Originally Posted by COOLER

I have a build running Vista 64bit Ultimate, ASUS P5Q-SE2 Motherboard, Intel Core 2 E8400 3GHz, 8 GB Memory and I want to add another hard drive running Win 2000 Pro which will exclusively control a C++ software program using a Rocket Port
Card which connects to DVD players.
Presently the HD & Rocket Port are installed in a Dell Dimension 3000 running Win 2000 Pro, but I would like to consolidate the system into my build.
I've read where using two different OS with one motherboard can be problematic and would appreciate any advice.
Thanks in advance.

The reason why you will have problems is because Windows 2000 is way, way older than your motherboard. There will not be drivers for Windows 2000 on your motherboard. Also, moving Windows doesn't usually doesn't go well. Windows will have to be reinstalled when moving the hard drive to the other motherboard. I recommend you just leave Windows 2000 on the Dell.

You can't put a Windows installation from one computer into another and expect it to work properly especially if it from an OEM disk. The registry settings and drivers are specific for the computer it is installed on. Your best hope would be a system of the exact same specifications and even then IMO windows should be reinstalled.

If I am reading your original post correct you are asking if you can install another instance of Windows 2000 on another hard drive on the same system. If so yes that is possible however in your case it would be difficult. The installation would replace the Vista bootloader with the bootloader used by XP and 2000 which doesn't know about Vista. You would have to recover the Vista bootloader before you would be able to use Vista again. Doing a repair with the Vista disk should work. Also keep in mind that versions of Windows earlier than Vista are essentially useless on a system without drivers from the manufacturer. You must make sure that you have on hand drivers for 2000 specific for your machine.

Also there is a limitation to windows 32-bit when it comes to memory. You probably won't be able to get it to use more than 4 gb of ram.

Your easiest solution, in my opinion, will be to get a KVM Switch... It connects 2 boxes to 1 keyboard, mouse, Monitor.

That was with a flick of a switch, or keyboard hot key combo, the other system is being controlled.You can probably pick one up for $25.

The booting is the issue... If/when you have to reformat the HD, you can do it then with no issues.