need 32 bit OS to run legacy software

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frozentundra123456

frozentundra123456

Lifer
Aug 11, 2008
10,451
642
126
Hi all

I have a very unusual situation in that I need a 32 bit OS to run some legacy mass spectroscopy analytical software. The machines are still running XP 32 bit, but I believe the problem with a newer OS is 32 bit vs 64 bit, not XP vs Win 7. We want to buy a new computer, and of course everything comes with 64 bit.

The person running the instruments suggested using a virtual machine, but our IT person is somehow resistant to that. Does a commercial copy of Win 7 still allow 32 bit installation? Can you dual boot to 64 bit Win 7 and 32 bit Vista or Win 7?

Part of the problem is that the "IT person" for our department I believe is not really a trained IT professional, but just someone who moved up by getting some experience in the field. She may be reluctant to install virtualization software because it is unfamiliar to her. Of course I cant install anything myself since I dont have administrative privileges. Otherwise I would try to install the virtual machine myself. I don't know if the software will run on Linux, but I doubt it.

Does anyone have any suggestiions? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
K

kurt454

Senior member
May 30, 2001
773
0
76
frozentundra123456 said:
The person running the instruments suggested using a virtual machine, but our IT person is somehow resistant to that. Does a commercial copy of Win 7 still allow 32 bit installation? Can you dual boot to 64 bit Win 7 and 32 bit Vista or Win 7?
Click to expand...

Yes to both.
 
S

Snoop

Golden Member
Oct 11, 1999
1,424
0
76
Just get VMware player (or spend a bit and get workstation) and run whatever OS you need. BTW, if your IT head doesn't know how to deal with something this simple she sucks.

Also, just so you can explain. This is all that needs to be done:
-Install Vmware, either player or workstation. This is simple.
-Get OS discs and install within VMware. You will need a key for the OS.
-Install your software in the VM and you are done.

The whole process shouldn't take more than an hour.
 
Last edited:
sm625

sm625

Diamond Member
May 6, 2011
8,172
137
106
If XP 32bit runs your software then you should have minimal trouble getting it to run on win 7 64. Just goofy permissions and UAC problems and stuff like that...

But you surely realize that can still buy win 7 32? The retail discs come with both versions, and you can legally switch between 32 and 64 on something like a consumer notebook. If you're running legacy apps then you obviously dont need 4GB.
 
B

bico

Member
Jun 13, 2012
40
0
0
bico.com.pl
you can do 64bit in virtual machine (vmware, virtualbox) as long your hardware supports it, doesn't matter what os host runs
 
S

Snoop

Golden Member
Oct 11, 1999
1,424
0
76
frozentundra123456 said:
Is this natively with the installation or do you have to download and install? The problem is that I dont have admin privileges so if you have to download and install separately, I would still be dependent on the IT person to do it.
Click to expand...

You have to install.
Just put the problem in writing and send a CC email to your IT boss and their boss with the solutions which have been provided. This type of IT issue is not something which should require this much examination.
 
Gooberlx2

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
kurt454 said:
Isn't XP Mode only available in Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate Edition?

The OP did not specify which version of 7 he or she was running.
Click to expand...

Correct. I guess I would have assumed they were using Win7 Pro, being in a work environment. Good point though, OP's gonna need to check this out.
 
M

Munky

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2005
9,372
0
76
My retail Windows 7 Professional came with two discs - a 64-bit and a 32-bit version.
 
Modelworks

Modelworks

Lifer
Feb 22, 2007
16,240
7
76
Does the lab software interface to an external device through the pc serial or parallel ports ? If it does you may have a problem because windows 7 does not allow for direct I/O access to the ports and lab hardware connected to it will likely not work or return wrong information. WinXP is in use at a lot of labs and testing facilities because of the need for direct access to the I/O, some manufacturers have updated drivers or changed out hardware to support Win7, but the majority have not and will never update leaving many labs running winXP and older hardware. It is hard to sell management on replacing a $20K lab item for a new one just because you want to change to a newer OS.

The problem with windows 7 is two fold. Win7 buffers I/O and it has to run through the OS slowing down time critical data and altering the timing for things that require specific timing operations. The other problem is windows requiring signed drivers , you can turn this off as I have, but it is still a nuisance that many people don't like. WinXP was different in that it allowed direct reads and writes to the ports with almost no latency.

Virtual machines will not work either in this case because you are adding even more layers between the device and the hardware.
 
6

6string

Member
Jun 9, 2012
28
0
0
activedirectorytools.net
Most legacy software will instal and run in a 64 bit OS. The issues I've seen is UAC, which is a pain to manage in large networks anyways. Like others have said if that doesn't work you have several options

Run virtually (vmware)
Run in XP mode
Try changing combatability mode
32 bit terminal server
 
M

MJoshi

Member
Mar 6, 2003
88
1
66
Many spectroscopy systems e.g. Raman etc. still run on legacy operating systems (OS) such as XP. If it works, the IT departments generally don't bother updating to a newer OS.

It all depends on whether the software will run on a newer 32-bit OS and also if the hardware is compatible.

Have you contacted the manufacturer of the hardware to find out if they have newer software or if the hardware is compatible?
 
M

mv2devnull

Golden Member
Apr 13, 2010
1,526
160
106
Each instrument manufacturer tends to make their own software, with proprietary file formats, in order to maximize vendor lock-in.
 
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