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Anyone actually dual boot two separate Windows XP installations?

Jeff7181

Jeff7181

Lifer
I've been considering it since I don't have the cash for two computers that will do what I want each of them to do. One would be very stripped down version for gaming. The other being loaded with a pretty UI and nifty things like widgets and other handy apps running all the time... or maybe even an MCE '05 installation and eventually Vista.

Thoughts?
 
Originally posted by: Jeff7181
I've been considering it since I don't have the cash for two computers that will do what I want each of them to do. One would be very stripped down version for gaming. The other being loaded with a pretty UI and nifty things like widgets and other handy apps running all the time... or maybe even an MCE '05 installation and eventually Vista.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Couldn't you just create two users accounts and customize them accordingly?
 
Originally posted by: ivwshane
Originally posted by: Jeff7181
I've been considering it since I don't have the cash for two computers that will do what I want each of them to do. One would be very stripped down version for gaming. The other being loaded with a pretty UI and nifty things like widgets and other handy apps running all the time... or maybe even an MCE '05 installation and eventually Vista.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Couldn't you just create two users accounts and customize them accordingly?
Click to expand...

I dunno... can I? Can I keep separate registries for different accounts so all the trash from one doesn't end up in the other? Can I keep anti-virus software from loading on one username and allow it to load on another?
 
Sorry I run very clean setup to begin with so I didn't consider antivirus software and other stuff that users generally want to start up but in general they will run on startup for every user.



To answer your question though, yes I've done it, mainly when I was using win2k and testing winxp.
 
Well, I have two OS's on my comp for example.
Second system installation (just in case): if you have got only one partition you need to create the other one first of all. If you have un-partitioned space on the drive you may use WinXP installation CD to create it, otherwise you need any third-party disk partitioning software to resize existing partition and create the new one. I prefer Disk Director but it is just a matter of taste. By the way it also includes OSSelector to create multiboot environment.
So when you have at least 2 partitions you may choose where to install second system using WinXP CD while preparing for system installation or take advantage of OSSelector.
I also want to add that it is highly recommended to install second OS on the other partition in order not to mix up all system files.
 
once i had : Windows XP Pro , Window 2003 , Windows XP 64Bit , Windows Vista beta , Fedora Core 4 :! That one crazy computer but now its only Windows xp pro 32bit and Windows vista 32bit and windows 2003. just create another partition :!

I use WIndows xp pro just for gaming :!
Windows 2003 for everything eles
Windows Vista for beta testing :!
 
Originally posted by: Pirotech
I know HOW to do it... just wondering if anyone else does something like that.
Click to expand...
Well, if you have got only one partition you need to create the other one first of all. If you have un-partitioned space on the drive you may use WinXP installation CD to create it, otherwise you need any third-party...
Click to expand...
I found that Sam's Club and Fry's have the best 'disk partition' tool. It comes in a platic box and says Western Digital on the side 😉

Jeff, add another drive. I think 250's are now under $100. Make it a logical and go ahead and format it. Start the XP disc (CD) and select it as the install. You can boot XP from a logical. You system drive (the current C: drive) will still be the drive that starts and then gives you the Boot.ini menu.

Have fun and remember any apps that you want to use will need to be reinstalled in the 'new' system.

 
partitioning is a pain in the ass for me, I tried to dual boot x64 and professional, but i eventually opted for professional after realizing the many incompatibilities x64 had with other software/apps.
 
Funny, I was just thinking this morning of re-loading my kid's system with two copies of Win/XP. The reason is that my son loves to play games, and does lots of online stuff and seems to find ways to trash the system, collect viruses, etc. ... while my daughter simply uses the system to communicate, do her homework and artwork. It's a pain for her to lose her settings, etc after my son has trashed the system and I need to reload XP every six months. So if I have him using one partion and her using another partition, that should help address the problem.

I know that I could also solve the problem by locking down his account, but I don't want to inhibit his learning.
 
Yep, it's good idea. One more thing: they will be able to use both partitions under both systems. I.e. while working under any of two Windows they'll see and use all files on both partitions but surely have settings, etc. of this OS only.
 
Just remembered another option... Drive Caddy swappable drive. The drive letters remain the same. Can be a pain, but can be really clean.
 
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