Copy windows installation on to seperate partition?

Hello all! I have recently been looking into sandboxing and virtualization of Windows. Sandboxie sounds great in theory, but doesnt seem entirely secure. Virtualization tools seem too bulky, which kind of defeats the purpose of why I wanted something to test bulky sofware installations in. So I got to thinking, I do have an extra 20-something GB partition I made when I reformatted my PC last time, which I never really use.

So what I'm getting at is: My windows install is still relatively fresh. Its now gotten to the point where everything is just the way I want it (windows and program settings and such). Would it be possible to copy the whole contents of my Windows installation on my C: drive to my unused D: partition, install Sandboxie to it, and have a dual-boot config for testing out new programs and such? Although it would use the same windows license, since it is being run on the same computer, I would think that it wouldnt mess with the windows licence right? Or is this not feasable?

 

Yes JSantoy, that is a very good idea. I have used that approach for a few years and find it very useful to have the "Test Dummy" system, as I call it.

I use the freeware called XXCLONE
to perform the cloning operation. I like it because it can do the entire operation, including setting up the dual boot and automatically switching the drive letters when booting the clone. The drive letter switch is necessary so that the clone can become the C: drive (or whatever drive your system is installed on) and all the shortcuts and programs will work properly.

There is no activation issue at all.

It is very comforting to know that I can test some software without worrying about hosing my main system. When the clone gets mucked up so badly that it needs attention, I just perform another cloning operation over it. That wipes the old one out and lets me start off with a fresh copy again.

One point to keep in mind, cloning will wipe ALL data from the target partition before the cloning process takes place. That shouldn't affect you since you said you don't use the D: partition but I thought to mention it for any others that may be following.

 

Thanks surferdude! I'll try out XXCLONE this weekend and post back with results. Theres an awful lot of creative people out there making awesome freeware, just always hesitant to try it because I dont want it to bog down my computer, if it turns out I dont like it. Now I'll be able test out all sorts of new stuff with no worries!