Running 2 Windows 7 instances

[bobland]

I need to resolve a problem with a crashing program. I've gone as far as I can with removing almost everything off of my production system. Ideally, I'd like to install W7 on a separate disk, install the problem program and just see if it works on a pristine system.

Tech support for the program is clueless as it is a unique problem. I've searched the net far and wide and no one seems to have this problem.

Is there a way to do this without pulling plugs on drives and messing up the mbr location(s)?

FYI: the program is Reaktor 5.5.1 which is a synthesizer from Native Instruments. I have their other programs and all work as expected.

Any suggestions greatly welcomed.
Burt

 

[SinRival]

Right De-install it, get a good anti virus scaner and virus scan, delete possible viruses, once everything is done and there is no errors with that, re - install it.. and make sure the virus scanner doesn't pick up anything


Plus is there any past problems as it could be your sound card if a sound program is crashing..

Is there any past problems with your sound card? (Answer this before doing my above)

 

[wysiwyg]

Reaktor 5.5.1

Have you checked their website to make sure this particular application is compatible with Win 7, don't take it for granted that all their applications are 7 compatible.

 

[bobland]

I've scanned for viruses using avast. Ive cleaned the registry with wise reg cleaner and cleared junk with ccleaner.

My sound card is on-board with latest RealTek drivers. Audio drivers are ASIO4ALL.

Had a long discussion with tech support re Reaktor. 5.5.1 is made specifically to address any problems with W7. I couldn't find anyone with this problem.

I did notice that when I changed the bios to use HDMI I got a tad further in Reaktor but still crashed. Tried a number of compatability settings to no avail.

I've budgeted for a Focusrite Saffire 6 audio interface, a good pair of cans and KRK rokits. I doubt that will resolve the problem tho.

Because my memory is so bad, I'm reluctant to do a re-install without a means of reverting to programs that I forgot to backup. That's why I'd like to have a full system available somewhere. Doesn't have to run but I can pickup any tidbits that I forgot to backup.

If I use Acronis will I have an mbr conflict?

Thanks,
Burt

 

[SinRival]

You may want to see if a repair install, may fix it.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

It could help to check any major problems.

Acronis shouldn't have mbr conflict, but I am not so trustworthy on that matter. I haven't exactly used Acronis before but I do know about it.

 

[Tepid]

wise reg cleaner

I don't have any other answers for your issue, but....
I do not want this thread to turn into another debate about Reg Cleaners, just take my word for it and search this forum for more on this issue.
Any and all so called Reg Cleaners can actually do more harm than good.
It is advisable to not use them at all. even Ccleaners.

You can install Windows to another partition or drive. You do not need to activate it as it will work for 30 days at least. This will add an entry to your Boot Config, but that can be fixed when you decide to get rid of the 2nd OS, Unless you are dual booting already some version of Linux. This can be trickier.

You might also be able to use VituralBox to install a Virtual Machine and try the program from there. This may or may not work. It depends on the Program itself. But can be worth a try.

 

[gregrocker]

Good catch, Tepid.

Other than CCleaner - perhaps the most widely used and respected genius app in all of tech - almost all other Reg Cleaners are sketchy sales operations with no genius whatsoever behind them.

I would uninstall Wise Reg Cleaner with Revo in Advanced Mode and then run your http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html?ltr=R which is what is called for here.

 

[logicearth]

There is also a means of running Windows from a Virtual Hard Disc (VHD) and running from that. Requires no messing with existing HDDs or partitions. (However, you must use Ultimate when applying the image.)

Native VHD Boot to Windows 7 | Windows7hacker

 

[bobland]

Ran the Repair/Install. What it did was have the badly behaving program close normally instead of going Blue. At least I have a few crash logs I can give to the techies.

I don't have Ultimate but Pro so the VHD wont help on that front. I'm going to give this a rest until I hear back from the Tech Support group then decide if I want to reinstall or not.