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Is it poossible to install an OS on an external hdd?

Discussion in 'Windows - General discussion' started by bailey07, Feb 11, 2007.

  1. bailey07

    bailey07 Regular member

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    just lately i have installed windos vista but before i did so i partitioned my 70GB hdd so i could also keep xp, but now i dont have very much room on each partition for just general stuff. e.g. programs and downloads.So i would like to purchase an external hdd and put vista on there is this possible?How would i do it?
     
  2. Auslander

    Auslander Senior member

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    well, you'd have to have a computer that is capable of booting via USB.

    it would be a lot better idea, in my mind, to do one of three things:

    1.) buy a new internal drive. keep XP on one and Vista on the other.

    2.) buy a new internal drive. use it just for added storage.

    3.) buy a new internal drive. ghost/reinstall everything on it and pull your 70 gig out, put it in an external enclosure, and use it for portable storage or (if you don't have much to back up) for backup purposes.

    booting off an external drive is a PITA. really, they're mean for added backup power and portable storage. it's better to run your main stuff of an internal, in my opinion, simply because they're more protected from the environment you're in.
     
  3. bailey07

    bailey07 Regular member

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    yea i would have done that but i have a laptop :( so i think ill keep my partitions with xp vista on but im stil gunna get an external hdd for extra srorage cos i do a lot of big downloads so extra space will come in handy

    thanks
     
  4. Auslander

    Auslander Senior member

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    or you could buy a larger capacity laptop drive and continue to keep it all enclosed.

    the external drive for storage should be a convenient way to go. :)
     
  5. bailey07

    bailey07 Regular member

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    im not loaded cant afford that. lol .thanks for ur advice anyway
     

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