Dual boot access to same programs.

[George King]

I have installed Windows 7 on my Computer on a separate partition to Windows XP2 to have a dual boot set up. Now, I would like to allow Windows 7 access to the Programs I have operating with Windows XP. If possible without having to install them again for Windows 7. These programs are currently scattered over three partitions including the OS partition of Win XP
Majority of these appear to have system files in the Win XP OS.
Is there any simple way I can get these programs to function under Windows 7 without having to install them again for Windows 7?

 

[Dwarf]

Many people get confused when it comes to data and program access between multiple OSes.

Data can be accessed by multiple OSes (if that is the way that you have set your system up) providing that each OS has the correct program(s) installed in order to access it.

Programs generally need to be installed on each OS in order to be able to work correctly. The reason for this is that many programs write data to the registry and also write some files to system directories. They may also need to access the registry whilst being executed. The exception to this rule applies only to those programs which can be run from there own folder and which make no changes to the host system - even then I recommend that each OS on the same system has its own copy of such programs.

 

[ickymay]

personally I have a seperate partition for my "shared installs" and then access them from whichever operating system I am booted from

programs that work well with this setup are:
World of Warcraft
Steam
Utorrent

programs that I prefer a unique install with are:
pdf reader
paint.net
fastone viewer
truecrypt
power archiver
office 2007
curse
nero micro
incredimail

I have found that unique installs are the only way to get some programs recognised as default by the OS :huh:

 

[spydaz]

personally I have a seperate partition for my "shared installs" and then access them from whichever operating system I am booted from

programs that work well with this setup are:
World of Warcraft
Steam
Utorrent

programs that I prefer a unique install with are:
pdf reader
paint.net
fastone viewer
truecrypt
power archiver
office 2007
curse
nero micro
incredimail

I have found that unique installs are the only way to get some programs recognised as default by the OS :huh:

Truly... Some Programs dont need o be installed into any operating system and CAN be Shared... Its reallly a HIT and MISS Situation... I have had many a system where som old leagasy programs are really needed by a client. just make sure that TEST each install to see which ones are universal. Some can be installed over the previous one in the second os... And then work in both....

Although not recomended.. KEEP A seperate drive for DATA (librarys etc) And opn this drive KEEP A SEPeRATE Program files,, just for these type of installations..... THings like Rocket DOck Are Universal, can even be kept on a usb key Use ANYWHERE