[SketchyNS]

Hi guys,

I've got somewhat of a noobish question for you.

My brother is currently computerless, and since his computer died, I have been letting him use my own, with limits on what I allow him to do.

For christmas, unfortunately I cannot afford to buy him a new computer, but was wondering about the possibilities of a removable or external hard drive. Idealy, I would like to get him something in which he can install the software he likes to use to, as well as store files on. Is there anyway you can install software to an external drive, such that when it is removed, all programs installed to it dissapear, and the computer reverts back to the way I originally had it?

If I created a new user for him to log in as, when he removes the hard drive, (assuming programs can be installed to it directly), would there be any issues other than broken links or paths to it?

Essentially, I would like to create a new computer for my brother, able to run from my hardware, excluding my hard drive. Is this possible?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[dice14u]

Yeah you can actually do what is called a dual boot. What you do is install xp or vista onto the external hard drive. Then boot to that drive. (if the drive is big enough) That will stop all confusion and he can also when he gets a computer, take the external drive, make it internal and have it as his computer. (Most to all external drives are just internal drives with a casing)
If the os isn't letting you instal onto an external you can just temporarily make it an internal and instal to it, then put it back into the external casing.

[philthomas]

Before you consider an External USB Drive, make sure your bios allows you to boot from an external drive ..... many, but the latest, wont.

If yours doesn't allow it, another simple option is to grab a couple of external HDD caddies, like this one :

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...20disk%20caddy

The fixed unit is fitted in one of the drive bays of your Tower and is wired as the Master (assuming PATA drive).
Thee removeable drawer houses the HDD. You need two of these (1 for each drive). You will then be able to swap drives easily and install whatevever OS and Programs you wish on each drive and keep everything completely seperate. All that is needed to fit this is a screwdriver. Also anyone on here will help, if you hit any snags.

[philthomas]

I should also of said that this method keeps your HDD and all it's data secure ...... even if your brother has a "funny half hour" or manages to aquire Malware etc.