32bit to 64bit

[nosralr]

My XP laptop is 32bit. I received a 64bit Windows 7 laptop as a gift. It came with W7 Home edition, but I bought the Ultimate upgrade. The upgrade has 32bit and 64bit cds.

My question. Some of my former programs, which run on the 32bit XP machine, will then also run on a 64bit machine? Or are programs made for either one?

[dohray]

Hi there,

I would install the 32-bit version, otherwise you will have to buy 64-bit applications to work with the 64 bit Operating system.

[renegade600]

You may or may not be able to run your current applications. I have been running 64 for a while and never had a conflict with 32 bit software I installed. You can do a search for your applications online and see if there are issues with it running in 64 bit os.

One thing, you can upgrade with 32 bit but you will have to do a clean install with 64 bit operating system.

[z1p]

Originally Posted by dohray

Hi there,

I would install the 32-bit version, otherwise you will have to buy 64-bit applications to work with the 64 bit Operating system.

You can run many 32bit apps on a 64 bit machine. As a matter of fact by default even internet explorer on 64 bit windows is a 32bit executable.

The biggest issue you are most likely to run into is problems with drivers. But, if the system is running win7 64 already, then you should be all set for the drivers.

The big item 64 bit windows gives you is the ability to have more RAM in your system.

[dohray]

Thanks for pointing out the inconsistencies (big word for cock-up) in my reply fellas...reminder to self : always check your facts before posting

[nosralr]

The new machine has 4GB of RAM, with W7 64bit installed. So with the replies above I might just stick with it then. Thanks for all the comments and help.