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32bit or 64bit OS?

I

inhotep

Senior member
Hi, I have just built a new computer and planning on installing Vista on it. I have two questions about the Vista Ultimate 64bit Upgrade.

😕
First, does the 64bit Vista upgrade require an existing 64bit OS like Windows XP 64bit, or doesn't matter? I have Windows XP Home which is 32bit.

Secondly, can 32 bit applications install and run in a 64bit OS? Like Office 2007, some newer games, Firefox, etc.

There is no price difference between the 32bit and 64bit Visa Ultimate Upgrade at the vendor which has student discounts and where I'm planning to make the purchase.

Thanks

New rig at stock speed:
Core2 Q6600
Asus P5N-E SLI
Crucial 2GB DDR2 667
EVGA GF8600GT 512MB
THERMALTAKE W0093RU TR2 500W


Old rig:
P4 2.4B
MSI 845 PE Max
1GB DDR 333
ATI 9800Pro 128
Antec 300W
Sound Blaster 5.1


 
You can upgrade from either 32 or 64-bit.

And yes, nearly all 32-bit apps will work fine.

I think the only thing i've had to get a specific 64-bit version for was Ultramon (aside from drivers).
 
Vista x64 requires a clean installation so "upgrade" is a confusing term - you can, however, use Windows Easy Transfer or similar to back up your documents and files (although there is an upgrade "trick," or you can back up the OS with a custom install).
 
I'd check compatibility for your software / devices. If everything works, I see little reason to stick with 32-bit at this point.
 
Quick question in a similar vein:

Upgrading from Vista-32 Business to Vista-64 Business is impossible?
Instead, I will have to install XP-32 and then run Vista-64 setup?

Thanks in advance.
 
hi,

I'm having difficulty upgrading / installing Vista 64bit.
The DVD cannot auto run in XP Home: "Setup can not run on this version of the Operating System. To install Windows please try booting from the install media."


The install media hangs during install from boot setup. It hangs at the Vista color scheme screen. It just hangs there with no interface.

I'm stock.


 
Update:

I was able to install Vista 64bit Upgrade from WinXP Home.

During the installation at the beginning, before the graphic UI has loaded, it was hanging at the Vista scheme screen without HD or DVD activity light. It just took a long time to go to the next stage. I had to install it two times because the first time the installation stuck at "completing installation" for two hours.


Some 32bit apps do not work, like ZoneAlarm, PC Wizard Benchmark, etc. Nothing major.

Overall, I'm liking Vista 64bit. It does use around 800mb ram but that's ok since the overall speed / response time of the OS increased as a result.
 
Yes, 64-bit processes require slightly more memory but it's probably not a big enough difference for you to notice.
 
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