Windows 7: New to 64 bit

I have been using Windows 7 Pro (32 bit) and yesterday I became the owner of a desttop PC with Windows 7 Ultimate (64 bit).

I have never delt with a 64 bit OS so I have some questions about software that can and cannot be used with 64 bit.

I think I have pieces of software that will work without difficulty:
Nitro PDF Professional (x64)
Revo Uninstaller Pro v2.4.3

Over the years I have bought a lot of software (32 bit) that I don't want to have to buy again. I suspect a lot of this software can be installed using the compatibility mode.

Here is list of some of the software (32 bit) that I want to use:
Audacity (free one but is there a 64 bit version)
Bit Torrent (free one but is there a 64 bit version)
VLC (is there a 64 bit version)
Calibre (for my ebook reader)
Dreamweaver (two years old)
Office 2003
Newsbin version 4 (yes it is old but works great with win 7 pro 32 bit)
Quickpar v.9
Cyberlink Power DVD v 9
Smart Defrag (is there a 64 bit version)

There are probably more.

I know in here there tutorials on how to:
Install Themes (I know how on 32 but NOT 64 bit)
Take ownership

If someone could send me in the right direction on those I would appreciate it.

I am also sure there will be more questions but this will get me started.

Thank you

Just forget that it's x64 and just think of it as Windows 7 and go about your installing software as you would on any other PC, I dont think I've seen any problems running 32bit on x64 since the early Vista days.

Most 32 bit software will work OK. There may be some that are not compatible or will have to be run in a compatibility more, for example XP mode. But, the majority will not be a problem.

I have lots of 32 bit applications installed and running OK, including MS Office 2003, Pro Tools MP9, Audacity, etc.

One thing to take note of is that on a 64-bit system you will have 2 folders, \Program Files and \Program Files(x86). 64-bit programs will be installed into \Program files while 32-bit programs will be installed in \Program Files(x86). Windows will handle this transparently so don't worry about it but be aware of it should you stumble across these 2 folders while exploring the disk. As others have said, the great majority of 32-bit programs will install on a 32-bit system with no special consideration.

I can only speak of one: VLC.

From VideoLan, there is a 2.0.2 64-bit version with a 64-bit plug-in for a 64-bit browser. The 32-bit version is 2.0.3. Don't know if the gap will grow wider, or the upgrade path will merge further down the line.

Thanks guys that answers a lot of my questions.

One question I did think of is about drivers for things such as printers and scanners.

My printer I do not have to worry about since in updates it had the drivers for my old printer.

I have a Cannon N670U flatbed scanner. As far as I know the only drivers that are available from Cannon are the Vista drivers. These worked fine in Win 7 pro 32 bit as long as I ran them in the compatibility mode.

Will these work for Win 7 64 bit?

You would need 64bit drivers and there doesn't look like there is any for that scanner as it's pretty old.

If lucky enough (sometimes) Windows itself is capable to recognize the printer type and find closest matches driver when you connect it and turn the printer on.
Did try it?

Kevin Ismail

The printer is not an issue since the drivers for it were in the updates. The issue is the Old Scanner (which works fine in Win 7 Pro 32 bit).

I will have to look around and see if I can find a cheap scanner (with 64 bit drivers) at either Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Sorry for didn't catch your post, I thought a printer scanner series.
If Windows 64-bit didn't detect any possible matching driver, yes you have to find a newer one.

Btw I was lucky having an old HP scanner being recognized by it without installing any driver.