Best option for configuring shared apps in a dual-boot configuration?


  1. golem
    Posts : 128
    Windows 10 64
       New #1

    Best option for configuring shared apps in a dual-boot configuration?


    Hard for me to believe but I'm having trouble finding the answer to this. I'm preparing for a fresh install and plan to once again set my primary HD for dual-boot. I currently am doing this having partitioned my 180Gb SSD into 3. There are 2 bootable Win7 partitions and a 3rd that I consider common. On the common resides a few shared documents along with Outlook data files and not much else. Now I have to wonder if there's a standard setup that might suggest many more common files could and should be placed centrally for use by both bootable partitions? Maybe even all the common application program file such as for anitivrus, Office, possibly even Flash, Java, etc?

    Hope I explained myself properly. Any insight or a link to info that could help me with understanding this would be greatly appreciated.
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  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       New #2

    For data files, a shared partition is OK - although you can run into permission problems.

    For programs, it won't work. There is more to it than just program files. When you install a program and direct the installer to that partition, it also sets the registry entries, etc. to point to that installation. Your second partition would not have those settings.
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  4. golem
    Posts : 128
    Windows 10 64
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Much appreciate the reply whs!

    Before coming back to read your reply I finally found a couple threads/articles relating to my query and they pretty much were 100% in concert with your insight. Looks like the way I currently have my sys configured is about as good as it gets. Now the fun of clean install begins. :)
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  6. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       New #4

    You are welcome.
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