Does a USB install alter bootrecords ?

[snoot]

Hi, couldn't find this clearly answered

 

When installing to an external USB drive, on a machine that already is running XP/Vista/and or Linux

 

Will the instalation make any changes to existing bootrecords ?

 

I imagine it doesn't -  i.e.: simply boots off the drive when connected

 

and remains unaffected allowing me to boot into XP  as I do now when not connected.

 

[is that assumption correct - or will I have to make use of my backups immediately to resume using and booting into the existing windows instalation ?]

 

Cheers

[MacNutty]

No. It won't because every separate HDD has its own boot record. Installing OSX on external / other HDD will not effect the existing boot records on any other drives. It did'nt did for me atleast. For precaution (not necessary although) you can disconnect other drives other than your external HDD where you wish to install OSX.

[snoot]

Gee thanks for the swift reply MacNutty!

that encourages experimentation then.

 

 

even on a quick testrun with iDeneb 1.3 and xXx_Beta1[+PPF1] i get

 

-Uim checktimeouts

-Still waiting for root device

-appleUsbHci errors however

 

and THAT requires lots of reading and trial and error on my part.

 

I'd just love to drop the change - and avoid the tinkering allogether - but them macbooks are still mighty pricey

 

 

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And i like my laptop lots. Running Core2Duo Dell

ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 integrated graphics

320GB external WD Passport Drive

Motherboard ATi RS600(M) Chipset

Sound Sigmatel 9205

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might give it an hour or three over the weekend...that was the plan anyway.

And USB installs sound like just the way to dip my toe into Mac waters