If you install with the default paths, there's no problem with an install, but you fill up your OS/C drive.
If you use the 3 drive plan, there doesn't seem to be any clear alternative for custom installing sample libraries to another drive, like you would for Dimension Pro, Z3ta+2, Rapture, even SD3, and then other vendors like the IK Sample Tanks, BFD kits, etc.
As I plow along trying to install things where I want the samples, I realize there isn't a list of paths, "do this for _____" and there ought to be!
I've gotten half answers at IK and am sort of stumbling my way into "hey, it's working". Some of SampleTank2 stuff puts itself in an appropriately named folder and some don't! WTF!
 
RE Dimension Pro 1.5; I have 15+ volumes of samples and though I want all of it on my F Library drive.
 
I installed some Platinum Samples Kits like Andy Johns Kit 1, didn't go in the same Multisamples folder, as the Rock Legends Kits 1, 2 and 3.
Some of the Z3ta went to C and some went to F.
Rapture ???
It seems that a chart of the paths for each of these would be really useful! I certainly don't know what I am doing, but I'd really like to!
 
I know that there is someone here who knows this well. It would be extremely very really useful (like "big in a huge way"  as my wife says!) to see a page or thread or FAQ listing what the "correct path" for all of these VST options, that we use or could be using. LOL
Michael

OK, I re-read your post and see that you want a list of paths.
You have it right; minimum 3 drives.
C: OS and all "programs" (except Rapture).
dlls go C:Program Files\Cakewalk\Vstplugins\vsti sub folder
I assign sub-folders for each VST and VSTi; these are the dlls. your circus, your monkey.
Audio Drive; mine is "A" since Win 7 will "let" you name an HDD "A"
I have a sub folder called CWP. That way I can backup all projects to an external drive with one move of the mouse.
Sample Drive, "S" works for samples, or V for VSTi, or L for Library; call it what you like.
I made a folder called "VSTi"
I have sub folders for "Cakewalk" "IK" "EZD" etc.
The only one I had "issues" with is Rapture.
It does not let you specify where samples will go (if my notes are right).
Consequently I installed Rapture (the program and samples) to the sample drive.
DimPro, Zeta, Session Drummer, IIRC, all let me specify where the samples should go.
I had no issues with SampleTank3 putting all the "content" on the sample drive.
You've got to pay close attention, as you're finding out.
Most installers will let you choose, but you've got to be "on your toes".
SampleTank2 works in X3?
All the "old" IK synths quit on me when I installed X2.
Have fun
 
Tom
 

With Cakewalk synths you can only move the Multisamples folder IF you're prepared to do a registry edit. Despite many requests over the years to change how the Cakewalk synths install their samples the only way still is to do a registry edit.

All other VSTis I have allow me to choose an installation path for the samples either during installation or after.

The Cake synths have 2 essential components ie. The Multisamples and the Programs. Multisamples is what takes up space And as I said before can be moved with a registry edit but Programs can't. At least I don't know anyone who's found a way. The thing is that the Programs don't take up a lot of space. In fact the Multisamples for z3ta and Rapture don't take up so much space so I only moved Dim Pro Multisample to my sample drive.



I'm afraid I can't help you with SD3 as I don't use it.

Use NTFS links/junctions rather than a registry hack to move the programs (and samples).

mudgel
...The Cake synths have 2 essential components ie. The Multisamples and the Programs. Multisamples is what takes up space And as I said before can be moved with a registry edit but Programs can't...

 
I would still prefer that programs, as well as multisamples, are stored in a place of my choosing rather than buried in some hidden folder. It's not just about the amount of disk space they take up. Whenever I need to reinstall or migrate to a new setup, I want to retain (or copy over) all the existing programs and multisamples, keeping their folder structures intact. With all the expansion packs plus things that I have added or modified over the years, it would be a nightmare to have to reconstruct it all again from scratch.

Like I said there's been many requests over the years for more flexible installers for the Cakewalk synths but no positive action as yet.

Thanks to all of you! Well, it will take me a bit to digest all these suggestions.
@ Tom ST2 will get imported to ST3 as Legacy instruments. So, no and yes, indirectly.
I do some of your methods and will be re-reading your post to rethink things! Thanks
 
@KPerry     I got a suggestion to do things that way and intend to learn that, but I've never done anything like that before and will have to read up/seek counseling LOL
 
@Kev999 and mudgel    As easy as Sample Tank 3 was, it does seem like the CW stuff is unnecessarily awkward or difficult and bothersome! Scott Garrigus mentioned that libraries that are "streaming", are the ones that really need to be on my F drive and I forgot all about that. I noticed that the Z3ta+2 and Rapture were "small".
 
So, I suppose having my DimPro, IK and the BFD2  on F is a start, and I'll get smarter as I go through this and redo it
-that makes me shudder!_  when I get educated.
Thanks to you all.
Michael

Until there's a more transparent way to do things, do a search on mklink. It basically creates an "alias" on your C: drive that can link to where the library actually exists. I have all my Dim Pro and SD3 samples on my master drive for samples. 
 
BTW the registry hack really isn't all that difficult, it just involves changing the drive letter in a line. I know people are terrified of the registry, but as long as you're careful and don't have a cat walk across your keyboard while you're editing, many registry hacks are not complicated.

In this thread of mine
http://forum.cakewalk.com/New-i7-How-to-get-X3ePE-Melodyne-Ed2-AD2-and-all-to-it-m3138215.aspx
 
scook responded with this method of using the cmd/exe.  and links rather than registry deletes. He also has a way to move the Rapture multisamples. I am tempted to uninstall it all and start over slower! Yet I don't think I quite get it, well enough.
 
Check out his posts #8 #10 #12 . They are intimidating, but I am thinking I have to learn how to do it and his responses are very good/clear/thorough, just beyond me at the moment. I'm wanting to install stuff on the new PC and some of it is going well, but..........  I don't really have a handle on it, so thanks to everyone. I hope to absorb it all!
Michael
 
 

Thank you, Craig. I suppose then I can install everything I own and as I learn these more serious methods, I can set things "right". I like that you've made it seem approachable! and I will hang on to my cat! Our other one is afraid of the guitars, so she doesn't come in the studio, but Little Guy likes to sleep on my lap while I'm online.
 
I am feeling better about this all. ......."not quite dead, yet, actually. I'm feeling better"(Monty Python)
Michael