The default repository path in GeneSpring is <GeneSpring Installation Directory/app/>.

GeneSpring stores metadata in MySQL/PostgreSQL (depending on version 12 or later) database and files in data files folder that contains gxuser, gxmanager and gxworkgroup.
 
Access to data is provided by a combination of MySQL/PostgreSQL database and files.

Yes, GeneSpring provides you with a feature to select the data storage location of your choice. In GeneSpring 12.x, to make the required changes, go to “Tools -> Change Repository”. Specify a location of your choice in Repository path.
 
If you are working with GeneSpring 11.5.1 or earlier version then, go to “Tools -> Options -> Miscellaneous -> Repository path”.

Changing repository path would have the following effects:

1. If you are working with GeneSpring 11.5.1 or earlier version, change in repository would only store the data files in new storage location and not the database itself. Database is located in original GeneSpring installation directory. Movement of database is possible in GeneSpring 12.0 and later versions.
2. You will be able to access previous projects, provided the previous repository folders are present in their original locations.
3. All the new data files will be stored in the new repository path.

Please note: Database entries are always made in MySQL database. This is vital for access to data and its recovery (if required). Hence, it is highly recommended to not remove any folder from GeneSpring installation directory or the folders from new location.
 

Yes, GeneSpring 12.x provides the option to move MySQL database as well while changing the repository path. While trying to change the repository, user is prompted with a message to confirm if a change in MySQL database is also required.

In GeneSpring 12.0, the repository path information is shown in “Old repository path” section. To view the information, go to “Tools -> Change Repository”.

Experiment creation and all the following analysis requires a temporary folder (by default, this is created in GeneSpring installation directory  at  <GeneSpring Installation Directory>/app/tmp). It doesn’t change with change in Repository path. Hence, it is required to have some free space in the drive with GeneSpring installation. A lack of space in default directory could result in failure of experiment creation.

No, you also need to copy the MySQL Database. Copying folders is not advised. Please use “Export-Import or Backup-Restore functionality for the access to projects.