32 bit/64 bit installation

[lunaray]

I built a computer a few years ago that I use for audio projects and just recently, my 'C' drive went South, so I need to replace it and install the OS. It was running WinXP but I may as well get a copy of Win 7 so that matches the rest of the computers on my Network. Eventually when I have the money, I'll swap out my 32 bit Motherboard and processer, so my question is: will a 64 bit version of Win 7 install okay using 32 bit hardware? (I don't want to have to buy both versions)

Thanks,

Ray

[MANEMAN]

Hi Ray,

The answer to your question is going to rely very much on the type of hardware on to which you will be installing 64 bit software. Following is an extract from Microsoft which hopefully will help you to make a decision.

How do I tell if my computer can run a 64-bit version of Windows?

To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor. To find out if your processor is 64-bit-capable in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, do the following:

Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.

1. Do one of the following:
   
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     In Windows 7, click View and print detailed performance and system information.
     
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     In Windows Vista, click View and print details.
     

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  In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running under System type, and whether or not you can run a 64-bit version of Windows under 64-bit capable. (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.)
  

To see whether a computer running Windows XP is capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, do the following:

1. Click Start.
   
2. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
   
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     If "x64 Edition" is listed under System, your processor is capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows.
     
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     If you don't see "x64 Edition" listed, your processor still might be capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows. To find out for sure, download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor webpage
     

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  John.
  

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

If you are going to replace your processor, then I would definitely recommend a x64 capable device, and go for 64-bit Windows.

Although there is still a lot of 32-bit software out there, in time, more and more software will be made available to run above the 32-bit line.

Some software that profits greatly from running 64-bit (software that use lots of memory):

• browsers (Internet Explorer, Waterfox)
  
• browser add-ons like Flash Player 11
  
• Office 2010
  
• Visual Studio 2010
  

[JolieCorral]

All these days I used only 32 bit Windows versions. Now I use Windows 7. I had the 32 bit version and 4 GB Ram and in My Computer properties it showed "3.25 GB usable". I did some research on the internet and understood that only 64 bit Windows can recognize full 4GB and Windows 7 can do it up to 192 GB.

Since I had not much files and programs in C Drive I made a clean installation of 64bit Windows 7 from my installation DVD. I checked properties again and much to my surprise, it is still showing "3.25GB usable". And I am sure that I didn't inadvertently install 32 bit again since its given "64-bit Operating System" right below it.