Thanks for the link and info. Now, another interesting twist.
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A contractor advised about Windows 7 32 bit, but now the manufacturer rep for the equipment we're connecting to has advised that it's best to use Windows XP. He said they were able initially to use Windows 7 32 bit, but after some change in Windows 7, they were no longer able to use Win7. So, he suggested get a new machine, and load a virtual machine of XP. Of course, the issue there is getting legally usable copies of Windows XP to load to the VM.
I did call Dell yesterday about ordering a new laptop. When I spoke with the rep, he said they no longer had anything 32 bit at all and basically said you couldn't downgrade to 32 bit. However, I got to thinking, this guy was in sales, and his job is to sell 64-bit computers. He may not know. So I figured I'd continue poking around, asking online. I tried searching for other references on Dell's site and Microsoft's site, but no luck so far. They mention downgrading from Windows 10 to 8.1 and 7 but don't mention 64 bits vs 32 bit.
But for our current solution, we're going to try using an old XP laptop (actually same model as the Windows 7 laptop that's failing) that was waiting to go offsite for recycling. Go figure. So if I can get that running, then this will be another topic for another day.
Guess I need to be scouring eBay for Windows XP Pro Retail licenses that seem legal to the best I can tell. I have a feeling we may run into this increasingly over the next few/several years.
I'm sure I do have other Dell Windows install disks, but I just don't remember if you can go back from 64 bit to 32 bit, and honestly, not once have I run into someone needing or wanting to do so.
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57