Dual-boot XP pro

[dave]

Hi,

Probably a dumb question but I know it's possible to
set up a dual boot system (on same boot drive) to say
Linux/Windows or to Win98/WinXP but is it
possible to set a dual-boot to two entirely
separate versions of XP PRO ?
I want a barebones version (for games) with no extraneous
software such as virus/spyware checkers or internet access etc.
and an "Internet ready" version with all bells whistles and protection.

Thanks 4 reading
Dave

 

[Angus Comber]

Just install twice. When you install the second second version specify a
different Windows directory. Eg WINDOWS for first installation and WINNT
for second or something like that. You should automatically then see a
bootup menu - you can change the text you see in your boot.ini file.

By the way, the problem with this on a single volume is when you install
programs they will get installed to the same C:\Program Files\ directory.
so it is best to use a different volume for each installation.

By the way, this works for all NT based operating systems.

Angus Comber
(e-mail address removed)

 

[dave]

Thanks for that

To any MVP - doing this can I use the same registration
for both boot-versions of XP pro ?

 

[Timothy Daniels]

Does this procedure put each OS into its
own partition? If so, why must there be
differently-named WINDOWS directories?

*TimDaniels*

 

[Larry CJ]

Good question, Tim....
I would stick with putting them on separate partitions. It seems to me
that if you are putting two "entirely different versions" on a computer, it
should work. If it complains, and it is important to your needs, you might
consider something like "Partition Magic", which will hide each installation
of windows from all other installations of windows by default. It comes
with a small routine which I believe is called "Boot Magic", which will
allow you to password protect the boot process on individual
partitions/operating systems and allow you to edit names of each operating
system (so you can make it easier to recognize which version of XP Pro you
are going to boot into; you could name one of them something like Win XP Tim
and the other Win XP Mary or whatever will make it plain enough).