Windows 7: Installing XP on an external hard disk?

Hey!

I have Windows 7 on my PC. I also have an external hard disk. I was wondering, can i install windows XP on my external hard disk ( which is partitioned) and expect to be able to use it, on whatever computer i plug it to?

Also, will this effect my computers speed? Since its installed on my external hard disk and not on the computers one?

Can it be done yes, will it work as you want it to, short answer no. Why? Because Windows XP will discover that new hardware has been installed and require you to re-activate it when you move it from machine to machine. Plus you will need to modify the way the machine boots so you can pick an OS or try to get the machine to boot USB first always. If boot USB first is on then when the drive is plugged in you will get Windows XP and when it is unplugged you get Windows 7. Another point; this would be considered illegal use of the OS by Microsoft.

but isn't there a portable windows XP? I think i heard there is. Its name magic flash?? U put it on your flash disk, and just stick it to ur pc and it boots with win XP.

Not that I am aware of, unless it is a hacked version of Windows XP and illegal. I know there some PE Windows XP builds, but those are from Microsoft or Microsoft partners.

Use a Linux instead. That way you can use it in your toolkit if a PC won't boot or whatnot. Most of those "emergency boot CDs" that scan for viruses have Linux OS and use a Windows or Dos emulator to run the virus scan(or a Linux version of the virus scanner.)

That way you won't get in trouble.

Google "boot land" for all things bootable for PCs. I'd post a link but the last few hours it doesn't seem to respond. They may be down for maintenance.

M$ made it easier to run XP. They allow a free download of XP running in a virtual PC to registered Win 7 users. (see link below)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/

EAch new computer will require new drivers so can you get it to work Yes. Will it be easy NO.

I think Linux is the only answer, unless you want to get into trouble.

See, my main objective of doing so is two reasons, 1) the computer i plug it to may not have the hardware capabilities to run Windows 7

2) because of the sign thing in Windows 7 which doesn't exist in windows XP.

So you guys recommend i install a Linux on my external hard disk (160 GB) and my problems are solved?

Since I didn't see where you described your "problems", don't see how anyone can answer your question.

You don't install "Linux"; you install a version of it, known as a distribution, commonly called a "distro". Examples are Mint, Ubuntu, PC Linux OS, and others.

A good source for distros is distrowatch.com.

However, if you're not carefull about HOW you install it, you could end up hosing up your system so it won't boot anymore without the external disk connected.

So, I suggest that you go the the host forum for whatever distro you choose and check there regarding the details of installing to an external drive.

Oh, and BTW, before you do this, would be best to use the Windows 7 Backup function to create and burn a Windows 7 Repair CD. You might need this later if you hose up the Windows 7 boot while installing the Linux distro.