Best way to configure a Protools startup for XP

[bryanbassett]

I've been searching the base and couldn't find the info I am asking about

When I start XP it of course starts, my network card, virus software, firewall ect. (which I leave inplace for when I do go online to do updates and registrations etc. I try to limit my PT computer to just that internet contact)

I then disable the card and manually exit all the progs. Then boot PT.

What would be the best way to boot into a PT ready xp startup without the hassle of closing all those progs.
Setup a new user account or a different config of the same user?

I'm sure this stuff is posted somewhere, any links and or step by steps would be most appreciated.
Thanks
BB

[Aussie Scott]

You need to create a hardware profile. You do this in Start/settings/control panel/system. Select the hardware tab and (at the bottom) select 'hardware profiles'. Select your current profile and hit 'copy' - give it an appropriate name - and you're in business. Now when you boot-up your PC you will be given the option of starting either of the profiles (thats where the importance of an appropriate name will become apparent). You can now tweak your PT profile to your hearts content, and those changes will be saved there only - easy -

Hope that's useful, Scott

[FatBelly]

Personally I would dual boot the system so that you only have PT related or
music related apps on that partition without any internet action to avoid a possible
virus that would affect your whole partition no matter what hardware config you set up.

With a dual boot system you can maximize your computers efforts just for the music
not worrying about MS updates that may change the way you box runs, because they won't
be necessary on that partition.

Just a thought.

[bryanbassett]

Thnkyou scott and fatbelly slim (sounds like a cool blues name if I ever heard one )

bb

[bryanbassett]

Since I misspelled Thankyou i'll say again "Thanks" and ask if I alter the startup program menu in the new hardware profile (with extra cards and ports disabled) will it only apply to that hardware config or is window's startup profile a global change? I'm referring to the virus, firewall progs etc..(I guess I could just do it and find out but I'm on my laptop away from my system now )
bb