AMD 64 X2 but Vista installed 32-bit

C

C R C

Hello.

I built my system with AMD 64 X2 3800 but Vista installed 32-bit OS.

How can I change it so that Vista will install 64-bit? Is it a separate
install CD for 64-bit systems?

Thanks in advance.
 
R

Richard G. Harper

Yes, Vista 64-bit is a different DVD. You'll have to wipe your system clean
and start all over since there is no way to upgrade a 32-bit operating
system to a 64-bit operating system.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
 
M

Mike Hall - MS MVP

If you want a thoroughly usable computer, you will do well to stay with a
32bit OS.. while you may not be fully maximizing the capability of your
motherboard, unless you have to run 64bit applications and have a
requirement to run more than 4gb of memory, a 32bit OS has way better driver
support for peripheral devices, and does not have a requirement for all
drivers to be signed..

More than a few who opted for 64bit versions are looking to return to
32bit..


C R C said:
Hello.

I built my system with AMD 64 X2 3800 but Vista installed 32-bit OS.

How can I change it so that Vista will install 64-bit? Is it a separate
install CD for 64-bit systems?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

--


Mike Hall
MS MVP Windows Shell/User
http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/
 
A

Andy

I agree,

I run Win XP Pro X64 on my desktop as many of my 3d Apps have 64 bit
versions that can handle larger models and are faster.

However, the caveat is that some peripherals won't work as well under 64
bit, including a lot of scanners, webcams, printers etc.

If you don't need it, currently you gain little from 64 bit (as your 32 bit
programs run in emulation win on win, which loses any performance gain)


My laptop runs 32 bit Vista and i will stick to it :)

Andy
 
A

Alun Harford

C said:
Hello.

I built my system with AMD 64 X2 3800 but Vista installed 32-bit OS.

How can I change it so that Vista will install 64-bit? Is it a separate
install CD for 64-bit systems?
Click to expand...

Just because you could theoretically install the 64-bit version, doesn't
make it a good idea. Outside of specialist server hardware, driver
support is basically non-existent.

Unless you need it (you're running a large server, or specialist
scientific applications that use huge amounts of memory or gain
massively from native support for 64-bit arithmetic) stay away from it.

Alun Harford
 
C

cvp

I have to disagree with the "virtually non-existent" 64-bit driver comment.
With one exception wherever I've needed a driver (even software products
with virtual drivers) if there's a vista driver it's available in both
32-bit and 64-bit format. That one exception is my Canon MF3110 where they
are "examining the demand for 64-bit drivers". So my RAID card, HP Printer,
Samsung DDTT printer, TV card, video, sound, system etc., as well as Virtual
Drive, Super Doctor etc. are all readily available.

I do have another bunch of machines with orphaned ATI 9100IGP chips
("Unrivalled Platform Performance" as their blurb still states) where even
the smell of a 32-bit Vista driver would be welcome - but that's a different
story...
 
A

Andy

A lot are available I agree, though you need to research first. I have an
orphaned webcam and WinTV-USB which currently are unsupported. I also have a
Canon which is currently unsupported. It will improve with time, or as you
replace peripherals for newer ones.

Also you will find some software dosn't like it very much (e.g. Zonealarm
and some IE plugins and any 16 bit software which previously ran in
compatibility mode) and i have a Flash upgrade which currently won't install
on the 64 bit IE7 (though it will on the 32 bit version on the same pc)

Again, even with this, I don't think there is much advantage as so much
software is 32 bit, therefore running win-in-win. My 64 bit apps romp
along, but that is to be expected, especially on a Quad core system with 4
GB fast RAM ;-)

Andy
 
C

cvp

Andy,

I agree with the "research first" thought - also true for 32-bit. The only
software I've had trouble with are those with drivers/services (Cute PDF,
Virtual Drive, Super Doctor...), but they've all been updated and the rest
just run happily in their 32-bit mode. As for IE, the default (32-bit) seems
as fine as it was on XP, the plug-in situation for 64-bit IE makes it
virtually useless for me (at the moment), but the default is fine. I even
switched over to the 64-bit WMP since I had no problems there.
I do have XP running under Virtual PC for any apps that cause trouble, but
that's a null set so far.
 
C

C R C

Thank you all!

I will stay with my installed 32-bin W. Vista.

Richard G. Harper said:
Yes, Vista 64-bit is a different DVD. You'll have to wipe your system
clean and start all over since there is no way to upgrade a 32-bit
operating system to a 64-bit operating system.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


C R C said:
Hello.

I built my system with AMD 64 X2 3800 but Vista installed 32-bit OS.

How can I change it so that Vista will install 64-bit? Is it a separate
install CD for 64-bit systems?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
G

Guest

Andy - what kind of applications do you run? I 'need' to test a 64 bit
system, and am concerned with how compatible it may be with my other
applications.

thanks, D
 
A

Andy

I am running :

Office 2003 32 bit (no problems)
Lightwave 9 (64 bit)
Vue 6 Infinite (64 bit)
Truespace 6.6 32 bit (no problems)
Hexagon 2.1 32 bit (no problems)
Poser 6 32 bit (no problems)
Serif pageplus XII, Photoplus 10, WebPlus 10, Movieplus 5 - all 32 bit (no
problems)
Nero DVD maker (64 bit)
Acronis trueimage 10 32 bit (no problems)
AVG 7.5 internet security 32 bit - (no problems)
I use the 32 bit version of IE7 for most things as the plugins work with it
(many do not on the 64 bit version)

Epson R200 inkjet printer - 64 bit drivers

My system is an Intel Quad core 2.6 MHz with 4 GB of DDRII RAM and a NVIDIA
QUADRO FX 550 grahics card.


If you have any specific questions let me know.

cheers
Andy
 
B

Bret Butcher

C said:
Hello.

I built my system with AMD 64 X2 3800 but Vista installed 32-bit OS.

How can I change it so that Vista will install 64-bit? Is it a separate
install CD for 64-bit systems?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Just a quick question. I heard that once you've activated the 32bit
version of Vista Ultimate, you can't activate the 64 bit version. I
installed the 32 bit version until the was more driver support. I've
found drivers for all my devices and done some research. Will I have
an activation problem if I blow away my 32 bit install and install
the 64 bit version? This question is the only thing stopping me from
taking the plunge. Love disk imaging. Thanks in advance!
 
B

Bret Butcher

Richard said:
Partially true. You won't be able to activate it automatically but a phone
call to the activation center will take care of the problem.
Click to expand...
Rock'n. Thanks for the quick response. I'll have to give 64bit a shot.
Basically, my computer usage ranges from development, to audio/video
and of course gaming. I don't care if it's faster, just that most of
my games run. I'm looking to take advantage of my 4gb of memory. With
SLI, I'm only seeing 2.5 .. thanks again.
 

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