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Dual booting XP Pro and XP Pro

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8 replies

by rgrowcock 2 views

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I have a friend that want to dual boot XP Pro and XP Pro using 2 different internal hard drives. This is possible isn't it? I would think it would be but am not completely sure.

Now the reasoning behind this. He is into recording music and just bought a new I/O device and is having trouble getting it to work correctly. I believe it is an Aardvark Pro card, but don't quote me on this.

The problem is that he has a second sound card, internal network card, and modem, all which must be available to use but which seem to conflict with the new card.

My thought was just dual boot, disable all of the other cards except the one he wants and go from there. The card and software that goes along with it indicates that nothing else should run and the same time. I was thinking, that on a new 100 GB hard drive, with a second install of XP, he would be able to switch to that one to do his music stuff and only install what he needs. And have the original install for everyday use with everything already installed.

Is my logic flawed, or will this work? Anyone have thoughts on this? I originally thought about either a Linux install, but he doesn't know, nor wants to learn, or a new box dedicated to sound. But this is not practical or financially feasible. Other thougths?

TIA,

Roger

8 replies

by thechas

Yes, you can boot into multiple XP sessions, and install XP more than once on a single PC.

Keep in mind that you will need to "activate" the second installation.

I think there is an easier way to accomplish what needs to be done.

Create a second user profile, and use hardware profiles to set what hardware is available to each session.

You can also limit what software is available to each profile.

Chas

by thechas

Cost for a second PC: (US dollars)

KVM switch so he can use the same monitor and keyboard: $30

Motherboard: $80
CPU: $75
RAM: $100
Case: $25
CD-RW drive: $40
Windows XP OEM: $140
Video Card: $50

He already has a hard drive.

Chas

by cg it

Chas is right on profiles but what your doing is in essense running 2 seperate computers on one box. you say getting a second computer is financially not feasible but in practical terms would be your best bet. Lot of configuration work with potential hickups in the setup and not always assured it will work everytime.

by jschein

Forget paying money for new anything... CREATE A HARDWARE PROFILE... WITH THE CONFLICTING HARDWARE DISABLED IN ONE and everything normal in the other... So low cost, it's free

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