Two Windows systems on partitions

[vellu]

I have already installed a windows in my computer, but i want to install two of them on different partitions. But if i do that, i use 2 windows whit my brother. I use 1 and my brother 1 so can this made that way that no viruses or spywares come from another partition windows to my windows to slow down my computer. Can i secure those Windows XP systems that i cant see brothers files and me hes and no brothers viruses come to my system and my viruses to hes system. I need help now

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Have two or more operating systems on one computer requires a boot manager. When you install a second Windows on a computer, it will automatically activate the Windows boot manager.

With the Windows boot manager you will have two partitions, e.g. C: and E: - each with its Windows install. However, both partitions will be visible to the other at all times.

Some 3rd-party boot managers, e.g. Boot Magic, will operate differently. Both operating systems are installed on a virtual C: drive. When one is booted, the other C: drive is hidden, and vice versa.

So I guess that this second type of boot manager will give you what you need.

[vellu]

Have two or more operating systems on one computer requires a boot manager. When you install a second Windows on a computer, it will automatically activate the Windows boot manager.

With the Windows boot manager you will have two partitions, e.g. C: and E: - each with its Windows install. However, both partitions will be visible to the other at all times.

Some 3rd-party boot managers, e.g. Boot Magic, will operate differently. Both operating systems are installed on a virtual C: drive. When one is booted, the other C: drive is hidden, and vice versa.

So I guess that this second type of boot manager will give you what you need.

That wasnt a straight answer to my question. I asked do my viruses harm another Windows XP in another partition. Hope you know what i mean.

[Scarecrow Man]

Pat is correct. Both partitions would be visible to either installation of Windows. This is all most viruses require to infect other files. That is, after all what a virus is. It finds and infects other files or places on your computer, including other partitions.

Unfortunately there is no way to protect one partition from the other that I know of. Even two separate computers networked together can both be infected.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

If you use a boot manager that hides the other primary partition while active, it is very unlikely to pass on an infection from/to a hidden partition. If you have a shared partition between them, the unlikeliness becomes less. If you share portable media between them, you become even more vulnerable.