Installing XP on an external hard disk?

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mafhh

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Hey!

I have win7 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?
 

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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.
 

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Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 20...16GB
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Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell OP7010
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Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64)
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16GB
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4 Dell 24" LCD
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WindowsStar said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 

My Computer My Computer

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Windows 7Intel pentium 4 cpu 3.00 GHzNVIDIA Geforce 8400 GS
OS
Windows 7
CPU
Intel pentium 4 cpu 3.00 GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte technology, model 945PL-S3
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NVIDIA Geforce 8400 GS
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Realtek High Dfinition Audio
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Farasoo
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Farasoo optical
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DSL 128 kb
mafhh said:
WindowsStar said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...

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.
 

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Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 20...16GB
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell OP7010
OS
Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64)
Memory
16GB
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4 Dell 24" LCD
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1280x1024
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Dell
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Dell Optical
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40meg
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.
 

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NVidia GeForce 6150SE 128 MB
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Last edited:

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mafhh said:
WindowsStar said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
Click to expand...

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

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[email protected]
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Nvidia 9600M
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HD built-in
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I think Linux is the only answer, unless you want to get into trouble.
 

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Dual-boot: Windows 7 HP 32-bit SP1 & Windows ...AMD Phenom X4 9550 2.8Ghz4.0GB RAM256MB On-board ATI Radeon X1200 Series
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Advent
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Dual-boot: Windows 7 HP 32-bit SP1 & Windows XP Pro 32-bit SP2.
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UnKnown
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19" TFT Mointor
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1400 by 900
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500GB Western Digital WDC
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HP Keyboard
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Dial-up via Mobile phone (Three)
Other Info
80GB External Hard-drive.

Also I have an old Windows XP Laptop for backup/occasional use etc.
Love Windows 7 said:
I think Linux is the only answer, unless you want to get into trouble.
Click to expand...

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 win7

2) because of the sign thing in win7 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?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7Intel pentium 4 cpu 3.00 GHzNVIDIA Geforce 8400 GS
OS
Windows 7
CPU
Intel pentium 4 cpu 3.00 GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte technology, model 945PL-S3
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA Geforce 8400 GS
Sound Card
Realtek High Dfinition Audio
Keyboard
Farasoo
Mouse
Farasoo optical
Internet Speed
DSL 128 kb
...So you guys recommend i install a Linux on my external hard disk (160 GB) and my problems are solved?
Click to expand...

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 Win7 Backup function to create and burn a Win7 Repair CD. You might need this later if you hose up the Win7 boot while installing the Linux distro.
 

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mafhh said:
Love Windows 7 said:
I think Linux is the only answer, unless you want to get into trouble.
Click to expand...

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 win7

2) because of the sign thing in win7 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?
Click to expand...

The "sign thing"?? I don't understand what you mean.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 20...16GB
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell OP7010
OS
Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64)
Memory
16GB
Monitor(s) Displays
4 Dell 24" LCD
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Keyboard
Dell
Mouse
Dell Optical
Internet Speed
40meg
WindowsStar said:
mafhh said:
Love Windows 7 said:
I think Linux is the only answer, unless you want to get into trouble.
Click to expand...

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 win7

2) because of the sign thing in win7 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?
Click to expand...

The "sign thing"?? I don't understand what you mean.
Click to expand...

I think he means device driver signing. That's the only thing I can think of anyway.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 32 bitAMD 5200+ dual core2 GBNVidia GeForce 6150SE 128 MB
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Media Center
OS
Windows 7 32 bit
CPU
AMD 5200+ dual core
Memory
2 GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVidia GeForce 6150SE 128 MB
Monitor(s) Displays
CRT
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
500 GB Sata internal :

SIIG USB 3.0 docking stations w/WD Caviar Black 6 Gb/s drives
Keyboard
PS/2
Mouse
PS/2 Wheel Mouse
Other Info
SIIG USB 3.0 PCIexpress card.
MilesAhead said:
WindowsStar said:
mafhh said:
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 win7

2) because of the sign thing in win7 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?
Click to expand...

