Windows 7 - 64-bit vs. 32-bit compatibility

I purchased a Dell laptop last May with 64-bit Vista. A number of web design and graphics apps I use were not fully functional on that OS, so I downgraded to the 32-bit Vista.

I now plan to upgrade that laptop to Windows 7.

Does anyone have any idea if the compatibility mode selections in Windows 7 64-bit will allow me to run more 32-bit applications than on Vista? I would like to take advantage of the extra RAM on my system, but not at the expense of applications not having full functionality.

I welcome any insights anyone can offer before I do the OS installation.

Doug

Hmm... Logicaly if its having problems running on the 64bit before then you might have problems running on the 64bit version of Win 7.

But Win 7 does have backward compatibility and should not have any problems running 32bit applications. No guaranties though with 3rd party software and that it may still cause problems but idealy you should not

I have found that running 32-bit applications in Windows 7 is way less problematic than it was in Windows Vista. In fact, I've not come across a single application that's given me any hassle in Windows 7 x64.
If the applications you are talking about isn't too old, then it will most likely work. I might be able to test it for you if you let me know which applications you are referring to.

Dubya,

Thanks for your reply.

The applications that caused me to switch back to 32-bit Vista were:

Dreamweaver CS3
Adobe Acrobat 8.1
Nova Development/Ulead PhotoImpact 13

In each case the application ran, but slowly or with missing features. For example, PhotoImpact would not display graphic libraries ("EasyPalette Galleries") Dreamweaver would run, but would freeze periodically and requiring a reboot to restart the app.

Your continued insights are welcome!

Thanks,

Doug

To all,

Thanks for your comments.

I finally went ahead and replaced my 32-bit Windows Vista with 64-Bit Windows 7. Installs a lot quicker that XP or Vista ever did!

I then installed the applications that would not work under 64-bit Vista and after some limited testing, everything seems to be working fine!

Its a miracle!

Doug

Good to hear that your problem has been solved 'cause of Windows 7 x64 Edition!

Yes it will!

Any additional problems with Windows 7 64 and PIX3? Thinking about a 64 Windows 7 PC and need to know if PIX3 is running ok. Thanks.

I have not had any problems either, and its also better with all my 4gb of RAM being used it loads up things faster.

I have had great luck with ALL applications in Windows 7 64-bit. PhotoImpact 13 and X3 (which appear to be identical programs) work fully and easily on the 64-bit OS. I had my doubts, since my Win 7 installation is on a year-old Dell laptop that formerly had Vista on it, but I did do a clean install of Windows 7.