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September 23rd, 2009 07:00
Run 64-bit Applications on 32-bit OS
I'm looking to upgrade my old desktop, currently running XP Pro with tons of 32-bit software installed. I do not do any gaming, and very little video editing.
If I purchase a new PC with a 32-bit Vista Home Premium OS with a free upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit, migration and functionality of the new system should be OK. However, what happens a year or two down the road when software vendors start releasing more and more 64-bit software? Will a 32-bit OS be able to run the new 64-bit applications?
There are all kinds of questions and answers out there regarding running 32-bit aps on 64-bit operating systems, but I can't find any definitive answers regarding running 64-bit aps on 32-bit systems. I don't want to buy a 32-bit system that will be a dinosaur in a couple of years.
Thanks,
Art
Philip_Yip
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16.1K Posts
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September 23rd, 2009 12:00
There is a thread here where people are discussing this: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/714-63-vista-windows
Would you not be better buying a system directly with Vista 64 bit? Or do you have incompatible programs, from what I gather most 32bit programs will run as a 32bit program on a 64bit OS. If you buy the computer with 64bit software, you should have no driver problems, as dell provides the drivers and supports 64bit. You will just need to make sure any devices you have such as printers will have compatible drivers.
I don't think it is easy to install 64bit software on a 32bit system, here someone asked in on yahoo answers: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080729064617AAh80tN
fireberd
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September 23rd, 2009 13:00
First, 32 bit programs run OK in Vista 64 bit. They even install them in the Programs Files (X86) folder rather than the usual Program Files folder. I have Vista 64 bit (and Windows 7 RC1 64 bit) and all the 32 bit programs I have work perfectly in both 64 bit Operating Systems. However, all the programs I have are 100% Vista and Windows 7 compatible.
With a lot of "old" XP programs, some may not be compatible or completely compatible with Vista and Win 7. But, Windows 7 Professional (not Home) will have an option to download an XP application that will allow running most XP programs in Vista.
If you have an "XP" machine, it may not be 100% Vista/Win 7 compatible so the best option is to buy a new PC that is 100% Windows 7 compatible. What model PC do you have? I can check the Dell drivers to see if it's supported for Vista. Some older Dell models are supported for 32 bit but not 64 bit.