Generally NetBeans IDE works with a default workspace. In this scenario, if you want to manage multiple sets of projects, you have to create a project group, which allows you to switch between project groups as and when required.

But the problem in this is that if the workspace is damaged, and you delete it, all your settings are lost and everything is reset to the default NetBeans IDE settings.

The solution is to work with multiple workspaces, that is, multiple instances, of NetBeans IDE. And here is how to do that:

1. Right-click the NetBeans IDE shortcut and choose "Properties".


2. In the shortcut tab, in Target, type after netbeans.exe "--userdir [Folder Path]".


3. Make another shortcut of NetBeans IDE and provide a different folder path.

Like this you can create as many workspaces as you want. If one workspace is damaged, it will not effect the settings of the others. Isn't that great? :)

Also posted at: http://goo.gl/fb/rrvnA