Can you install OS on a portable USB HDD?

Question

I have a desktop that I'm using as a server. I had it for awhile though and the software on it hasn't been updated. Also the hard drive is too full with valuable stuff just to be formated. So I was just thinking to buy a new hard drive and make a fresh installation of let's say Windows XP on it thus make it the main one.
I saw a portable USB hard drives today and to me that seems something very confortable. The first question though is can I install OS on it since it's a USB device and then boot straight from it.
And secondly, what kind of problems I might engage since the system will be accepting all kinds of different connections from multiple users(apache + tomcat server, database, ftp server and possibly mail server too soon). My concern is that since the USB is shared also by things like keyboard, mouse and sometimes flash memory or camers, it might cuase problems by slowing down the reading speed etc. Any tips are welcome, for or against the idea :)
Thank you

Answer 1

I'd get a new drive and fit that in it's place.

Then install XP.

Then use the old drive as a Slave or USB caddy.

You'll find it runs better as the new HDD will only have XP and not needing to search a full drive all the time. Defraging need free space to run. Rule of thumb 25% of a hard drive needs to be empty to allow a PC to run smooth.



To run a USB O\S the BIOS needs to be set to USB boot first



There are free O\S like Linux that run from CD\DVD or USB.

Search Google for Linux Live (DSM Dam Small Linux is only 50mb)



http://thehowtoguides.com/

Answer 2

Yes you can put a OS on a portable Hard Drive. I would not recommend it because who knows what would happen if someone unplugged the usb cord? also, yes it would be a ton slower because with a hard drive it is coming through a huge cable. With a USb, it is through a teeny tiny cord. Just install a new hard drive. Ask a friend.

Answer 3

regrettably, the irony of the region is that (so a techniques as i understand) you could not boot from an exterior gadget except that's been created as a mirror image-- from interior abode windows. in case you have a laptop with WinXP put in, you could merely create the mirror from that and boot from it. yet copying the information right away won't actually enable the BIOS boot from an exterior gadget. There are additionally instruments that provide help to study an IDE/SATA HD as a USB gadget, that are powerful if the abode windows information are merely corrupt, not broken. If the force is broken, you're able to desire to could desire to hunt for expert documents restoration guidance.

Answer 4

Can you get another hard drive and use raid just a thought because that would be a whole lot easier because the idea on a portable harddrive is cool and all but it doesn't sound very stable.