running two versions of the same program? possible?

[mptrauber]

Good day to you all and thanks for any help,

I need to run 2 versions of the same program on the same computer. I can change installation locations and file names, but I guess what gets put into the registry doesn't follow my changes and the two programs start cross-pollenating.

I've looked at creating a dual boot system, but need to switch from one program to the other pretty quickly and would rather not reboot 10 time a day.

Is there a solution for me? Something akin to a virtual registry or something?

Thanks!

 

[EagleKeeper]

The program itself may be setup for only one copy to run. The registry may have nothing to do with it.

When you attempt to start a second copy; it can detect that the first copy is active and just shut down.

 

[DaveSimmons]

^ yep. Contact support for the company that makes the program, there is no all-purpose solution other than using a second PC (or VirtualPC if it runs OK there).

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

Install under different users and switch between them maybe?

 

[CTho9305]

What's the program? Some have special options you can use to run multiple copies.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: CTho9305
What's the program? Some have special options you can use to run multiple copies.

Yes, it will depend on the program itself.
Some programs let you run two concurrent instances. Some programs don't. Some programs install indentically named DLLs into the same folder(s), and installing different versions will replace some DLLs, so you'll wind up with half and half of different versions, and you might not have anything run.