Install 32 Bit Vista or 64 Bit Vista

[MyrnaMF]

Hello people

I have a Gateway Desktop Intel D cpu duel 3.0 gig processor with 2 gigs or ram. I understand it will run 64 Bit software.

With the Vista Ultimate package it has both on DVD. Which should I install.

Does the 64 Bit version offer much over the 32 Bit version
Does it reformat the disk ?

I can't do an upgrade my only option is Clean install

Im planning on backing up with Acronis True Image 10 before I do so I can recover in case of a problem



Thanks

Myrna

 

[Ploper001]

Backing up is always a good idea if you have the space, yes.

If your only option is Clean Install, then yes it will probably format the drive - or maybe just set up a dual boot system and leave the current OS alone.

Anyway...if you know that you can get all the drivers you need (for all of the hardware you use) for Vista x64, and you know that there aren't any compoatibility issues with the software you use (Vista x64 is very good with 32-Bit Software - 95% of it will run fine), then by all means go for 64-Bit. It should offer a slight performance boost, and a big performance boost when you start using programs created for 64-Bit.

If you know you're gonna have problems finding hardware for your sound card or motherboard chipset etc., then I suggest sticking with 32-Bit for the time being.

 

[linney]

Run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to find out if your hardware is compatible with Windows Vista.

http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=53699

Windows Help and How-to (Setup and maintenance)

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/maintenance.mspx

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/41531554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx

 

[MyrnaMF]

Hello people

Well no I don't know that i can get all the drivers. I'd be doing a lot of hoping I guess. I have a USB drive, a Epson printer, CD, DVD I would assume these are basic for the 64 Bit version.

Acronis assured me I could recover to my old OS with a full Image backup snd store it on the USB Drive. I might even try to burn it on DVD before I make the install.

A duel boot would be nice I do have loads of diskpace.

And yes I have passed all requirements for using Vista both in the necessary and recommended configurations.

Meanwhile I'll check the "32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions" link you supplied me.

Thank you both for yout help

Myrna

 

[MyrnaMF]

New Problem

I just ran the update advisor with a microsoft rep on the phone and the result were "It appears the Vista premium is the best system for your computer" She seemed to think that is the only version I can install. ??????

She is advising me to return to the retailer and get the premium version in lewl of the Ultimate.

Whne I tried to install either the 32 or 64 bit versions the UPGRADE option was disabeled but the Clean install wasn't

She seemed to think it was because I had XP HOME on the system instead of the PRO.

This don't make any sense to me. Why wouldn't the "clean install" be disabeled instead of the "upgrade"

Any ideas?

 

[linney]

Upgrade Paths from Previous Versions

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradepaths.mspx

During Beta Testing the upgrade adviser often suggested that Business was the recommended system for me, but I just ignored it and upgraded to Ultimate with no problems. After RTM was released I installed Ultimate clean on the same machine.

The only snag to upgrading was the insufficient available disk space, it needs something like 15 - 20 GB free space to get an upgrade in. Anyway a clean install is always a better option.

Perhaps Microsoft are just trying to save you some cash if you don't need or want Ultimate?

In any case, my advise to you is to keep your install of Vista as simple as possible, learn to walk with it before you get into the hard part like chasing 64bit drivers.

 

[MyrnaMF]

Here is what I found on solving the 64 bit problem

1) Confirm that your PC is capable of running 64-bit software.
1.Open the "System Properties" window
a.If your Start menu is configured for Classic Start menu, right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop, and click Properties.

b.If your Start menu is the Windows default Start menu, click the Start button, then right-click the My Computer icon in your Start menu, and click Properties.

2.Click the Advanced tab.
3.Click Environment Variables.
4.In the "System variables" list at the bottom of the Environment Variables window, look for a variable called "PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE". If your PC has a 32-bit processor, this variable will have a value of "x86". If it has a 64-bit processor this variable will have a value of "x64".

http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=396&tabid=1

Thanks

Myrna