I play guitar and the last four strings are tuned EADG (the opposite of a violin).
So, instead of "learning" a whole new tuning in 4ths, I thought I`d keep my 5ths.

Instead of GDAE, I:
* removed the G string
* moved the D and A over
* added another E string
* Tuned D up 1 step to E
* Kept A the same
* Tuned the first E down 1 step to D
* Tuned the second E up 1.5 steps to G

I did lose 9 notes, but I think that`s okay because I play with guitars and they want me to play in the upper octaves anyways.

Is my violin gonna die?

I`d be worried about whether the strings can handle it - they are made to play a particular note. I think you`ll go through strings much faster this way; it can`t be good to leave them constantly tuned up higher than they were made to be. It may put undue stress on the tailpiece as well, but I`m not sure how much damage a one-note difference will make. Good luck however!

oh man... how right you are.
As soon as I got it, I tried tuning D to E and it broke on D#, lol. Thank God it was a Red Label string, not something expensive.

Well, I guess I`m gonna have to learn it the hard way . That doesn`t mean I can`t buy Don`t Fret*, though .

*http://www.jaybuckey.com/Don`t%20Fret%20Decal%202.jpg

Ok... that link`s not working.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002VCUG4.01-A3QI5PL377NJ1M._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg