Moving from 32bit to 64bit.

Hi, first time poster, hope that this is the right place to ask.
First, some back story.

This shared PC had Windows XP 32bit in the beginning. My brother decided to buy Windows 7 Home Premium. We already backed up everything that needed to be saved.
The system wouldn't let him install the Windows 7 64bit, so he installed the 32bit. It worked fine. Right now I'm posting from it.

The thing is, some programs aren't working, well, most of them. We checked the Windows Upgrade advisor, all programs were compatible.

Anyway, the thing is, we are thinking about formatting the whole thing and start fresh with Windows 7 64bit, as we have right now 4.00GB of RAM. Is it possible? And what else do we have to consider before formatting? And I guess, most important, how do we do it?

Oh, a side note, we don't have the Windows XP installation disc anymore. I hope that will not be an issue. We only have the discs for Windows 7 32bit and 64bit.

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance.

Bezz02 said:

Hi, first time poster, hope that this is the right place to ask.
First, some back story.

This shared PC had Windows XP 32bit in the beginning. My brother decided to buy Windows 7 Home Premium. We already backed up everything that needed to be saved.
The system wouldn't let him install the Windows 7 64bit, so he installed the 32bit. It worked fine. Right now I'm posting from it.

The thing is, some programs aren't working, well, most of them. We checked the Windows Upgrade advisor, all programs were compatible.

Anyway, the thing is, we are thinking about formatting the whole thing and start fresh with Windows 7 64bit, as we have right now 4.00GB of RAM. Is it possible? And what else do we have to consider before formatting? And I guess, most important, how do we do it?

Oh, a side note, we don't have the Windows XP installation disc anymore. I hope that will not be an issue. We only have the discs for Windows 7 32bit and 64bit.

Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance.

The change from 32 to 64 shouldnt be a problem but depends on which version (retail, OEM, etc) you have.

Just realize that 64 bit will use more resources. 32 bit will allow you to use 3.3 of the 4 you now have, 64 bit the full 4 but it uses more as well so may just be a washout.


Clean install will help with those app openings


Ken J

Alright, thanks for the quick reply.
If it won't do much difference about the RAM, then just might as well keep it with the 32bit then, I suppose.

And yeah, we'll do a clean install now. Thanks again.