WinXP/Win7 dilemma with new computer

metania · 11 Nov 2010

Hi,
The motherboard died on my 3-year-old Compaq, so I just ordered a new computer that comes preloaded with Win7Home Prem x64. It was from Dell Outlet so I couldn't choose the OS. I've been using MCE (XP pro 32-bit) for several years and love it.

I'm worried about program and hardware compatibility with Win7 x64. I don't use very graphics-heavy apps like CADD, Photoshop, etc. I only plan to do a little video editing with my .avi clips. I also have an older version of Replay AV that I use to record live streaming radio. I don't want to buy a new scanner (Canoscan LiDE 20 - no x64 drivers!) so here are my options:

A-Partition the new 1TB drive for dual boot setup with Win7 Home x64 / WinXP Pro (32-bit). I would buy the XP Pro OEM Branded DVD.

B-Install my old 200GB SATA Seagate Barracuda 7200 as a second drive and run XP programs and scanner from that.

C-Buy Win 7 Pro 32-bit OEM Branded discs, remove Win7 home x64, and do a complete new install with the new discs, and hope that my XP programs work with XP Mode. (new i5 processor supports virtualization)

Any ideas what the easiest, most hassle-free option is for me? I have never partitioned a drive or installed a new drive before. I consider myself a quasi-geek: not at all a novice, but not hard core geek either. Thanks for everyone's suggestions and help!

(my system specs are for the new computer that's coming)

gregrocker · 11 Nov 2010

You don't really need to dual boot with XPired if you install Win7 Pro as XP virtual mode will run anything which cannot be installed in Win7. Many XP programs can also be run in https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html

I would try Pro to see if this handles it for you without the Dual Boot. If Pro works, you can buy a Pro upgrade license since XP will qualify for upgrade version to save a lot of money.

If not, and you already own an XP license, there is no reason to waste the Win7 HP license to get virtual mode. Just dual boot on separate HD's via the BIOS boot order or choosing one-time BIOS boot menu key. Unplug the other OS during install to keep them booted separately and independent to come and go as you please.

metania · 11 Nov 2010

Thanks Greg. I don't have an XP license for the new machine, as it's coming with Win7 HP x64 preinstalled. I have MCE on the SATA HD from the old Compaq that died. And with that, I only have the recovery DVD's that I created-they never sent me OEM discs.

BTW, if I buy the Win7Pro 32-bit OEM branded discs ($78), can I install that over the Win7HP x64 OS? Do I have to do a clean install, do I have to remove the Win7 x64 version first, or just install/upgrade over the x64 version? Thanks a lot!

FliGi7 · 11 Nov 2010

I would try out Win 7 Home Premium x64 for a while before deciding that you don't want it or like it. Many people have been surprised, in a good way. And don't get scared at the x64 version. It is absolutely no different to you as an end user other than being able to download x64 programs specifically meant to run better on that version and also allowing you to use more than 3.25GB of memory. A lot of people get scared by the x64 version of things based on poorly constructed previous x64 versions of Windows, which this is not.

gregrocker · 11 Nov 2010

metania said:

Thanks Greg. I don't have an XP license for the new machine, as it's coming with Win7 HP x64 preinstalled. I have MCE on the SATA HD from the old Compaq that died. And with that, I only have the recovery DVD's that I created-they never sent me OEM discs.

BTW, if I buy the Win7Pro 32-bit OEM branded discs ($78), can I install that over the Win7HP x64 OS? Do I have to do a clean install, do I have to remove the Win7 x64 version first, or just install/upgrade over the x64 version? Thanks a lot!

What are these Pro OEM branded discs? If they are only the disks you cannot use them with the HP license.

You can buy Win7 Pro but since you have an HP license which came with the computer it may save you money to use Anytime Upgrade to move up to Pro. It is also a lot easier since it unlocks the extra Pro features in just a few minutes time. You can also insert a retail Upgrade key into Anytime Upgrade, or clean reinstall.

metania · 11 Nov 2010

Ok, so it sounds like upgrade Pro is the way to go. Some software sites sell what they describe as:

"Contents of the Package: --Microsoft Windows XP Professional Reinstallation CD (Dell version) works on all brands of systems or custom built systems. Even though a the media is a reinstallation CD, it installs the complete program on any computer. -Unique Product Key with certificate of authenticity which will validate with Microsoft -System Builder Manual
This software is 100% genuine and will validate with Microsoft. It will also allow the latest updates from Microsoft including a free upgrade to SP3. The software is new sealed OEM."

Anyway, if I get the Pro upgrade, can I buy and install the 32 bit one, even though machine is preloaded for x64? I'm leaning towards 32-bit for backwards software/hardware compatibility.

FliGi7, you're right, I want to give it a chance. I will try some of my apps on x64 & see how it goes. But I already know I'll need to fork out $50 for a new scanner with x64 support, no thanks to Canon.

FliGi7 · 11 Nov 2010

Metania, there is no such thing as "x64 support" needed for Windows 7 x64. The beauty of this OS as compared to previous versions is that it doesn't care if the application is 32 or 64 bit. It will install and work exactly as it should either way. The new system is simply optimized for 64 bit programs but is not required to use them, compared to older 64 bit versions which often required that the programs be 64 bit.

I personally run x64 and don't install many 64 bit programs. I use the 32-bit version of most every program on my machine and it works flawlessly just like it was on a 32-bit system. However, I get the benefits of being able to use all of my 4GB of ram and the ability to utilize 64-bit optimized programs when I do need to use them.

metania · 11 Nov 2010

Thanks for all the info. I think I understand better now.

By x64 support, I meant that Canon does not have any x64 drivers for my Canoscan LiDE20 scanner, so I'll need to buy another one. I assume the 32-bit drivers don't work-seems a lot of people have this problem.

FliGi7 · 11 Nov 2010

No need to necessarily buy another scanner. There are a couple free solutions in this thread below that address the problem with your scanner compatibility in both the Home Premium and Pro versions of Windows 7:

Canoscan LIDE20 64bit driver

This thread also has information about a $40 piece of software that solves the problem, as another route to go:

CanoScan LiDE 20

Or, you could just buy another scanner. Plenty of options right now :)

metania · 11 Nov 2010

Thanks a lot, guys. I'll find out how things go when the new box arrives tomorrow. Will try running scanner drivers under XP mode as thread suggested.

FliGi7, you've given me some hope that Win7 will work out after all. BTW, I noticed you have XP and Win7. What do you like about having both rather than using XP Mode within Win7? Are there certain older apps that just run better in XP? Just curious. I really appreciate your input since you have so much more experience with this stuff!