Multiple WIN 7 OS linked to sealed off partitions!?

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  1. Posts : 3
    Windows 7
       #1

    Multiple WIN 7 OS linked to sealed off partitions!?


    I might have a strange question here. Strange as there might not be any working solution to it. But I think, if there is one, you guys would know it.

    Okay, I want to create three Win7 OS on a disk partitioned into three primaries.
    I would like these individual OS not to be able to reach eachother during use.
    Sealed off from eachother so to speak.

    Is this possible?

    Second question. The second disk I have partitioned into three, each partition I want to link to each individual OS and have them sealed off from eachother as well.

    IS this possible?

    Illustration: disk 1 OS 1 --> disk 2 partition 1. disk 1 OS 2 --> disk 2 partition 2.
    disk 1 OS 3 --> disk 2 partition 3.

    Can these 3 systems with their coresponding linked partition on disk 2 be completely sealed off from eachother?

    Thanks a million if anyone has the drive to answer me.

    /Mike Mason
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #2

    It is possible, using either permissions, or removing drive letters from Disk Management when in each OS, but I have to ask why anyone would need three of the same OS on one computer? Chances are, what you want to accomplish overall can be done in much more efficient, and cheaper methods.
      My Computer


  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #3

    For the operating systems I would use a password and permissions. For the partitions on your second disk it is more complicated. If there is only data, you could try encryption.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #4

    That's what I was driving at. With multiple user accounts and permissions, you can seal off parts of the computer. If you wanted isolated OSes for testing, then you should be using VMs.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thank you guys.

    I will start off by giving you a little debrief as to why I want 3 Win7.
    I have two disks already, one fast, one slower and want to stick with these. The fast one for OSs and the slow one for backup and storage mainly.
    I want to have them apart because I don't like clutter building up in the OS by introducing to many software categories.
    One for my music-prod and one for games and another one for accounting/internet and such. Reason being to stay focused by selecting the particular OS I want to work with and not go astray like I easily do .

    Another reason, if catching malware etc, this should not be able to infect my other data on either OSs or storage.

    Phew!

    Okay, so you say it is possible to create such security by password-protecting each system? Would that really be enough, say if some virus gets in there?
    By deleting the drive-letter in either OS would I really block access to the other data or is it simply a visual thing?

    If there were a software/boot that could close off particular partitions, that would be just awesome.
    Don't you think?

    kind regards,
    Mike
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #6

    You are creating a mountain our of a molehill, if I remember the saying correctly. You don't even need to keep your apps separate under multiple OSes, especially not at the cost of three licenses. It still amazes me to this day that people would rather buy three licenses and waste all that space, rather than just learn to keep one install organized. Windows 7 even makes this simple, and even self-maintains the systems performance. Honestly, would you buy three cars because you were worried about a flat tire on one of them???

    You don't need to do any of that, or even create multiple user accounts. If you organize your apps, and keep your Start Menu organized, you'll be fine. If you install good AV software, like MSE, back it up with a manual scanner like Malwarebytes, and use common sense, you won't have to worry about malware.

    If you use some common sense, and set the one OS up properly, you can take off your tin foil hat, change your "I'm with Paranoid" t-shirt, and just enjoy using the computer for what you need to do.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 3
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Okay *laughter*
    I stand corrected a little. It would be nice that that my point wasn't written off completely. It is nice to have an OS that is clean and focused.

    I can't help to insist on my question about whether or not there exsist a program/script that lets me deactivate partitions during startup.

    Lastly. Are you saying I can't install the same license three times on three separate partitions?

    Thanks!
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,114
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #8

    One license = one os install
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #9

    tripple said:
    It is nice to have an OS that is clean and focused.
    There's absolutely no reason why you can't do this with just one OS, especially if that OS is Windows 7. I'm not sure why you think you need separate OS installs for each of the computer's "purpose". I use the same PC for work stuff (at home), gaming, web design, multimedia editing, etc.
    tripple said:
    I can't help to insist on my question about whether or not there exsist a program/script that lets me deactivate partitions during startup.
    Like I said, you could remove the drive letter from Disk Management for the partitions you don't want accessed, but again this is FAR overkill and unnecessary for what you want to do.
    tripple said:
    Lastly. Are you saying I can't install the same license three times on three separate partitions?
    Of course not...that's never been the case. One license, means one install at one time...unless you had a corporate key. See how expensive that would be? That's your clue that there are MUCH better ways of accomplishing your goals. I'm also not sure why you are so spooked by malware. Use common sense and good AV software, and malware will be a non-issue. If you use your head and install Windows 7 properly, it will be tuned for whatever purpose you through at it. You don't need multiple OSes or licenses to do this. Just one.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 30
    XP, Win7 Pro, Ubuntu LL
       #10

    If just wanting to have a copy of a "clean" OS I would suggest setting it up exactly how you want to save it. Then make an image and save it to maybe your slower disk or preferably an exterior disk. You'll always have the "clean" image to install in case you needed it. Be sure to keep the image updated and if something did happen you would be up and running again quickly.
      My Computer


 
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