS able to direct to a chosen folder/drive.

That is EXACTLY my concern! The C3 not only denies me access to a 32b install, but also dumps everything onto my tiny C: SSD which is unacceptable. Well, it's not actually too tiny (120MB), but it needs space for 5 or 6 system restore points, 32GB for a hibernate file, and about 50 GB basic OS and prog stuff, so an extra 5 or 6 GB here and there are not to be ignored! So, to get a usable config, I use a "Custom" install and already fear for what the C3 will do as its 'Artificial Stupid' deals with  automatic updates (which is by and large its biggest selling point apparently). There sure better be options about how and when these updates will occur so I can BU everything first. Another thing I didn't use to have to deal with (both the scheduling and the BU's because it isn't trusted). And don't get me started on how difficult it is to even BU a CW/Sonar system which sticks stuff all over the place. This is probably the motivation for trying to stick everything on the C: drive in the first place, but SSDs disrupted that model years ago. 
 
It's not that hard to script up some option alternatives rather than have one auto default for the C3, or is it? Some app's have been using .ini files for a long time to keep track of setup history. I'm pretty sure the first upgrade we see from the C3 will be it's own update before it even gets around to considering any Sonar updates. Granted the C3 is new and a 'work in progress', but it sure seems immature and necessitates manually configuring things now. I just don't see any advantages so far, just downsides. The sinker will be eliminating any manual path of installation/DL and locking users into the C3 for distribution and configurations. That would be an end-of-product-life decision for me until it has many improvements and demonstrated reliability. There have been just too many surprises so far. All I wanted (and still want) is/was a nice stable 'X4?' update from my old 32b X1d, so the rest of this is just fluff as far as I'm concerned. I'm not against being an early adopter, but it has to be an option for when I have time and interest in dealing with it. 
 

In the settings you can specify a location for the download files. Mark have you look in the settings yet of CCC?
 
Cheers..

I have, so what do you recommend, uninstalling it and reinstalling it with the new path (ie: D:\CakewalkContent)?
 
In windows (and how long will legacy modes of drive naming remain SOP?) it defaults to C:\, so if I want to move it, can I simply copy and paste (check if it works then delete old path) or doe the registry entry buggle up that idea?

Damnit there are two Marks, I meant Mark Letcher!! Sorry..!
 
Mark Pixley just move it yourself and change folder locations in preferences  I suggest. Registry hack may need to happen if/when is necessary.
 
Not sure exactly is in your Cakewalk Content, mine has been customized for some time...
 
I guess two Marks are better than two Alex's...

It seems to be working...I am still in the playing around with it mode...I just get nervous when my OS hard drive gets to fat and turns red...probably not a game changer, but just a habit of mimetic design.
 
On another note should I reconsider core parking/Not core parking in Plantin-ieium?