Installing Windows on ext HDD (VMWare)

Morning all!

Ok - I am trying to convert my gf to Mac, but in the meanwhile she still wants to run her Windows stuff.

So I was going to install VMWare and (place her HD in a caddy and) run Windows on an external HD.

There seems to be a solution (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6442057 and http://communities.vmware.com/thread/123192?tstart=0) but it seems a bit hit and miss.



Alternatively, if I could I like to keep the mac HD "clean" of Windows apps, so would like to run VMWare and the Windows installation (and her files) on a external HD (with a fresh copy of Windows installed - also a good opportuniy to tidy thinks up)

1. I was planning to basically take one of my spare external drives (60G USB) and do a clean install of Windows, her apps and personal files.
2. Install VMWare to my Mac - and point to the external HD - and voila!!

I am guessing the clean install of Windows on the external USB would be the cleanest - but the most work.

Would anyone have any further advice please?

Thanks

 

VMWare Converter! wwhhooaa!

hmmm did a little more digging around:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=417752&highlight=windows+external+drive

AND

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=399971&highlight=VMWare+Converter


Looks like the solution.
Any last words of advice please?


Thanks again.




PS: incase my gf wants to stick with a PC, have people encountered any issues with going back (ie installing the image) back to a PC? Thanks again