Multiple hard drives and multiple operating systems

[chadroeder]

I'm purchasing an hp "775" pavilion in the "mini tower" configuration, and because of an issue with our current OS (XP) and its incompatability with some of our printers and scanners, we're considering installing a second hard drive and an OS that is compatible with said hardware. Is this a sound idea, foolish, or otherwise? Any ideas are appreciated. Thank You!

Chad Roeder

 

[Comtech]

VMWare or 2 partitions on one drive will do it.
No need for a second drive.

Cheers,
Jim

http://members.cnx.net/reboot/

 

[wolluf]

Reasonable idea - 2 drives is a bit safer than 2 partitions - but 2 partitions would be fine. (I've got no experience of VMWARE - suggested by Comtech).

Have you worked out dual-boot setup if you go that way. Eg, 'normal' method is to install older windows first - and you've already got XP installed. I'd suggest using a third party boot manager -

http://www.boot-us.com

is one I use - and installing the second o/s with XP drive disconnected (if you go 2 drives). Then install boot-us with both drives connected and use it to set up boot menu.

 

[firewolfrl]

I like XOSL better.

http://www.xosl.org/

and it is free

 

[Comtech]

XOSL is simply a multi-boot loader, not software like VM, which gives you another "virtual" hard drive, or a second physical partition/drive.
I have used both, and find XOSL's gui nicer, but boot-us' setup easier.

Cheers,
Jim

http://members.cnx.net/reboot/