Upgrading to Win 7 64 bit

shadowfox

shadowfox

Anime Junkie
So ... a quick question.

I'm currently running the 32-bit version of Windows 7, and I suspect my primary HDD may be failing, so I've decided if circumstance forces me to buy a new hard drive, I may as well install the 64-bit version, since MS so kindly provided me with both discs.

Question is - I know I'll have to find 64-bit drivers for all my hardware - but what about other software running on my system? Does Windows allow you to run 32 bit software, in compatibility mode or otherwise? Most of the software running on my system is freeware, so I can download replacements, but my main concern here is my Adobe Suite, which is CS3 - I don't have money at this point to replace it with CS5 which I know supports 64 bit.

Okay - so that wasn't really a quick question, but answers, quick or otherwise, are appreciated :)
 
From what I've seen, Windows 7 seems to get the drivers itself, most of the time. Unless it some stupid samsung printer :mad:

32bit Software seems to work fine for me. Unless its something really old with 16bit code.

I think adobe said CS5 would only run on 64bit.
 
All your software should work fine!

I know it installs it in a difference directory namely Program Files (x86), so to my understanding is that you'll have no issues.

As for the hardware drivers, most of your mobo, cpu, hd etc drivers will be automatically installed
As for gpu, printer, mouse, keyboard etc drivers you'll have to get the 64bit drivers.
 
I myself haven't come across any programs that doesn't work on x64. I used to keep a x86 instance of Windows for gaming, but when I set up my new pc, I only installed x64 and all my games work, old and new. (I'm no expert, but I think games are more likely to have issues than normal applications)

As for specific programs, you can check the Windows 7 Compatibility Center at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/default.aspx and simply search for your specific application. For Adobe specifically, I think the link provided above by Satarial already answers that question as well as give advice on how to set it up to work correctly.
 
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I've been running Win 7 Premium 64-bit for a few months now and I've had no compatibility problems so far by using some 32-bit applications.

So you should be fine...
 
Shot ... thanks for all the answers guys.

Just wanted to make sure before I go ahead and then toss my PC through the Window 2 hours down the line :p
 
if you are Looking at upgrading to x64 ensure you have the memory to support it well better said utilze the bandwidth.
don't install x64 if ram is 4gb or less, you gain nothing, 6gb and up on ram HUGE improvement....x32 max acces ram 4GB...
 
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F1Tester said:
if you are Looking at upgrading to x64 ensure you gave the memory to support it well better said utilze the bandwidth.
dont install x64 if ram is 4gb or less, you gain nothing, 6gb and up on ram HUGE improvement....x32 max acces ram 4GB...
Click to expand...

Agreed. The difference imo is that on a machine with less than 3GB of ram it wont make a significant difference unless you run actual 64 bit software. e.g. Adobe CS5.

But if you do have 3GB+ then use x64. I have been running x64 since Vista and I must say that Windows 7 64bit works brilliantly
without any issues. Most of the suppliers out there (GFX, Sound, Motherboard etc) has both 64 and 32 bit drivers available so simply download the ones required. Personally I don't trust Windows to find the drivers itself, I always try download them manually.
 
m3n4ce said:
Agreed. The difference imo is that on a machine with less than 3GB of ram it wont make a significant difference unless you run actual 64 bit software. e.g. Adobe CS5.

But if you do have 3GB+ then use x64. I have been running x64 since Vista and I must say that Windows 7 64bit works brilliantly
without any issues. Most of the suppliers out there (GFX, Sound, Motherboard etc) has both 64 and 32 bit drivers available so simply download the ones required. Personally I don't trust Windows to find the drivers itself, I always try download them manually.
Click to expand...

I've never experienced issues with the drivers windows' gets.

Yeah sure graphics drivers, but I never once installed drivers for my mobo, hd, screen etc and everything worked 100%.
Maybe it's because I never really had the latest and best hardware available.

IMHO W7 64bit is solid! You won't regret it mate!
 
That was one of my main issues ... I've got 4GB in my box, but I could never properly use it.

Major bottlenecks in my system now are my gfx card and - as I said - I suspect my hard-drive - access times are crap atm.
 
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