Windows without Boot Camp or virtualizers on external HD?

If I install Windows on an external HD, can I boot up in Windows by simply choosing the external HD (or its Windows system) as the starup disk (not talking about dual booting) without Boot Camp or other software?
I'm aware of and considering virtualizing software like Parallels as well; just considering options for infrequent Windows use.
I have a feeling it's not that simple but thought I'd ask.
Message was edited by: bcoppola1

Robbie:
You do some of the most interesting things LOL.
Your 2 icons in the system tray are probably linked to each of the boot camp folders on Drive C as you noted.
Try the following:
1. Rename each boot camp folder ONE AT A TIME and do not delete yet.
2. Reboot after renaming one of the them (boot camp old or something).
3. See how it affects Windows
4. Rename the other one as old and previous one to what it was
5. See how that works on windows
6. After the above steps you should know which Boot Camp folder affects the operation of Windows and should be able to decide which one to delete.
Also, you could easily disable one of the instances of loading by disabling one of the them in the startup section of windows. How do you get there?
1. Go to START and choose RUN
2. Type MSCONFIG and hit ENTER
3. From the window that opens up choose the STARTUP tab
4. You will see a list of items with check marks besides them which are being loaded at startup.
5. You will see several boot camp related instances.
6. Uncheck items that you don't want to load at startup
7. Reboot and see how it affects windows.
Robbie, a lot of trial and error to determine which are the right files but worth the time.
Axel F.

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