can I install Windows XP on separate usb hard drive?

[aaronep]

I presently have Windows 7 installed on my primary internal hard
drive. Unfortunately, there are some applications that I wish to use
that will not work with Windows 7, but will work with Windows XP.

Is it possible to install Windows XP on a separate USB hard drive and
then , when computer boots up, instruct the computer to access the usb
hard drive only, that has XP installed?

Also, when I wish to operate Windows 7, upon startup, instruct
computer to access only the internal hard drive that has Windows 7
installed?

This procedure sounds logical to me, but I am posting this question as
I do not want to go ahead and then screw up my system.

best, Aaron

 

[Dan]

I presently have Windows 7 installed on my primary internal hard
drive. Unfortunately, there are some applications that I wish to use
that will not work with Windows 7, but will work with Windows XP.

Is it possible to install Windows XP on a separate USB hard drive and
then , when computer boots up, instruct the computer to access the usb
hard drive only, that has XP installed?

Also, when I wish to operate Windows 7, upon startup, instruct
computer to access only the internal hard drive that has Windows 7
installed?

This procedure sounds logical to me, but I am posting this question as
I do not want to go ahead and then screw up my system.

best, Aaron

Can you not just use the XP Mode for Windows 7?
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/windows-xp-mode.aspx

 

[P.A. Toot]

No.

:I presently have Windows 7 installed on my primary internal hard
: drive. Unfortunately, there are some applications that I wish to use
: that will not work with Windows 7, but will work with Windows XP.
:
: Is it possible to install Windows XP on a separate USB hard drive and
: then , when computer boots up, instruct the computer to access the usb
: hard drive only, that has XP installed?
:
: Also, when I wish to operate Windows 7, upon startup, instruct
: computer to access only the internal hard drive that has Windows 7
: installed?
:
: This procedure sounds logical to me, but I am posting this question as
: I do not want to go ahead and then screw up my system.
:
: best, Aaron

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]]

I presently have Windows 7 installed on my primary internal hard

drive. Unfortunately, there are some applications that I wish to use
that will not work with Windows 7, but will work with Windows XP.

Is it possible to install Windows XP on a separate USB hard drive and
then , when computer boots up, instruct the computer to access the usb
hard drive only, that has XP installed?

Also, when I wish to operate Windows 7, upon startup, instruct
computer to access only the internal hard drive that has Windows 7
installed?

This procedure sounds logical to me, but I am posting this question as
I do not want to go ahead and then screw up my system.

best, Aaron

No, fixed disks only.

- Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]

 

[Mike]

Can you not just use the XP Mode for Windows 7?
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/features/windows-xp-mode.aspx

Provided the user has Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate.
Mike