If you have a good enough machine, you can install Virtual PC (it's free on Microsoft's web site) and create a virtual Windows (any flavor) test machine. This is what I do. It works well, but like I said, you need a pretty good machine to do it. I am running a P4 Dual Core with 4 GB Memory and it still can get a very slow at times. Processor utilization is high during testing but at least I can use my local desktop for email and whatnot while testing and not distract from QTP.
This can also be useful for multi platform and user testing. I have a XP, 2000, Vista, and Win 7 virtual so i can test my applications on all active Windows versions. I can also run several virtuals 2 XP and 2 Vista to test for mult-user functionality. Fortuanlty I don't have to do the muti-user test often. It renders my desktop unsuable during testing.
This can also be useful for multi platform and user testing. I have a XP, 2000, Vista, and Win 7 virtual so i can test my applications on all active Windows versions. I can also run several virtuals 2 XP and 2 Vista to test for mult-user functionality. Fortuanlty I don't have to do the muti-user test often. It renders my desktop unsuable during testing.