64Bit vs 32Bit

[Bob Eyster]

Will most/all 32Bit software run on Vista 64Bit machine, and how about
drivers, do you need 64Bit drivers or will 32Bit drivers work?

My daughter just got a new Dell 64Bit machine.

Thanks

 

[Dominic Payer]

See
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/41531554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx

 

[Malke]

Will most/all 32Bit software run on Vista 64Bit machine, and how about
drivers, do you need 64Bit drivers or will 32Bit drivers work?

My daughter just got a new Dell 64Bit machine.

Most 32-bit software will run on a 64-bit machine. Exceptions are usually
caught easily such as if you try to install 32-bit iTunes it will tell you
that you need the 64-bit version. There are two versions of Java and you
need to install both. But mostly everything will Just Work.

Drivers are another story. You must have 64-bit drivers; 32-bit drivers will
not work. So if you have a printer (for example) that doesn't support Vista
64, you're out of luck.

Malke

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi Bob,

Will most/all 32Bit software run on Vista 64Bit machine,

Yes, 32-bit software runs in a compatibility mode (known as WoW) on 64-bit
installations. However, if the program relies on a driver file, it must be
64-bit compliant. Most programs with that requirement, such as camera
software, now include the drivers by default.

and how about drivers, do you need 64Bit drivers or will 32Bit drivers
work?

Drivers *must* be signed, 64-bit versions.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
Vote for my shoe: http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[PvdG42]

Will most/all 32Bit software run on Vista 64Bit machine, and how about
drivers, do you need 64Bit drivers or will 32Bit drivers work?

My daughter just got a new Dell 64Bit machine.

Thanks

When you say "Dell 64Bit machine", do you mean a PC with Vista x64 already
installed? If so...

Almost any 32 bit application will install and run just fine, if it's Vista
compatible.

As far as drivers are concerned, if the computer came with Vista x64
installed, it already has drivers for all the hardware that came with the
computer. As far as other peripherals that she might wish to add, yes, she
will need 64 bit drivers for those peripherals. You should check with the
peripheral manufacturer to see if 64 bit drivers are available.

You should also be aware that the 64 bit driver issue is becoming less of a
problem as time passes and 64 bit OS' are becoming more common. For example,
I was reluctant to purchase a laptop with Vista x64 (now running Win 7 x64)
because I *assumed* that there would be no 64 bit drivers for my 2
generation old Canon MP 780. Wrong! Canon had the drivers even though
production stopped in 2005.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Will most/all 32Bit software run on Vista 64Bit machine,

Yes--most but not all. Utility software is the kind most likely not to
run.

and how about
drivers, do you need 64Bit drivers

Yes.


or will 32Bit drivers work?

No.


My daughter just got a new Dell 64Bit machine.

That describes the hardware. Are you sure it is running 64-bit Vista?

 

[Bob Eyster]

Will most/all 32Bit software run on Vista 64Bit machine, and how about
drivers, do you need 64Bit drivers or will 32Bit drivers work?

My daughter just got a new Dell 64Bit machine.

Thanks

I want to thank everyone for their comments and links, it has been a big
help.
Thanks