Adding additional install of XP to existing 2 help

[calmius]

Ok, some of you may have read my post about my second installation of XP Home edition not working because of some partition problem. So, now I want to install it for the third time on another partition so that i will continue to have 2 operating systems working.

I don't remember how to do it safely though. Right now whenever I start comptuer I get a choice of 2 intallations, if I install a 3rd one will there simply be a 3rd choice? I just want to make sure I don't screw something up and still be able to access my main OS partition safely.

[bailey]

you cannot do that. it won't work.

what I would suggest to resolve you continuing problem would be to format the hard drive and do a clean install of xp and make sure you do not have any problems with it, then start loading your other software. after you activate it.

to do what your asking would not work because you cannot install xp more that one drive, one partition by its self and then activate it properly, after doing that you cannot install it again and then activate it a second time, it won't let you do that

the only way that it would work would be to buy a second xp and install that on the second partition , and that would not make any sence at all, or I am confused as to what your trying to do.

[calmius]

I did that and it's been working for a year. I installed one XP on one partition and activated it, then installed same disc on second pratition and activated it as well and I had both of them working for long time

[calmius]

Reason I did that is because I use one windows for certain tasks and for foolproof software, and second one I use for other suspicious software that is likely to mess up like games and kazaa.

[mike breck]

Instead of installing a third installation of XP, why don't you just format the partition with the second installation and then reinstall XP to the second partition?

Presumably the first (still working) installation is on C: , so as long as you format the proper partition, then all should be good.

Just boot up from the XP CD and do the format and reinstall from there.

HTH

[reboot]

Bah, you can install it as many times as you have partitions.
Just choose new setup from the menu, and specify drive/partition.
Too simple.
Can only activate one installation though...

[calmius]

I have activated both a year ago, and they both were working

[bailey]

just maybe because it is on the same computer that it might work

thinking the only restriction does state one computer, not how many times on that one computer, interesting to say the least.

did you try installing sp1 on both ?

[calmius]

YEs, installed sp1 on both and both worked until recent trouble which I think is caused by my installing a new harddrive and ram

[bailey]

that would take me back to my first post to you, you can not do that, ms will see it as two complete instalations and make them not work, as I understand it, but I could be wrong on this.

[Tuf]

M$ will see it as one installation because that's all it is. It's hardware will be the same. I don't personally seee the logic in doing it but if you want to install it multiple times it's fine. You may have to call after a few times in the same 120 day period, but that's no big deal either.