Multiple Operating Systems and Multiple Users

[Guest]

I have two users and one PC. I would like to arrange it so each user's
actvities, programs, etc. are as distinct from one another as possible. In
other words as much like two PCs as possible.

Is it feasible to partition the hard drive and run two instances of Windows
XP and separate versions of programs each user would need? Would this prevent
traces of activity from bleeding over from Jack's programs/activities to
Jill's inspection (and vice versa), because of something I am overlooking?

Would I need to purchase multiple versions of Windows XP to accomplish this?

Would it work to purchase a portable hard drive for each user and
install/run the operating system, programs and so on from there?

Suggestions welcome. Thanks!

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Answers inline

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Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart Display\Security
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
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I have two users and one PC. I would like to arrange it so each user's
actvities, programs, etc. are as distinct from one another as possible. In
other words as much like two PCs as possible.

Is it feasible to partition the hard drive and run two instances of Windows
XP and separate versions of programs each user would need? Would this prevent
traces of activity from bleeding over from Jack's programs/activities to
Jill's inspection (and vice versa), because of something I am overlooking?

Yes, this is possible. However, in order to ensure minimum contamination, you would want to use a 3rd party boot manager, such as BootIt Next Generation, which allows partitions to be hidden from each other, as well as defining what partitions are visible to each installation.

Would I need to purchase multiple versions of Windows XP to accomplish this?

Technically, yes. But since its the same hardware, there shouldn't be an issue. If your computer came pre-installed with Windows XP, there is no way to peform an "additional" installation with the provided recovery method. You would be required to obtain another copy of XP.

Would it work to purchase a portable hard drive for each user and
install/run the operating system, programs and so on from there?

No. While there is a work around posted on the web, XP does not natively support being run from a removable disk drive (USB, Firewire, etc.)

 

[Timothy Daniels]

I have two users and one PC. I would like to arrange it so each user's
actvities, programs, etc. are as distinct from one another as possible.
In other words as much like two PCs as possible.

Is it feasible to partition the hard drive and run two instances of
Windows XP and separate versions of programs each user would
need? Would this prevent traces of activity from bleeding over from
Jack's programs/activities to Jill's inspection (and vice versa),
because of something I am overlooking?

Would I need to purchase multiple versions of Windows XP to
accomplish this?

Would it work to purchase a portable hard drive for each user and
install/run the operating system, programs and so on from there?

The easiest way to do this would be to put the 2 instances of
WinXP on 2 different HDs by cloning the 1s HD to the 2nd.
You can do this with free HD manufacturer's software or by
downloading a free trial copy of Casper XP or Acronis' True
Image. You can get Casper XP at
www.FSSdev.com/products/casperxp/ .

With 2 independent HDs, you can use the BIOS to switch
between the 2 OSes by alternating which HD is at the head
of the BIOS's HD boot order. The HD at the head of that
boot order will be given control over booting. Since each
HD is set up to boot its copy of the OS, that will control
which OS boots. This obviates the need for diddling with
the menu for the ntldr boot manager or with setting up
a 3rd-party boot manager.

The next easiest way would be to use WinXP's ntldr boot
manager to handle a dual-boot. Just make a clone of the
1st WinXP's partition to another HD, and use
Start/Run/msconfig/BOOT.INI/Check All Boot Paths to set
up the boot.ini menu for dual-booting.

As with all WinNT/2K/XP clones, don't let it see its "parent"
OS when it starts up for the 1st time. THIS IS IMPORTANT.
The easiest way to hide the "parent" OS is to disconnect its
HD before starting the PC. Thereafter, either OS may be
allowed to see the other at startup with no bad consequences.
Initially, if the 2 HDs are on the same IDE cable, the Master
will boot if the BIOS's HD boot order hasn't been reset.
Otherwise, the BIOS will use whatever HD boot order you've
set for it.

In all these scenarios, though, each OS will be able to see
the file hierarchy of the other OS's partition, so if one user
wanted to diddle with the other user's files, he/she could.
To keep them out of each other's files, you'd have to set up
User accounts with passwords etc, which is another topic
althogether.

*TimDaniels*