How to run different versions of software on same PC 1

[tektips2006]

The OS is windows XP Pro. I have a custom application installed on my laptop that I use when I go to customer A. When I go to customer B however, I need to run a differnt version of the same software. The problem is that the 2 versions of the same application can not co-exist on the same drive. I think using different Hardware profiles, won't help. How do I resolve this problem?. Can I use VBox or VMWare? And if this is the case, which one is better (I know that vbox is free). Please help... Thanks

 

[mscallisto]

VMWare absolutely, we use it extensively for just such things.

There is a reasonable learning curve but nothing too difficult.

We also use it extensively for version control testing.

I've no nothing about VBox.

sam

 

[tektips2006]

Thanks for the info. I have also heard about "Microsoft Virtual PC", and apparantly it's free. I would assume it should work well with XP.

 

[2ffat]

How about a Virtual App? XenoCode has a product that will "virtualize" your app. We use it for an application that interferes with another app. Works great!



James P. Cottingham
[sup]I'm number 1,229!
I'm number 1,229![/sup]

 

[vacunita]

Virtual PC will create a complete Virtual PC.

Of course you'll need a Valid XP license in addition to the one your currently have to run on the Virtual PC. but you will be able to run the Application.




----------------------------------
Phil AKA Vacunita
----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[mscallisto]

if Microsoft Virtual PC is free then by all means give it a try.

Maybe try it first on a couple of "non production" PC's in case there's a problem.

sam

 

[TonHu]

VMWare has proven to be much more versatile and stable then Virtual PC, and is supported by more 3rd party suppliers.
It also has a Player version that can run virtual PC's (images) created by someone else, or by you to give to someone else. The major benefit is it's a lot lighter than the full (free) VMWare Server product. It also has commercial versions in case you need/want support, or want to host a big server with several images, to conserve power and hardware cost.

HTH
TonHu

 

[SimonDavies]

Why not look at VMware ThinApp instead?

http://www.vmware.com/whatsnew/thinstall.html

Simon

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[tektips2006]

I am not sure if I fully understand how the thinApp works?. The applications I run normally would need to access comports on the PC. Thanks

 

[2ffat]

A thinApp is like the Virtual App I mentioned above. With the XenoCode at least, you have all the same hardware options as you would with a "normal" app. XenoCode has (had?) a timed demo you could use to create Virtual Apps.

James P. Cottingham
[sup]I'm number 1,229!
I'm number 1,229![/sup]

 

[xwb]

Before you start vmware or virtual pc, find out how to get out of it. I was trapped for ages on Virtual PC because the mouse wouldn't move outside the VPC frame.

 

[drbtodd1971]

If you press control and alt together and vigourously move the mouse you can get the cursor out. Might take several goes tho.

 

[mscallisto]

xwb

does this help?

http://www.petri.co.il/virtual_vmware_keyboard_shortcuts.htm

sam