Dual Boot?
 

Hi. I have one PC with a LOT of software from my non-music life. Is there an advantage to setting up a dual boot of Windows 10 to run just Pro Tools and my music software? What about setting up a 2nd user within the same boot of Windows. Thanks!

Re: Dual Boot?
 

OP

YES. I actually use a triple boot system: "Work" partition that is always online and is used like any PC; "DAW" partition that is never online except bi-monthly for 'controlled' software updates as needed - I keep this machine on a separate router so that I can use WiFi for controllers and Bluetooth as needed without the risk of being online; "Test" partition for evaluating new software, trying out registry hacks, and testing new Pro Tools versions. I routinely reformat and reinstall the "Test" partition as needed.

Windows makes it very easy to setup multiple partitions, and this is the best way I have found to control updates and not risk screwing up a stable DAW setup.

ejinbc

Re: Dual Boot?
 

Another option, depending on the PC: use a drive cage(I use this: https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-...390161&sr=8-18) and swap system drives. 1 drive can be tweaked totally for Pro Tools and the other drive as you need for other uses. I swap between 4 system drives here and the other 2 slots hold my recording drives(I keep my samples drive inside the tower). As some of my drives are SSD, I use adapters so they fit in the full-size cage:o

Re: Dual Boot?
 

I did the dual boot thing for awhile, years ago. At one point I had a triple boot system set up on my laptop with two Windows 7 installs and a Gentoo Linux install.

I gave up. It was just too much hassle getting it all set up right and dealing with the software licensing. I use my Windows 10 laptop as my primary computer for everything now, including Protools which I use for live event recording. I haven't noticed any draw backs and I use Windows Defender as my antivirus and leave it on and don't have any issue with Protools or the other audio software I use (Smaart, SFX, all my system tech software from Myer Sound, L-Acoustics, Dante Controller, Davinci Resolve, etc...).

I prefer having all my stuff in one location so I don't have to log out or reboot to access a different piece of software.

Now, my MacBook Pro, on the other hand, is a workstation only and only gets used for Protools, Smaart, QLab and Davinci Resolve.

Re: Dual Boot?
 

Same here. No issues/conflicts for me. Up-to-date Win 10, drivers, plug versions, optimizations, etc. I often need to run Chrome, Pro Tools & other apps at once. Works.

Re: Dual Boot?
 

Thank you. I think my concern is installing new, non-music software and that it might mess up registries etc, so that Pro Tools is unable to stay healthy. Is that a misplaced concern?

Re: Dual Boot?
 

Keep Windows and ALL apps current & up-to-date. Get CCleaner (free version is great) and run its reg-cleaner after any install or uninstall. Run the cleaner part of CCleaner, too. Only install software from reputable companies & get the current version.

Re: Dual Boot?
 

Thanks so much. You've emboldened me to stick to a single boot!

Re: Dual Boot?
 

Below is a well built option for multiple hard drive/SSD installation.

https://www.newegg.com/icy-dock-mb99...82E16817994142

Re: Dual Boot?
 

Hiya EGS,

I differ in my view of CCleaner. May I just offer some thoughts...

Years ago, I would absolutely agree with you. However time has introduced changes at Piriform, and personally I am a bit wary of CCleaner at the moment.

It's true that things like software are constantly changing and maybe my nervousness is unfounded, but I would suggest anyone to do a 'typical check for problems' before downloading a recent edition of any software.
By that, I mean do a Google search with just the name of the product and problem e.g. CCLEANER PROBLEM

Obviously, downloading from an unauthorised site can introduce unexpected Malware, but to me it seems that at the moment CCleaner may have a built in and unwanted PUP.

Finally, the product is great in concept, but is very powerful, and mostly I feel is like hitting the registry with a sledgehammer, so many users are unsure whether they should delete stuff that CCleaner is wanting to do. When occasionally helping friends I usually change the initial scans to be much milder in action,



Just my thoughts.