Here's another way to approach it.

I have two hard drives, both with Windows XP Pro installed.

When my system boots up, I have the option of selecting which drive to use. By default, it gives me 30 seconds to select and if I don't make a choice in that time, it boots into my C drive.
My C drive has all the bells and whistles, business & office applications, games, BIAB, etc.
My D drive is stricting for my DAW and recording programs, Cakewalk Sonar and several others. Everything else is turned off or tweaked to minimize CPU load. You'd be suprised how much better Windows works with everything turned off.

This efectively gives you two computers in one. It also gives you the ability to boot into the D drive if your system gets screwed up on the C drive. You can then access your files on the C drive.

Hope this is helpful.

Bob

Bob
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http://soundcloud.com/bobcflatpicke/music-in-the-mountains