Dual boot XP Pro with a second instance of XP Pro???

[EtherStreams]

Hi. I was wondering if it is possible (and how) to Dual-Boot WinXP Pro with
another instance of WinXP Pro? I would like to have WinXP on one partition of
a drive (with certain programs installed EX: Firewalls, etc..) with WinXP on
another partition (with other programs installed EX: Audio programs) and the
ability to boot up which ever one I wish to use. If having both XP's on the
same drive is not possible, I am running 2 other drives. To be noted, I do
understand that I can use msconfig to disable start up programs, but I no
longer wish to do this.

 

[JS]

How to edit the Boot.ini file in Windows XP
See: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289022/en-us
and: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314081/en-us

Boot.ini switches explained:
http: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/information/bootini.mspx

 

[John John - MVP]

It's as simple as doing the Windows installation, that is all that you
have to do. Boot the computer with the Windows XP CD and select to
install Windows on a different partition, each installation needs its
own partition. I prefer to have the installations on different disk but
that is not a prerequisite. The Windows setup program will detect the
existing installation and add it to its boot menu, thereafter when you
boot the computer you will be able to select which installation to boot.
For most parts this is relatively safe and easy to do but keep in mind
that "stuff" can happen when you install an operating system, make sure
that you have a known working backup of your precious files before you
proceed!

That being said, what is your ultimate goal? Why do you need two
installations? You may not need a second Windows installation, you can
boot Windows to different hardware and service configurations.

John

 

[Ron Badour]

BootIt Next Generation is available from:
http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/bootitng.html and it does partitioning,
makes a compressed image, does many other partitioning chores and is a boot
manager. It is not quite as easy to use as Partition Magic but it is half
the cost and has more features. BING is a *full function* demo you can try
for FREE for 30 days. The web site has a lot of support articles.


--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

 

[EtherStreams]

Hi, John John. Thanks for replying.

"That being said, what is your ultimate goal?"

My main use of my computer is Audio and Graphic Art production, however, I
also enjoy using it for internet browsing (chat relays, etc...) and testing
out new programs.

My conflict of interest, is that I run an external soundcard (Presonus
Firebox). What happens frequently, is that the audio drivers get blown out.
This problem is unsolved after 2 years (Presonus has not been able to help),
and what triggers the drivers to blow out is still not pinned down (so to
speak). Also, whereas other installed programs (unless manualy disabled are
interfering with my audio recorder EX:anti-virus\firewall).

What I wish to do is have one instance of XP for internet/office/ testing
out new programs, and the other instance of XP as a fixed os strictly for
Audio and Graphic Art Production (whereas other programs installed on the
previous instance of XP will not be a part of the later instance of XP.)

I hope this clarifies my situation. If any more info is required, I will be
more than happy to answer any questions needed to make this thought work.

 

[John John - MVP]

OK, I see. I think having two installations is your best choice. I
would recommend that you put them on separate hard disks, that way if
one disk bites the dust the second one should survive. I also think
that you should setup your installations completely independent from one
another. To do this, you can pull the power on the present disk or go
in the BIOS and disable the present Windows disk while you setup the
second installation. With the present Windows disk disabled install the
second installation and it will be completely independent. When the
second installation is completed you can then re-enable the first disk
and add an entry for the second installation to the boot.ini file.

John