This maybe a stupid question, but since I have only ever had 32 bit operating systems I don't know - right now I have Windows7 32 bit and have some older stuff like a digital storage oscilliscope and some other things working just fine with it - would that stuff work on a 64 bit Win7 system - would they install ok?
Hi and welcome
Nope they wouldnt. In win 7 32bit ist can handle some older (16 bit apps) but in win 7 64bit it can onky handle some older (32bit apps) There is another option if your machine is able to. In win 7 there is "XP mode", basically a virtaul XP machine. Comes in very usefull if you use older apps. You can find out if your machine can do both 64bit and virtual xp mode by running a third party app called secura. you can find it for free at GRC.com/secura.
Let us know if you need help with any of this
Good luck Mate
Ken J
Well it's only about 3 or 4 years old (that seems old to me), I know my system can have windows 64 bit, but if I were to use the software that came with them, could I install them on a 64 bit Win7 system or would I have to have the latest 64 bit sofware for them? (couldn't use the 32 bit original software on the new Win7 64 bit system?)
A common misconception about moving to 64 bit is whether or not you can run your older 32-bit software. The problem arises with how the software is installed, and if it uses drivers.
If the application in question uses a 16-bit installer, then you will not be able to install it, even if the program is 32 bit. In just such a case, then you'll have to use Windows XP Mode (Available I think only in Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate Editions, and then only if you processor support hardware assisted virtualization).
Programs such as virtual drives or explorer add-ons (Alcohol 52, Acronis True Image, etc) may themselves be 32-bit, but they rely on drivers and will not work, because you can only use 64-bit drivers on a 64-bit operating system. If you cannot get 64-bit drivers for these applications, or for any of your other hardware devices, then you're out of luck.
But generally speaking, most 32-bit software will run unchanged (or in some cases, better) on a 64-bit operating system.
Hey you guys should be getting paid by micrsoft! So just so I have an understanding of this, the items I am refering to are hardware that has drivers in the software, was meant to go into a 32 bit machine sold new about 3 to 4 years back, but your saying that the original installation software might not work on a 64 bit win7 system? There's a chance I can't get 64 bit software for this stuff because some of it came from korea and I Don't seem to find anything new on the net, I guess the only chance I will have if someone lets try to install on their 64 bit machine?
The 32-Bit software will install, but when it comes to the drivers, it will fail. YOU CANNOT USE 32-BIT DRIVERS ON A 64-BIT OPERATING SYSTEM. Back when Vista was first released, I was using the Canon Lide20 scanner. I could not get 64-bit drivers for it, so I had to purchase a new scanner that was supported by 64-Bit.
Sorry, Ratronic, if this is bad news for you, but if you cannot get 64-bit drivers for your hardware, then you should either stay with 32-bit, or replace the hardware with newer versions that is supported under 64-bit.
I haven't yet tried this, and even if it works for me, it may not work for you, but in a pinch, you can maybe use Windows XP Mode? I think when I get home tonight, I'm going to see if I can get my old Canon Lide20 scanner working in this way, and I'll report back to you on the results of that experiment...
Thank you Dzomlija for taking the time to explain this to me.
ratronic, if you find that you cannot locate 64 bit drivers for your device/s, try posting in the drivers section of this forum for help. Sometimes there are ways around using the original manufacturers drivers for some devices. Good luck!
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