Read some posts on how 3.0 MC installation resulted in trouble... even disrupting the previous installation that worked fine. At this point I'd like to introduce another option for testing, with less risk: DUAL BOOT or MULTIBOOT

Given the fact that most of the time I have projects running on my computer, i dont like to run a new version whilst mid project, or just before a new project starts. As this is always the case, i would never be able to upgrade, hence i setup my computer with two operating systems, one for the software that works, and one for the software i want to try out without running into problems with a client, and at my leisure. These operating systems are currently two versions of windows xp at 32 bits, but in future i might add vista as well, or if its faster windows xp at 64 bits.

The beauty of it is that you can use the same installation disk on your computer twice, you don't have to buy a new one. And its also a good way to test which windows upgrades or any other software you wish to use destroys your avid and which don't without the risk. Add to that, if one installation of windows fails, in some cases you can repair it by turning to the other one, or just continue working on the 'test' version if a client is there

Some info on howto's are found when you google on 'XP' and 'dual boot', which led me to this page for example:

http://www.homerecordingconnection.com/news.php?action=view_story&id=151

Good luck!