Is there a way to run multiple instances of a program?

[calvink]

Is there a way to run multiple instances of a program on the same machine in Windows 2000 or Windows XP?

 

[labgeek]

That's going to be very program dependent. Most (or at least many) Windows programs allow this by default. Starting 2 calculator programs isn't a problem. Others that attempt to access the same resources at the same time may have problems. For these the programmer(s) often take steps to prevent multiple instances running at the same time. Perhaps if you mention what program you want to run multiple instances of, we could better answer your question.

 

[calvink]

Originally posted by: labgeek
That's going to be very program dependent. Most (or at least many) Windows programs allow this by default. Starting 2 calculator programs isn't a problem. Others that attempt to access the same resources at the same time may have problems. For these the programmer(s) often take steps to prevent multiple instances running at the same time. Perhaps if you mention what program you want to run multiple instances of, we could better answer your question.

Winamp.

 

[PrincessGuard]

Uh, have you looked into the Allow Multiple Instances option in Winamp preferences?

 

[corkyg]

Some will - some won't. A good example of one that will is Internet Explorer.

 

[calvink]

Originally posted by: PrincessGuard
Uh, have you looked into the Allow Multiple Instances option in Winamp preferences?

DOH! Thanks.

 

[calvink]

If the program doesn't is there a way to?

 

[igowerf]

Originally posted by: calvink
If the program doesn't is there a way to?

I don't think there's an easy way. A program can easily check to see if an instance of itself is already running.

 

[calvink]

Multiple user accounts in Windows XP with fast user switching, seems to work.