The "sign thing"?? I don't understand what you mean.
Click to expand...

I think he means device driver signing. That's the only thing I can think of anyway.
Click to expand...

Hummm, Driver signing is in Windows XP?? Hummm??
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 20...16GB
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell OP7010
OS
Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64)
Memory
16GB
Monitor(s) Displays
4 Dell 24" LCD
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Keyboard
Dell
Mouse
Dell Optical
Internet Speed
40meg
LOL! Seems i've caused a lot of confusion!

By the sign thingy, i mean that only softwares work that are signed. Readydriver plus was to dodge this problem (in windows 7).

And by problems, i mean to be able to run my unsigned programs on any computer i want, regardless of its original OS, by just plugging in my external hard disk.

Sorry if i accidently caused any confusion!:p
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7Intel pentium 4 cpu 3.00 GHzNVIDIA Geforce 8400 GS
OS
Windows 7
CPU
Intel pentium 4 cpu 3.00 GHz
Motherboard
Gigabyte technology, model 945PL-S3
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA Geforce 8400 GS
Sound Card
Realtek High Dfinition Audio
Keyboard
Farasoo
Mouse
Farasoo optical
Internet Speed
DSL 128 kb
If this is what you are talking about:
To make the task of turning off digital certificate signed driver mandatory requirement in x32 and x64 Windows Vista (yes, 32-bit Windows Vista has such security enforcement too, although less strict than 64-bit version) easier, Mr. Orange Sunshine has created ReadyDriver Plus which will allow user to automate the boot up Windows Vista process without driver singing enforcement. ReadyDriver Plus is based on ReadyDriver boot image by Uhlik which has to boot up from CD, floppy drive or USB drive. ReadyDriver Plus improves from original Ready Driver by allowing local hard disk installation, eliminating the need to boot from another device.

ReadyDriver Plus install itself as boot.bin file, and then modifies Windows Vista Boot Configuration Data (BCD), which is then read by Windows Boot Manager (the bootloader for Vista) to load ReadyDriver. When Windows Vista boot loader reads BCD, it loads ReadyDriver which will then makes the appropriate selection to disable Signed Driver Signature Enforcement, based on what user choose to install. So in a way, ReadyDriver Plus manages to permanently disable driver signing enforcement in Windows Vista, both x32 and x64, by automatically select "Disable Driver Signature Enforcement" option in the "Advanced Boot Options" menu on system startup.
Click to expand...

I highly recommend against using this. It will cause you more problems than it is worth.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 20...16GB
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell OP7010
OS
Windows 7 Enterprise (x64); Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64)
Memory
16GB
Monitor(s) Displays
4 Dell 24" LCD
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Keyboard
Dell
Mouse
Dell Optical
Internet Speed
40meg
Danger! Will Robinson Danger! Danger!. :shock: :D Sounds like a good way to hose your system. I wouldn't be doing it on my main daily user PC thats for sure.
 

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Windows 10 Education 64 bitAMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 MemoryZotac NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
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PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built
OS
Windows 10 Education 64 bit
CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
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Asus M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
Memory
8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
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VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
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Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
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Stock heatsink and fan
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Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
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Logitech Wireless M570 Trackman Wheel
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80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
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Windows Defender
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Internet Explorer 11
Other Info
HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Lost

I am trying to put windows XP on an old hdd. I set it up as an external, however when I put in my legal copy of XP, nothing happens. I can get into the BIOS and set it to run off CD and it will get through the setup stage. Once it reboots, I get a BSOD and it kicks me out and asks for "boot from CD". What am I doing wrong. I have tried to plug the drive into the PC I plan to use but I can not get past the F8 to agree to the terms screen. I know this is a lot of info but I could use all the help I can get.
 

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Windows 7 64 bit
Computer type
PC/Desktop
OS
Windows 7 64 bit
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