XP on C/ all other software on different hard disk

[ranjan2001]

I wonder if this works.
Install XP on C drive & rest all the softwares on a different drive, so when we need install xp for any reason or change computer, we don't need to install all the softwares.

Will this work?
if not is there any work around?

 

[Pathik]

no it wont..

 

[ranjan2001]

I tried with 2 small softwares (basic accounting) & they work fine I just had to re-enter my serial no. & email for registering it.

Is there any way we can save our time from reinstalling all the softwares.

 

[n2casey]

Softwares which copy & their files in Windows drive/directory (such as .dll) at installation time will not work with a new installation of window. (e.g. Nero, Alcohol, Antivirus etc.)


Softwares which do not copy & register such files at installation time will work with a new installation of windows as well as softwares which copy/create & register such files at runtime will also work with new installation of windows. (e.g. WinZip, WinRAR, VCD Cutter, WinISO etc. & 90% Games)

 

[Lucky_star]

...Is there any way we can save our time from reinstalling all the softwares.

You can install windows xp on one drive and programs on another and later Backup both the drives using some efficient backup programs.
Later, instead of installing windows xp, its updates as well as programs, all you have to do is to restore from the backup file

 

[ranjan2001]

Thats a good idea, so I can make a back up using arconic true image of both drives & no need to install all the softwares again, that solves my problem.

Thanks for the idea.

 

[Pathik]

u can also use system restore

 

[infra_red_dude]

imaging is the only solution. also software which need certain registry entries won't work too.

 

[paul_007]

imaging is the only solution. also software which need certain registry entries won't work too.

yes .... making image is the only option ... for all ur software to work correctly.... u can use norton ghost .... restoring the image takes very little time

 

[ranjan2001]

How does this image making works?
how big is this image, can it fit on a dvd?

I have a 17Gb data (XP + all softwares) can it fit on a dvd?

 

[ambandla]

You can give it a try using Nero Image tool . I like Norton Ghost.

When a software is installed, it creates registry entries in Windows registry. After reinstalling windows, when you try to run an application, it will not run because the registry entires that it need are not available. There are only a few softs that work even when windows is reinstalled like winamp, winrar, winzip.

 

[n2casey]

How does this image making works?

Unable to understand ur ques.

how big is this image, can it fit on a dvd?

I have a 17Gb data (XP + all softwares) can it fit on a dvd?

Two DVDs actually, (I guess).
It depends on ur data that how much compression u will get.

 

[Vishal Gupta]

Use Acronis True Image Home. U can create an image of the drive and if u get a problem in future, just restore the image
The size of image depends upon the drive size and compression method used while creating the image

 

[Shasanka_Gogoi]

Here's a tip that i use- open registry editor from START/RUN/REGEDIT than clixk on EDIT/FIND and in the space search for programfilesdir, on completing the search u will see something like programfilesdir REG_SZ C:\PROGRAM FILES. Just click on it and select modify and type the partition u want the program files to move to. Now take a backup of ur registry by clickin on FILE/EXPORT. Now after u format ur boot partition, u should be able to access most of ur software without installing by/without entering the registry backups in the registry, however some softwares might still not work, though it will reduce ur work load to be undergone after a fresh installation of windows.

 

[Lucky_star]

I used R Drive Image for making the image of C: drive. Later, instead of installing XP again, I just restored from the backup. So the whole OS along with the updates and drivers where installed in just 2-3 minutes, instead of that usual 30-40 minutes long installation process

 

[s18000rpm]

Use Acronis True Image Home. U can create an image of the drive and if u get a problem in future, just restore the image
The size of image depends upon the drive size and compression method used while creating the image

can we burn that image to DVD/CDs & install thru it.

or do we have to use the image frm HDD (using the Acronis boot up CD)

my C: drives image size is 4.86GB so it can be burned to a dual layer DVD.

P.S. i have only one DVD/CD drive.

 

[Vishal Gupta]

Both options are available

 

[s18000rpm]

hey thanks Mr.Vista.

 

[ranjan2001]

I wonder if this works.
Install XP on C drive & rest all the softwares on a different drive, so when we need install xp for any reason or change computer, we don't need to install all the softwares.

Will this work?
if not is there any work around?

Finally found a fantasic solution for this problem
*www.mojopac.com/portal/content/how/

just installed on my usb disk & I am able to install all my softwares (YES ALL software) & can connect to any PC mine or in the internet cafe & use my usb as my portable desktop.

That great solution.

So no wjust install XP on ur Cdrive & no ned to install any other program on desktop C,

connect usb & install mojopac on usb drive
you need to make some config chnagesto usb hardware properties.

then start mojopac &what it does is it adopts host system & now u install all ur softwares on this C drive (actually mojopac drive)

So now whenever u loose XP , any virus, or any other trouble u just need to reinstall or repair XP on ur desktp system.

No need to reinstall all ur programs.

Isn't that great?

Note: this works even on usb sticks but will be too slow i guess, I have installed on a usb 2.0 device which is 7200 RPM seagate portable disk & it workslike a normal PC.