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    Can you install Windows XP on eSATA HD?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by RangerXML, Jan 8, 2008.

  1. RangerXML

    RangerXML Army of None [TRH]

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    Simple enough, I wanna put Windows XP on an external HD via eSATA and just have Vista on my notebook?
     
    RangerXML, Jan 8, 2008
    #1
  2. kedu

    kedu Notebook Guru

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    Simple answer - Linux yes, Windows no. Can you imagine Microsoft allowing people to copy a disc boot image and have the same copy of windows running on several machines from external hard drives.

    You can try, you've got nothing to lose, just set it to boot via usb - it will install no doubt about it, but it will not boot and run due to software(i.e.Microsoft) limitations.
     
    kedu, Jan 9, 2008
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  3. TuxDude

    TuxDude Notebook Deity

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    I think it shall be able to boot Xp from eSata HDD.... Even if that doesnt work, there have been bootable Xp editions available from various sources on the net and probably that will get installed in it easily.....
     
    TuxDude, Jan 9, 2008
    #3
  4. Chutsman

    Chutsman Notebook Evangelist

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    I'm getting another sata drive later this week together with an enclosure and might just try this. If you get to it before me, post your results.
     
    Chutsman, Jan 9, 2008
    #4
  5. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    I don't know why it wouldn't work. eSATA is pretty much SATA and will have a drive letter assigned.
     
    HTWingNut, Jan 9, 2008
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  6. RangerXML

    RangerXML Army of None [TRH]

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    Cool, cool. I might, depends if my friend comes over to have me install SLI 8800GT tonight or not. It might be up and running be tomorrow, otherwise it will be on Saturday/Sunday.
     
    RangerXML, Jan 9, 2008
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  7. kedu

    kedu Notebook Guru

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    I would be very interested to hear how you get on. I know it's possible to do it the other way round, as in Vista on an external drive and XP on the internal drive. I've never heard of anyone managing it with XP, I tried myself via USB but that's not possible due to the USB bus resetting itself in XP.
     
    kedu, Jan 10, 2008
    #7
  8. RangerXML

    RangerXML Army of None [TRH]

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    I can't get my notebook to recognize the eSATA, darnit!
     
    RangerXML, Jan 10, 2008
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  9. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    A stock XP disc doesn't have any SATA drivers, thus it may have problems.
     
    Bog, Jan 10, 2008
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