Windows 7 - x86 versus x64 questions

I have tried Windows 7 7100, but it was an x86 version. I read several threads about the x86 vs x64, and would like to maybe try the x64 version of the new RTM, but I have a few questions:

1) How can I find out if my computer is x64 compatible? I have a dual core Opteron 170 processor and my HD's are all SATA (if that makes any difference)

2) I have loads of software, will I have to upgrade any? The one I am concerned about is Adobe Master Collection CS4. Don't want to have to do that one again. Also, I do web design, so have that type of software plus I have a webcam, which I think I read may be a problem.

3) Is there anything else I need to know before going forward?

You can download CPU-Z and look for the instruction set of x86-64.

CPUID


Going from x86 to x64, you must do a clean install.. So you will have to reinstall Adobe, sorry.

Just backup your documents and bookmarks and anything else you use regularly, besides programs.

It depends on your CPU (is OK As far as I know) and how much RAM you have. 2Gbyte RAM or more, and you are fit to go with x64.

If you are using Adobe CS4 then you will love x64 with a lot of RAM as this can really make a difference in speed when rendering big pictures.

It is only a few older webcams that makes problems as I understand it, but you might want to try and ask in the driver-group in this forum.
Write the name and model of your webcam in a post and ask if anybody knows of problems with a driver for your webcam.

3) You can't upgrade to x64, you have to do a clean install, but if you have Windows 7 installed now, try looking in All Programs-> accessories->system tools->Windows easy transfer. Run this utillity and let Windows 7 make a big file with your setups. After installing the new OS, then same path, same program this time telling the program, that this is your new "PC", and all your settings will be restored. Actually, if you have the programs installed on C:\ then it is not so easy, but if your programs is installed in another drive, then go ahead .

I figured I would have to do a fresh install. What I was worried about regarding the software is not necessarily the re-install (although that usually takes me about a week - all weekend, then 5 week nights), but whether they would work at all. I thought I read somewhere about a Photoshop x64 version. And the reference to the Adobe MC - I don't want to have to buy another piece of the Adobe rock.

hey and welcome
1- to find out if your computer is capible you cana go to grc.com and download a small free program called securable. It looks like this

2-most (if not all) 32 bit will run on 64 bit systems just a tad less efficiently. there may not be a problem with your webcam driver check your models manufacturer.

There is tons more you need to know. Lets just skim the surface. How much memory do you have, what kind of video card and how much memory. How much hard disk space, etc.

It really isn't rocket science. Ask us all the questions you can think of thats why we are here.

Hope this helped

Ken

It looks like I am good to go. CPU-Z reports x86-64 and Securables shows I have 64 also.
My system has 2 gig of ram and my vid card is an ATI All in wonder X800XL with 256 memory.

I have tons of HD space: 3 drives at 750 gig and 2 replaceable drives at 500 gig each. BTW - the Windows 7 is on one of the replaceables. By replaceables, I mean I have a drive bay that has a removeable tray that houses a SATA drive. I have two drive trays for the one bay that I use for backup. One goes off-site. I'm not paranoid, I just have some critical data from a few websites. I will check about the webcam tomorrow.

You sure you can do that? Cause all the paths change going to 64bit. Program Files (x86) versus Program Files which is 64bit. There is also different areas of the registry for windows 64bit. I would think doing a backup of all that would cause more problems in the long run, since the paths are not even remotely the same. It would be safer just to reinstall everything from scratch, rather then back it up.

Windows Easy Transfer does not work x86 <> x64. Must be same "x".

I also have my drives on hot-swapable trays. It works great. I actually AM paranoid .

Photoshop CS4 and Lightroom work great in 64-bit, especially Photoshop with extra memory, if you do lots of layers, local corrections and such, plus you can have lots of history to play with. Nero 9 also will use the extra mem and will use the multiple cores.

I'll add this. The Creative Labs 64-bit drivers are garbage. Staticy, scratchy sound that is much lower than usual. 32-bit drivers are fine.

They've had how many years to get this right?

I hate creative..

anyway you can try shrinking one of your partition, to make space for a new windows 7 64-bit install, and have dual boot, so in case things don't work out too well with x64 you still have your widnows x86 unmodified...