I have a computer that I've been borrowing on a long-term basis, but will soon have to return it. So I got a (Maxtor 200GB) External Hard Drive this Christmas, hoping to copy EVERYTHING, including the operating system, off of the three separate drives in this computer.
But I'm not really sure that it's possible, or how I would go about doing it -if it is-, OR whether it will even be useable--off someone else's PC, or off the PC or laptop that I eventually will get.
I also know that, because I've been engaging in trial and error learning and customization on this 'loaner,' that I've probably got a lot of worthless, repeated, and maybe even bad files (no viruses tho...2 free apps keep me safe there, I hope)!!
What to do? Where to start?
Does anybody know FOR SURE?
2006-12-26 22:37:56 · 3 answers · asked by SlowTech 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Yes. You can load operating systems onto many external media, including hard disk drives, USB keyrings and DVDs. When it comes to booting from them, this depends on the BIOS settings of the computer. I carry a version of Knoppix round on my keychain :)
If you are using the Microsoft Windows operating system then you will need to purchase a license before copying it. It is illegal to use otherwise. The cheaper version of Microsoft Windows XP (the "Home" edition) can be obtained for just £170.00
2006-12-26 22:40:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
loading OS onto a external hard drive is OK but i am damn sure that it wont work wiht a new PC that you will eventually buy. becoz the drivers for the mother boardand other parts will vary from one to other unless you buy a same PC as you are now using. so copy only data files on to a external drive later intall OS onto a other partition on the same drive when you buy a new one.
2006-12-26 22:48:49 · answer #2 · answered by Trinity 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
your need to install and set up the windows os .on to the external drive on the other computer that you set up your external drive
and no if you set that upo right it will not override the hard drive on the other system you can then copy all the other files from the system to the external drive but as for software your need to reset that back up and that is FOR SURE
2006-12-26 23:17:46 · answer #3 · answered by me and you 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