My Surface Pro 9 has a 2tb SSD which I divided into two equal partitions. Could I build “GP 1” on partition 1, and then copy/clone it to a formatted partition 2 called “GP 2”? This in essence would be the equivalent of a second backup PC. So if the first one crashed, the second could be booted up and used right away. The failed installation could then be restored from an image later at home. If this is a goer, then I would need a boot selection app so that I could choose either “GP 1” on partition 1, or “GP 2” on partition 2.
To be honest, I have totally lost all confidence in trusting Windows again, without some sort of backup. Partition 2 would be my backup. At my next gig, I am taking my Roland piano and using that leaving the computer at home in the meantime.
I’d like some thoughts on this idea please, and also on what boot app would suit the purpose. Cheers everyone.
I doubt that would help you - if the first one crashes due to the problem you had (e.g, that audio driver), then a clone is going to have exactly the same problem.
I don’t think the issue is trusting (or not) Windows. The issue is allowing updates and installing new stuff on a system that would otherwise be solid.
Back when XP was new, I was recording a little now and then. Because XP did not have that many drivers available, I used Win 98 SE for the recording software. I still wanted to use XP though, so I divided my hard drive into three partitions using a now defunct program called Drive Image. It came with its own boot manager. The first partition held XP, the second held Win 98SE, and the third partition was used for Data. I don’t recall having any problems. I would backup the data partition and the GP build on a removable SSD in case the built in SSD failed.
You can now easily set up a virtual disk and boot the desired operating system from it.
NB: Windows 12 should come out in Fall 2025, so a good opportunity to try it.
@bigalminal Just please be aware that we (Deskew) cannot be responsible for or help with any issues that may arise by following examples posted by users.
I’ve decided to give it a go but don’t know which is the better option regarding either cloning the main installation to a second partition or setting up a VhD. I guess the option of a second identical install on partition 2 will perform equally as well as the main on partition 1. But is there any advantage on going virtual instead of the physical clone? Does the virtual perform as well as the original or is it slower/faster?
I appreciate the cautioning comments from different folks. I have a blank 2TB portable SSD that the whole system will be backup onto, so that I can revert back if it all goes skew wiff.
Regarding running the same Win install on two partitions. I believe that if OS 1 glitches, then it will not affect Os 2 as they are completely independent and do not interact with each other. I will be storing all my gigfiles and rack spaces on a third data partition and both installs will have access to it. And the main install on partition 1 will be imaged and saved to the portable SSD.
I would still appreciate and comments and suggestions please.
I must say that having a back up on the same computer has given me back my lost confidence. Cheers for now.
Having different virtual disks for each WIndows Instance would work. (One for test and the other for production) . But since they are using the same physical disk, if you have a disk failure, you would likely still be out of luck. If you want to go with this strategy, then I would recommend you have a third backup disk on a different physical disk drive somewhere. Also, you must consider licenses for the plugins on each Windows Instance. Most plugin vendors allow you to active on 2 devices but not all.
To keep with the intial recommendation by @djh, I would recommend that you do not update the production version of the OS, except with GP files when you have tested them on the test version of the OS.
Thanks Steve. Good advice as usual. As I mentioned in my last post, I have a brand new 2 TB portable SSD that I intend to use solely for GP stuff alone.
I have been trying to clone the installation on partition 1 (GP For Editing) on to partition 2 (GP 2 for Gigging). I have Macrium Reflect X, EaseUS Partition Master and AOMEI Partition Assistant. But none of them will let me select partition 2 as a destination for an OS clone. I guess this is a Windows limitation. Any thoughts on how to get this to work please? Cheers.
You would need to ask Macrium, I believe, on how you can set up a disk with 2 boot partitions with each partition selectable at power on. I know dual boot on Windows is possible, but not sure how it is done. Maybe someone here knows but it is certainly not a Gig Performer question.
I found a boot loader that works, Easy BCD is the name.
Now I want to add a basic wall paper to the gigging version so that I know that the correct GP installation has loaded. Are there any wall papers that feature Gig Performer? This would need to be a static wall paper that stayed on the man screen. Id like suggestions please. Ta!
