should I install XP 64 bits?

[eric]

I have an AMD Athlon 64-bits and I have both XP 32 and XP 64 available
(through my company). I need to decide which one to install.
Is there any disadvantage in installing the 64-bit version? In
particular,
I must use various applications for which we only have the 32-bit
version.
Will these 32-bit applications run OK in XP 64-bit?
thanks!

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The applications will probably work...but you should ask the manufacturer
for compatibility information.

A more likely problem is hardware compatibility.
Check with the hardware manufacturers for 64 bit compatibility.
You may need to get 64 bit drivers.

You could try 64 bit with your hardware and software and if that is
unacceptable,

 

[George Hester]

Just remember running 32-bit applications in a 64-bit Operating system is
like running 16-bit applications in a 32-bit Operating system and we all
know how well that works.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Not quite. Both 32 and 64 bit are protected mode, while 16 bit is done in
real mode. Most 32 bit apps run fine in a 64 bit OS, the problem is in
finding 64 bit device drivers - many vendors simply are not providing them.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[McGrandpa]

I have an AMD Athlon 64-bits and I have both XP 32 and XP 64 available
(through my company). I need to decide which one to install.
Is there any disadvantage in installing the 64-bit version? In
particular,
I must use various applications for which we only have the 32-bit
version.
Will these 32-bit applications run OK in XP 64-bit?
thanks!

That's a loaded question Like the op's have said, the biggest problem
will be 64 bit device drivers. x64 does not use 32 bit drivers. My
software hasn't been a problem so far.
The thing that often works best, especially while finding out what's what
with drivers and software, is to install both and dual boot. Install each
OS on its own partition (say 20 gb each), then a much larger partition for
program files.
I'm dual booting XP Pro and XP Pro x64. I find myself working in x64 90% of
the time.
McG.