Is This Possible

You can create a Virtual HD of your existing system (or convert your existing HDD to a VHD - for use with VMware product) then use XP Mode as a virtual machine and boot to this this VHD. Otherwise use a VMWare product as your virtual machine (eg VMware Server 2) and boot to the VHD you've created. You can store your VHD on the external drive and boot to it no worries.

justvisiting said:

I have xp pro on drive C 300gb almost full I have external seagate usb hard drive (L) I would like to keep all my applications and xp pro can I clone C to L and Install win7 on C and still access L win xp.???

Hi JustVisiting! Welcome to SevenForums!

I think you should be able to. Clone C to L and then install Windows 7 on C:

Then you should follow these instructions:

1. Download EasyBCD from here: Download EasyBCD 1.7.2 - NeoSmart Technologies
And then install it. (I'm not gonna go through those steps because they're straightforward.)

2. When you've installed open up EasyBCD.You should see a page that has a options at the left and text to the right.

3. Go ahead and click "Add/Remove Entries".
Under where it says "Manage Existing Entries" It should only have Windows 7.

4.Where it says add an entry click the Windows Tab.

5. Next to type choose "NT/2k/XP/2k3"

6. Next to name just write in Microsoft Windows XP or whatever you prefer to call it.
Then choose the Drive that you have XP installed on and click "Add Entry".

Restart.

You should have two options now.

I don't think your applications will be saved. All your custom settings will though.

Thanks,
ZeshanA
If I helped you, click the scales at the top right of my post and click I Approve!

I think the best solution would be if you can get a second internal drive and install Windows 7 on that and have a dual boot using the instructions Zeshan gave you for EasyBCD, if you try to relocate XP to the external drive I don't think it will work but don't quote me on that as it's something I have never tried.

Welcome to Seven Forums.

Putting an OS on a USB external hard drive will likely be pretty slow if it works.

It will work if you have a eSATA external HD.
I have ran Win7 from one for a while, until moved to the internal.

If you can get an eSATA external, I would recommend it.

If you have a laptop and it doesn't have an eSATA connection, you might find a ExpressCard with eSATA connection.

For a desktop it is easy.
Add a PCI card for eSATA.
Or a SATA cable to a back plate SATA/eSATA connector change over, one of these came with the external HD I bought. It will then act as a internal SATA port.

Just in case you want to go down the virtual machine (WMware) path here is what you can do. Warning: seach and read up on info in the virtualisation forum before doing this. (If you want to go down the W7 Xp mode, the logic is similar.

1) Register and download FREE, VMware vCenter Converter Standalone app.
VMware vCenter Converter, Convert Physical Machines to Virtual Machines

2) Install this program whilst in Xp and convert your Xp system to VHD. Store the VHD onto your USB drive.

3) Install your W7 to C:

4) Register and download FREE, VMware Server 2 app.
VMware Server, Free VMware Download for Virtual Server Consolidation

5) Install this program and create a new Virtual Machine using the VHD you've created in 2) as the VM OS.

If it's successful you will have your existing Xp Pro as well as w7 running at the same time. Nb: live for your Xp virtual machine will end and begin new when you start using it as a virtual machine.