Cons of Windows 7 64bit

I have just bought a laptop that came installed with Windows 7 premium Home 64 bit. I however did not know that I wont be able to run some of my old software and hardware that ran comfortable on my previous laptop with Windows 7 32 bit. I assumed that if necessary I should be able to downgrade to 32 bit without any further cost - as I am downgrading.

Unfortunately, now, I find that Microsoft has set up a trap as follows:

1. I can not downgrade to Windows 7 32 bit without further cost.
2. I can not take the other solution to run those software and hardware using the MS virtual PC because Microsoft does not allow free download of the Virtual PC for Windows 7 premium Home 64 bit. So, I need to upgrade to Windows 7 Professional paying the upgrade cost.
3. So, I was forced to download VMware Player (free) and that let me use my old Window 7 32 bit or my old XP 32 bit along with my present 64 bit Windows 7.

I really hate Microsoft for leaving long-time MS users like me in such difficult situation.

Kala Howlader

What software are you struggling to install/run ?.

Unfortunately, many computer manufacturers no longer provide any installation media (disks) as a cost cutting measure. However, you can use the Product Key on your computer (a 25 digit number located on a sticker either on the bottom of the laptop or under the battery) to run either the 64-bit version of Home Premium or the 32-bit version (but not both at the same time.)

And you can create your own legal installation media. See the information in Step 4 of this tutorial.

Repair Install

You would download and save the ISO file to your desktop. Then burn it to a blank DVD. The ISO file is almost 3GB so the download will take a while. You could then do a clean install and replace the 64-bit version with the 32-bit version.

You can just download the 32 bits Windows version and activate it using your very same serial as long as it's from the same edition without any cost.
You're speaking about "XP Mode", which is just a marketing name for a pre-built virtual machine. It's really useless, as you can download an install any serious virtualization platform and run XP or whatever there. VM player is an option, VirtualBox is another.
But what problem are you having with an old program? Generally, if nothing works, a virtual machine is a good option, but many times it's possible to just make it run with a few tweaks.

Have you tried running the programs that won't work on Win 7 64 bit in compatibility mode? I had a couple that wouldn't run correctly when I got my first Win 7 machine (64 bit) but running in XP SP3 compatibility mode fixed that. I had three others that wouldn't work but I was able to find free replacements that worked just as well or better.

KalaHowlader said:

1. I can not downgrade to Windows 7 32 bit without further cost.

You just made that up to fit your preconceived notions about MS. They provide the Product Key on COA sticker in pre-installed Win7 OEM so that you can reinstall in any bit version or way you want, allowing you to seek refuge by activating with them in case your OEM bothers you at all. That's hardly the actions of TyrannoCorp.

Why don't you ask us first instead of spreading misinformation to vent your frustrations in a hit-and-run post? That's the con here.

Any 32 bit program can install and run in 64 bit.

KalaHowlader said:

I really hate Microsoft for leaving long-time MS users like me in such difficult situation.

I hope someone at Microsoft gets to say "I really hate people who blame us instead of learning to do their own research before a major purchase".

64 bit operating systems are the norm now, and have been for a handful of years now. I know it is easy to rant and rave, but Microsoft didn't force you to buy the computer you did, nor did they force you to choose Windows x64 on it. If you post the programs you are concerned about, we can show you how to check their compatibility.