For now, the root directory where properties files are search by Props is not configurable and is in the classpath (at root level or under /props/ directory).

We need to be able to specify file system directory, for example to put application configuration files under a usual path for admin sys, for example under /etc/MyApp/ on unix.

The path could be configured via a JVM parameter, for example: -Dlift.props.path=/foo/bar/baz
BUT this would be problematic with several Lift application running in the same container.

More information in mailing list thread: http://groups.google.com/group/liftweb/browse_frm/thread/69c7fa887905a5c5