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How to Install a Second Operating System Onto an External Hard Drive From an .Iso File

While many PC users stick with the operating system that comes with their PC, others enjoy dabbling in other operating systems. If you want to use two operating systems on the same computer, you have a couple of options. The first is to simply create another partition on the hard drive, while the other is to use an external hard drive. The latter is the easier option and requires only that you change the correct settings to install the second operating system on your external hard drive. 

Things you will need
  • Blank CD-R or DVD-R
  • Program to burn the .iso file

Instructions


1. Check to make sure that your particular operating system can be run on an external hard drive and supports dual-booting so you can safely run two operating systems on your computer. Certain operating systems, such as Windows, cannot be easily installed on external hard drives. However, you can easily install operating systems such as Ubuntu and various other derivatives of Linux on an external hard drive.

2. Burn the .iso operating system file to a bootable CD-R or DVD-R. You may use programs such as ImgBurn, CDBurnerXP or Nero, among others, to do the job.

3. Plug your external hard drive into the USB port on your computer.

4. Insert your burned CD-R or DVD-R into the CD-Rom drive. Restart your computer.

5. Press any key to boot from the CD or DVD.

6. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin the installation. When it comes to choosing where to install the operating system, select your external hard drive and not the primary drive or partition. This ensures that you do not overwrite your first operating system. Click "Next" to proceed.

7. Follow the remaining on-screen prompts to complete the installation process. This varies from operating system to operating system, so consult your manual when necessary.

8. Restart the computer after installing the second operating system. Press "F1" or "F2" to enter the BIOS. Make sure that your external hard drive is given top boot priority, so that you can boot into the second operating system. Exit and save the changes.

9. Boot into your second operating system. As long as you are able to boot into your second operating system with no problems, then you've done everything correctly in installing the second operating system on an external hard drive.

Let me know the queries at Snehal [at] TechProceed [dot] com  :-)

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