32 bit to 64 bit in XP Pro

[DJ Bing]

Hi,
I am considering changing the OS from 32 to 64 bit.
I have heard that XP Pro will only use 3.5GB of 4GB memory and I would like
to make use of every MB I can.
What are the pitfalls of changing over to 64 bit and is there a program that
will check to make sure existing programs drivers are supported?

Cheers, DJ Bing

 

[Malke]

Hi,
I am considering changing the OS from 32 to 64 bit.
I have heard that XP Pro will only use 3.5GB of 4GB memory and I would
like to make use of every MB I can.
What are the pitfalls of changing over to 64 bit and is there a program
that will check to make sure existing programs drivers are supported?

1. Make sure that all your applications will run on a 64-bit OS.

2. Look carefully at what applications you use to make sure that if they
will run, they are optimized for 64-bit computing (otherwise it's a waste).

3. No, you will need to go to every hardware component mftr.'s website and
every software application mftr.'s website and check for 64-bit
compatibility yourself.

4. You must do a clean install going from 32 to 64-bit.

So unless you're using applications that need more than the RAM you've got
and they are optimized for 64-bit computing, IMO don't bother. If you're
really running stuff like sophisticated number-crunching programs, Windows
isn't the best choice of operating systems for you anyway.

Malke

 

[Patrick Keenan]

Hi,
I am considering changing the OS from 32 to 64 bit.
Why?

I have heard that XP Pro will only use 3.5GB of 4GB memory and I would
like to make use of every MB I can.

Is there a purpose other than to say you are doing so?

What are the pitfalls of changing over to 64 bit and is there a program
that will check to make sure existing programs drivers are supported?

Cheers, DJ Bing

The pitfalls are many. They start with hardware that has no 64-bit
drivers, and proceed to applications that won't install on a 64-bit
platform.

You must carefully review your hardware and software to determine what else
you will have to replace. It is likely that you *will* have to abandon a
selection of hardware and software if you shift to 64-bit.

Again, there needs to be an acutal, compelling reason for doing this, such
as manupulating large audio or video files, or very large databases.

HTH
-pk

 

[Martin]

Hi,
I am considering changing the OS from 32 to 64 bit.
I have heard that XP Pro will only use 3.5GB of 4GB memory and I would like
to make use of every MB I can.
What are the pitfalls of changing over to 64 bit and is there a program that
will check to make sure existing programs drivers are supported?

Cheers, DJ Bing

Even if you find 64 bit driver support you might also find as i did -
lots of beta drivers.
Beta drivers lacking full functionality i found with my video card (no
tv out controls).

My SBLive had no official Creative drivers (i know it's an old card
but it works well for me!), i think i could have found some opensource
alternatives though.

But i gave up on using 64 bit XP 'just because i can' and reverted
happily back to 32 bit.

Martin.