Windows 7 - Windows 7 Ultimate in 8 GB RAM

Hi guys, i've purchased a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit back in 2010 and been running it since. My RAM is 4Gb right now and im thinking of upgrading to 8 GB RAM. I heard that 32 bit cant be installed in higher than 4GB of RAM. My question is why is that? i thought the more RAM the better? and is it true that some 32bit programs don't run on 64bit? i thought only the opposite. thx

Hello Macer, and welcome to Seven Forums.

32-bit Windows 7 will only not be able to use more than 4GB of RAM, but will still install if you have more RAM installed. It just will not use it all of it. To use more the 4GB of installed RAM, you will need to install 64-bit Windows 7. That's all.

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-d...omparison.html

Most 32-bit programs will run fine on 64-bit Windows 7. However, there are some 32-bit programs that will not run on 64-bit Windows 7. These usually include utility type programs. To be sure, check the program's specs and requirements to see if it specifies 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7. If not, then it most likely will run on both. You can also look up the program at the Microsoft link below to see if it's compatible or not.

Windows 7 Compatibility: Software Programs & Hardware Devices: Find Updates, Drivers, & Downloads

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Yes, as Brink said, it would install fine. If you bought the memory now, you'd have the same benefit as if you left the sticks in their packaging, sitting on your desk. You aren't even using all of the 4 GB you have installed now, for what it's worth.

If it's any help to you, I'm using loads of 32-bit software on Windows 7 64-bit.

Office 2010, Adobe Design Premium and other software all runs fine.

As Brink says, it's the utility programs you have to watch for, but you'll be prompted if any won't install.

Also, you won't notice a great difference between 4Gb of RAM and 8Gb, although memory-hungry apps like Photoshop (which you can get in the 32-bit and 64-bit versions) will appreciate the extra boost that 8Gb will give.

Thanks all for the help. well atleast i can install it and use it. im upgrading mostly for the macbook not windows (running windows 7 on bootcamp). last question, can i use the 32bit license key for 64 bit? 10x!

Yes, license keys for Vista and Windows 7 work on either platform. Just not both, so only one platform at a time.

thx. should it be ultimate too for it to work? or any will do?

Macer,

Yes, the Windows 7 product key number can be used to activate either (not both at the same time) the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7, but can only be used for the same edition (ex: Ultimate).

THanks alot Brink and all u guys that helped me. u saved me.

You're very welcome. My eldest grandson uses Bootcamp for Windows 7 on his iMac and gets on well with it.

When I asked him why he wanted it on his Mac he said that although he thinks the iMac is great he missed the flexibility that Windows software gives him, so now he's got the best of both worlds.