Windows 7: Plugging in an external drive to Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit?

ombra2105 · 24 Apr 2012

Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade my Windows 7 OS from 32-bit to 64-bit. I have checked that my processor supports a 64-bit OS, which it does.

My question is this:

I have an external drive with about 1.6TB of purchased iTunes data currently plugged into my laptop running Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit. After I finish upgrading to a 64-bit OS, when I plug this drive back in (or any USB drive for that matter), will it prompt a re-format before letting me use it in Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit?

Thanks,

Andrew

zigzag3143 · 24 Apr 2012

Only the operating system is either 32bit or 64. The file system is NTFS and will be just fine when you have 64bit installed.

Just remember 64 bit uses a bit more resources, but then you get to use the remainder of RAM in your 4 gigs which you cant now.

bobkn · 24 Apr 2012

As ZigZag posted, there will be no change to the external HD needed.

One potential problem: because there is no in-place upgrade from 32 bit to 64, your OS drive will essentially be cleared.

I'm not an iTunes user. Where is the DRM information for purchased music stored? I have no idea, but it may not be in the same archive as the music files. Make sure to back that up, so that you can recover it when you re-install iTunes.

Hanna 1 · 24 Apr 2012

Welcome to the forum Ombra
Beside those suggestions;
1-Try to connect your 1.6TB on one of your friends machine running the 64bit to see if it's working.
2-visit the manufacturer site of your External drive and see on their forum if there is a case like your's .
3-I think the 64bit will detect your 1.6 and auto download the needed drivers and updates.
Good luck

seavixen32 · 24 Apr 2012

Providing there is nothing wrong with your external hard drive, Windows will recognise it as soon as you connect it and install a driver for it.

Whether the operating system is 32-bit or 64-bit won't make a scrap of difference.

You cannot upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version. It will have to be a clean install, so backup anything important and make sure you have all the installation discs for your applications.

ombra2105 · 24 Apr 2012

Thanks guys. In the same vein, can you restore data of a 32-bit back up to a 64-bit installation?

seavixen32 · 24 Apr 2012

It depends what you backed up.

If you mean data such as music, photos, videos and suchlike, yes, they can be copied back onto your 64-bit system no trouble at all.

If you are talking about 32-bit executable files such as applications, they will have to re-installed.

If you mean a full system image backup then that's a no.

ombra2105 · 26 Apr 2012

Just finished installing the 64-bit version of the OS. All the updates are done and programs reinstalled. Thanks for your help guys!

Barman58 · 26 Apr 2012

You may also need to take ownership of the files on the external drive and give your user on the new 64bit system explicit rights to the Drive. This is to prevent any potential access issue in future

ombra2105 · 26 Apr 2012

What do you mean by taking ownership of the files?

Windows 7: Plugging in an external drive to Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit?

Plugging in an external drive to Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit? problems?