Windows 7: Windows 7 Professional 64 bit w/XP mode

I have just purchsed a new system with an i7-620M processor, 64 bit Windows 7 professional w/XP mode, 4GB ram, Window 2010 Office Home and Business, and a 512 video card. I want to know if I will be able to run Adobe CS4 and other software in XP mode and will these programs work if I run office in 64 bit? Last but not least should I change the operating system back to 32bit before I recieve the new system?

You could technically run Adobe CS4 in XP Mode provided you increase the RAM usage for XP Mode but CS4 is compatible with Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit). As far as running Office 2010 in 64-bit mode, you can technically do it in Windows 7 and it shouldn't interfere with anything though if you use any add-ons for any of your Office programs, I'd recommend sticking to Office 2010 32-bit.

As far as changing it back to 32-bit Windows 7, I wouldn't suggest that as you have 4 GB of RAM and if you change it, you wouldn't be able to make full use of it.

All the software you mentioned will run in 64-bit Windows 7 just fine. They should actually run better in 7 than they do in XP. Also, as Darician said, most add-ons will not work with 64-bit Office. Microsoft only made the 64-bit version for people that have Office files that are larger than 4GB (can't be opened with the 32-bit version).

Thanks Darician & Petey7. I think I am getting the picture so I want to make sure as CS4 will be the main program I run. With Windows 7 64 bit I will be able to run all my 32bit programs and running Office in 32 bit will allow me to use programs that tie into Outlook/Excel like Act 2011, Exployer 8, Flash, etc. What is the XP mode for?

XP Mode is for legacy applications that will not run in Windows 7. Generally these are line-of-business applications, older application software (Medical, etc.) and also anything that requires and/or depends on Internet Explorer 6.

Thanks, So as long as Dell installs my Office at 32 bit I will be fine. How can I tell if they have install Office in 32 or 64 bit?
By the way I'm am relieved to know windows 7 64 bit is a better OS. Right?

Adobe CS4 runs perfectly on Windows 7, and if you have Adobe CS4 64 bit be happy because you can take advantage of your 64 bit system, so what I want to say is that Adobe CS4 64 bit has an exellent performance in your 64 bit Windows 7.

About Office 2010, don't worry, it will work properly in your system.

Regarding the "other software" you mencioned, keep in mind that Windows XP Mode was designed primarily to help companies to migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7. It is NOT optimized for advanced graphics programs, such as 3D games, nor is suitable for programs with hardware requirements, such as TV tuners.

About 32 bit or 64 bit system, is a topic with an extended discussion, that I recomend you to open a new post to discuss this. I will be pleased to post you back as many others will be.

Since I obviously don't need XP Mode should I upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate?

XP Mode comes with Professional too, basically the only reason to go for Ultimate is if you need the Language packs.

This guide will tell you the differences between the versions:Differences between basic and ultimate

That guide only shows the diferences that Microsoft want to show; in the practice you will notice that some things are not able to use. It happens to me when I wanted to use the Terminal Services Commands. But overall, there's not big diferences between Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate, so don't waste your money and enjoy what you bougth .