32 bit -> 64 bit

[Bags]

So is there any way to switch from 32 bit to 64 bit without losing all of my files (without backing up), sort of like the option they give you to go from xp to 7? (I believe there's an option upon upgrading from xp to 7 that tries to save all of your documents but not programs obv.)

Curious as I can get win7 64 bit for $30 via school discount. Will probably get it regardless.

[Crator]

Looks like if you use a Win 7 Upgrade disk it will give you the option to upgrade to 64 bit if the PC can do 64 bit. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7

You must run the upgrade disk while booted into Windows.

[Bags]

Edit: okay, did some googling and it looks like I have to wipe my HD before installing 64 bit.

Oh fuck, I just realized they're only selling "upgrade" copies at a discount. Hmm, I hope I can find my xp.

[Crator]

So it didn't let you upgrade while booted to Windows? I honestly can't remember. I actually prefer to do clean wipe/install usually. And I don't have to worry about backups so much cause I separated my OS partition and data partition.

[Goku]

Edit: okay, did some googling and it looks like I have to wipe my HD before installing 64 bit.

Oh fuck, I just realized they're only selling "upgrade" copies at a discount. Hmm, I hope I can find my xp.

Check this thread out at NoteBookReview (http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/428068-legal-windows-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html), Bags. You can download a legal Windows 7 iso (burn the iso to a dvd) to do a fresh install on your computer. The key you bought will work on a fresh install, so no worries. Just follow their directions.

[Crator]

Yes, those ISOs are great! Used them the other day for a friend who already had a Win 7 key from another laptop he had. Worked like a champ.

[Bags]

So wait, I can use my 32 bit home premium key to activate 64bit home premium?

[Goku]

That I do not know. I have switched keys meant for 32-bit to 64-bit, but that was prior to any registration. Are you on Win 7 atm?

[Bags]

Yeah. I might just buy the professional upgrade key anyway and give my win7 32 bit to my dad because he's still on xp.

Is there any difference of professional vs home for someone like me who really just games,browses the net, and uses Microsoft office?

[Goku]

There is different features, but nothing major. Biggest difference is the amount of ram you can use verse premium. I think it is like 16gb vs 24gb or something like that. I use it as my main OS and have no issues.

[Bags]

Okay cool. I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't gimp my performance at all. Thanks.

[Bags]

man, MS just about gave me a heart attack there. It sent the receipt to the wrong email. I copy pasted my gmail email from gmail, which is [email protected] and some how it fucked up and sent the receipt to a misspelled version of my email.

I sent that email address an email and it doesn't exist. OH well, got my order id# and my product key. Was afraid someone else would be sent the same info.

[Crator]

Interesting, I didn't know there was a difference in key for 32-bit vs. 64-bit. I think they both use same key.

[Goku]

Haha. Have fun with the install. Hope it doesn't hang.

[Bags]

Okay, I'm in, and authenticated.

I'm new to 64 bit sooo... for example like firefox, is there just a 32 bit version that works on both?

I see I have a Program files and a program files x86. Do I install 32 bit versions in the latter and anything that has a64 bit version in the former?

[Goku]

Most programs already have a 64-bit installer. Just let it install normally, the program knows what to do.

[Bags]

Okie doki loki.

Now when I upgrade I can use all the ram, yay.

[Goku]

Indeed lol.

[Bags]

So uh what type of programs do have 64 bit versions?

Cool: my copy time seems faster. I was backing up onto another harddrive at 23mb/s, now it's copying from that HD to this one @ 37mb/s.

[Goku]

What do you mean by 64-bit versions?

[Crator]

Office comes in 64-bit. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee681792.aspx

[Bags]

What do you mean by 64-bit versions?

I thought some programs had 32 bit and 64 bit programs? I dunno, once in a while when downloading something in the past they'd list both.

Maybe I'm remembering wrong, sorry.

[Goku]

Most programs will have the same installer for 64-bit/32-bit. Some you will have to download differently. Not sure off the top of my head which programs are like that.

[Hamma]

I thought some programs had 32 bit and 64 bit programs? I dunno, once in a while when downloading something in the past they'd list both.

Maybe I'm remembering wrong, sorry.

Java has 64 and 32, learned that when running out of memory in minecraft over and over again.. had to install 64bit :lol:

[Bags]

Java has 64 and 32, learned that when running out of memory in minecraft over and over again.. had to install 64bit :lol:

Yeah I saw that on their website. They recommended 32 bit if I'm running a 32 bit browser which I am.

I don't play minecraft

[Baneblade]

Most programs will have the same installer for 64-bit/32-bit. Some you will have to download differently. Not sure off the top of my head which programs are like that.

Drivers.

[duomaxwl]

Java has 64 and 32, learned that when running out of memory in minecraft over and over again.. had to install 64bit :lol:

I know this is a little late, but I've been pretty ticked as of late that I couldn't run Minecraft at max distance without it crashing from memory. Glad I just happened to be stalking the tech forums. Thanks Hamma. Runs perfect now.

[Traak]

So, as a habit, we should always look for 64-bit versions of absolutely everything. Otherwise... not going as it could be.

[Vecha]

Was reading that MS recommends ALL users to use 32bit office....unless they plan on having large access files or something...

[Crator]

Ya, just found that in the FAQs for Office. Primarily because a lot of add-ins are created that only work on 32-bit and you only need 64-bit Office for advanced data analysis scenarios that most users don’t require.

Will Office 2010 products be available in 64-bit versions? (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/office-2010-frequently-asked-questions-HA101674631.aspx#About_Office_2010_4)

Yes, Office 2010 products are available in 64-bit versions; however, for the best productivity and user experience, Microsoft recommends 32-bit Office 2010 for both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. Office 64-bit is optimized for advanced data analysis scenarios that most users don’t require, and existing 32-bit add-ins are not supported on Office 64-bit.