Win XP pro 64 bit edition, what works and what doesn't?

[vtohthree]

So I'm currently using win xp pro 32 bit edition, but I'm thinking about switching over to the 64 bit edition, mainly because I want to upgrade to 4GB of ram, and finally take advantage of my 64 bit processor.

What can I expect? Will it be generally painless? Smooth? Here are some topics:

*Drivers(I'm actually not too concerned, I searched online for drivers for all my peripherials, so far they at least exist, printer, mouse, optical drive, etc.)

*Software: Will all my 32bit xp software work fine on it?(in general) Or do I have to
purchase 64bit versions of it?

*Games(trivial topic since it is software), again same question, will it run just as it
does on the 32bit edition?

 

[hennessy1]

Drivers there are alot more of since vista came out. Most of your software should work no need to get 64bit versions there might be some cases though. Games will run although that some games that use the "star" i forgot the entire name but they won't run without modification. I run win x64 and its amazingly stable compared to the 32bit I have on other pcs. The drivers that come with your hardware just to let you know most of the time it is just a driver and not the usual software/driver package that you find when you install. any other ?'s

 

[nweaver]

I'm not a big fan of Vista, but you SHOULD run Vista64 if you are going to upgrade. XP64 was more of a trial run into the 64 bit market by MS, and many vendors didn't do good/any work on drivers and testing. Vista64 would be MUCH better.

 

[vtohthree]

Originally posted by: hennessy1
Drivers there are alot more of since vista came out. Most of your software should work no need to get 64bit versions there might be some cases though. Games will run although that some games that use the "star" i forgot the entire name but they won't run without modification. I run win x64 and its amazingly stable compared to the 32bit I have on other pcs. The drivers that come with your hardware just to let you know most of the time it is just a driver and not the usual software/driver package that you find when you install. any other ?'s

Thanks for your feedback, definately helped out and gave me peace of mind if I switch.
I'm sure I have more questions but I just can't t hink of any right now.

 

[vtohthree]

Originally posted by: nweaver
I'm not a big fan of Vista, but you SHOULD run Vista64 if you are going to upgrade. XP64 was more of a trial run into the 64 bit market by MS, and many vendors didn't do good/any work on drivers and testing. Vista64 would be MUCH better.

I'm with you on not being a fan of Vista, I've heard of some compatibility issues with Vista
and my current hardware, esp my X-fi not being supported.

The only real reason why I want to get XP64 bit is because I'm itching to buy 4GB of ram on my new build since ram is just so cheap and I want to future proof it, etc... I mean why not? 4GB for less than $250.

Or I can't say that's the only real reason, I just want to expand my horizons in general as well.

 

[bsobel]

I'm with you on not being a fan of Vista, I've heard of some compatibility issues with Vista

Your going to have much more severe compatibility problems with XP64 than Vista64. XP64 is an orphan, there is no reason you should even be considering it at this point.

and my current hardware, esp my X-fi not being supported.

Creatives drives continue to improve (I have an X-Fi as well, and I've had Vista drivers since before release). In fact, Creative released updated Vista drivers for the x-fi line yesterday.