I just loaded windows 7 on my new computer with the 32 bit disk. The computer is 64 and i have the 64 disk. It seems to work fine.
If i go back and reload with the 64 disk will i lose the software already loaded and will I have to contact MS to re activate?
You will definitely lose the software you installed (clean install only, no in-place upgrade).
You should have no trouble activating, but in the event you do, a call to Microsoft takes care of it.
The 32-bit version will work just fine; however, if you have 4GB or more of RAM, it will not recognize it all.
As my distinguished fellow guru Mr. King here above told you, 32-bit works fine for you. I can see from your system specs you have 3 gigs of RAM, I would recommend to stay on 32-bit if you are not going to increase RAM in any time soon.
Kari
I agree with Kari. Stay with 32-bit unless you plan to increase RAM. If you have the 64-disc, why not save for installation on a different computer in the futureIf you are interested in reading more about 32-bit vs. 64-bit, here you go: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions.
Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Outreach Team
IMO, Windows 7 is the start of 64-bit as a standard, whereas Windows XP x64 and Vista x64 were more proof-of-concept than polished and ready for consumer usage. Maybe it's just me, but at this point running Windows 7 x86 just seems unecessary. Besides, like Johnathan_King mentioned, any 32-bit version of Windows (ie XP, Vista, 7) will only see up to about 3.5 GB of RAM, whereas for 64-bit versions of Windows 7, you can have up to:
- Starter: 8GB
- Home Basic: 8GB
- Home Premium: 16GB
- Professional: 192GB
- Enterprise: 192GB
- Ultimate: 192GB
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