64bit OS 32bit drivers

[synapse02]

Will 32bit drivers work in 64bit XP?

 

[singh]

I'd be surprised if they did.

 

[EeyoreX]

No. That will be part of the initial problems with the initial rollout of a 64-bit OS for the desktop. The hardware will need 64-bit devices drivers to work correctly with the 64-bit OS.

\Dan

 

Originally posted by: EeyoreX
No. That will be part of the initial problems with the initial rollout of a 64-bit OS for the desktop. The hardware will need 64-bit devices drivers to work correctly with the 64-bit OS.

\Dan

so wait....if the hardware makers refuse to upgrade to 64 bit, or cant in time, then certain things just wont work? Like graphics and sound?

 

[drag]

No.

You need a new kernel to handle the 64bit addressing space and other advancements. So the kernel being used in WinXP isn't going to be the same one running in WinXP-64.

New kernel, new drivers.

I don't know weither or not the actual 32 vs 64bits would automaticly make it so that the old drivers won't work, I don't think so since you can use 32bit OS on x86-64, bui what the hell do I know?

Probably you can try using 32-bit drivers, but you will probably have sever problems even if you manage to get them working in the first place.

So it's up to who ever developes the drivers to make sure to make new ones for the new OS. I doubt though that it would cause much manufacturers pause to develope new drivers for WinXP-64, the differences probably aren't all that great.

Probably be a LONG time before ancient or obscure hardware gets support.

 

[EeyoreX]

so wait....if the hardware makers refuse to upgrade to 64 bit, or cant in time, then certain things just wont work? Like graphics and sound?

I don't think hardware manufacturers will refuse to develop 64-bit drivers. I do think that the older and more obscure the hardware is the less likely a 64-bit driver will be. Though once 64-bit at the desktop level picks up, manufacturers will ensure their newer hardware has 64-bit drivers. Or, they may just use 64-bit as a way to force the consumer to upgrade the relevant hardware...

\Dan

 

[synapse02]

I have noticed that a few manufactures are already releasing 64bit drivers