WIN 8 install on an external drive?

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jimkleban
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2013/04/12 11:53:58 (permalink)

WIN 8 install on an external drive?

So, I have a WIN 7 SONAR system setup that I want to test with WIN 8 (touch screen)... what is a good technique for this installation so that if WIN 8 turns out to not be compatible with my hardware drivers, I can easily revert back to WIN 7.  Since my system is already configured, I don't think I can set up a dual boot system without having to install everything all over or can I?

Thanks and I am not a computer expert so any help would be appreciated.

Jim

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    chuckebaby
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    Re:WIN 8 install on an external drive? 2013/04/12 12:39:33 (permalink)
    you need to configure you bios to boot from an external hard drive.
    ive never done this and most threads ive dabbled with suggest its not a good idea.

    you cant dual boot a single hd unless you reformat it/partition it.

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    kristoffer
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    Re:WIN 8 install on an external drive? 2013/04/13 05:09:11 (permalink)
    well, do you have any other HDDs? 
    (are you using several HDDs for audio, one for programs, one for samples etc?) 

    If you only have one, and everything is stored/installed on that disc - you have to re-install absolutely everything. 

    If you have several, it might be a bit more complicated.

    Could you describe your setup? 

    But - to answer your question - yes this possible and should not be an issue.

    but I would have rather unplugged your OS hdd, and used a second internal HDD then do a clean install of win8 on the new HDD. 
    You can always find the use of this HDD later if you decide to not go for win8.




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    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:WIN 8 install on an external drive? 2013/04/16 00:51:24 (permalink)
    Before you do anything, make sure you have an up-to-date backup image file (make with True Image or similar)... as this will allow you to (quickly/easily) get back to where you are now.

    Once you have this, you can install Win8 on the boot HD or a secondary HD... and test/experiment.  You can change the boot priority in the motherboard's BIOS... which effectively lets you select the OS (Win7 or Win8 - assuming each is installed on a different HD)

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
    jim@studiocat.com
    www.studiocat.com
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