Windows 7 x64 vs Windows 7 x86 (Fight)

[Gemad9]

Hello all - my first post.

I hope I misunderstood the above; If I am upgrading from Windows XP Professional 32-bit to Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, am I to understand from the above that even if I select the "Custom" installation and do a clean install, I *cannot* upgrade from my XP 32-bit version to the 64-bit version of Windows 7? Say it's not so!

TIA

Gemad9

 

[Snufffed]

No, you understood 100% correct. YOU CAN NOT UPGRADE ANY VERSION OF 32BIT TO 64 BIT....

 

[berserker]

Hello all - my first post.

I hope I misunderstood the above; If I am upgrading from Windows XP Professional 32-bit to Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, am I to understand from the above that even if I select the "Custom" installation and do a clean install, I *cannot* upgrade from my XP 32-bit version to the 64-bit version of Windows 7? Say it's not so!

TIA

Gemad9

You can't do an upgrade but you can do a "clean install" as you pointed out (assuming your system is capable of running a 64-bit OS).

 

[TechOutsider]

You can't do an upgrade but you can do a "clean install" as you pointed out (assuming your system is capable of running a 64-bit OS).

As in "system", he refers to the processor.

Also be sure there are 64-bit drivers for your hardware (printers, scanners, fax machines, etc.)

 

[crdnilfan]

As in "system", he refers to the processor.

Also be sure there are 64-bit drivers for your hardware (printers, scanners, fax machines, etc.)

CPU is part of the "system" but to run a 64-bit OS, you're motherboard and BIOS also need to be 64-bit compatible, along with your CPU. System was the correct term.

 

[Gemad9]

You can't do an upgrade but you can do a "clean install" as you pointed out (assuming your system is capable of running a 64-bit OS).

OK - Paint me stupid. If you say that (in quotes above), I'm still confused. For starters, my system (processor, drivers, hardware, etc.) can accomodate a 64-bit OS so that's not a problem. Can I boot from the 64-bit Win 7 upgrade DVD (with Win XP Pro 32-bit installed on the drive, to verify that this is an upgrade) and then without having booted into the XP installation, choose the Custom option, and do a clean install of x64? Some of you are saying that the answer is no? Am I understanding correctly?

Also, can I do an x64 installation with Win 7 x64 RC even if the OS on my active drive is XP 32-bit or is it just the upgrade version that won't install over a 32-bit OS? Sorry if I sound thick!

gemad9

 

[berserker]

OK - Paint me stupid. If you say that (in quotes above), I'm still confused. For starters, my system (processor, drivers, hardware, etc.) can accomodate a 64-bit OS so that's not a problem. Can I boot from the 64-bit Win 7 upgrade DVD (with Win XP Pro 32-bit installed on the drive, to verify that this is an upgrade) and then without having booted into the XP installation, choose the Custom option, and do a clean install of x64? Some of you are saying that the answer is no? Am I understanding correctly?

Also, can I do an x64 installation with Win 7 x64 RC even if the OS on my active drive is XP 32-bit or is it just the upgrade version that won't install over a 32-bit OS? Sorry if I sound thick!

gemad9

Hopefully, this will eliminate the confusion: You can't "upgrade" a 32-bit OS to a 64-bit one but you can wipe your hard drive with the upgrade disk and install the 64-bit OS.

The upgrade disk will recognize that you have an eligible OS (XP Pro 32-bit), wipe the disk clean and install the 64-bit W7 (assuming you choose the 64-bit flavor).

I hope this alleviates your concern.

 

[Gemad9]

Hopefully, this will eliminate the confusion: You can't "upgrade" a 32-bit OS to a 64-bit one but you can wipe your hard drive with the upgrade disk and install the 64-bit OS.

The upgrade disk will recognize that you have an eligible OS (XP Pro 32-bit), wipe the disk clean and install the 64-bit W7 (assuming you choose the 64-bit flavor).

I hope this alleviates your concern.

It does indeed and thanks. BTW I installed the 64-bit RC this evening and it set up perfectly.

Thanks for your patience.

gemad9

 

[Muad Dib]

CPU is part of the "system" but to run a 64-bit OS, you're motherboard and BIOS also need to be 64-bit compatible, along with your CPU. System was the correct term.

Your statement is correct but needs repeating for the in-experienced.

ALL "system" components must support 64 bit.

Processor, Motherboard and BIOS.

There are some hybrid configurations out there....

 

[DJG]

Gemad9, this is 32-to-64 bit aspect is moot anyway in your case. You cannot do an in-place upgrade of ANY flavor of XP to Windows 7, onlt Vista can be upgraded in place. All XP "upgrades" have to be done with a clean install. But as they have stated, 32 doesn't go into 64 either.

So you have a double-whammy . It's the price of progress, my friend ...

 

[illogical]

Ok, so I'm pondering: "Hmmm, 32bit or 64bit for my next install?"...

I have only 4Gb and don't Photoshop nor use massively WinRar, so those arguments don't have much weight in my decision.

My PC is still fairly new, so all hardware & drivers are fine for 64bit - I don't think I have any legacy stuff that wouldn't run on a 64bit OS.

1. Are boot times faster in 64bit?
2. Are app load times faster in 64bit?
3. Any impact on games? (current games, not legacy stuff)
4. Any stability problems in 64bit? (I ask because Explorer on Vista 64 seems very finicky to me)
5. What would be the best reason to move to 64bit? (excluding +4Gb ram & Photoshop or other very specific program)
6. What would be the best reason to stay with 32bit? (excluding legacy hardware & software)

Btw, is W7 64bit plagued like Vista by the ass-backward "System32" for the "regular", (ie: 64bit) binaries, and "SysWow64" for the 32bit binaries? Imho, they should have implemented from the start just "System" and "System.legacy" folders... much less confusing...(same for registry hives too!)

Tbh, I'm leaning towards 64bit, but I don't see any real benefit from it.

Thanks!

 

[Gemad9]

I think the main point of misunderstanding for me was in the word "upgrade". I never do upgrades and always start from a clean install. But the present special pricing structure is for an "upgrade" version so my concern, perhaps not properly expressed even though I said "even if I select the "Custom" installation and do a clean install", was whether or not I could do a clean install over a 32-bit XP with this 64-bit "upgrade" disk. My entire system is set up for 64-bit operation so that isn't the problem.

I'm pretty sure now, that the answer is *yes* as long as I wipe out the XP installation with a custom install at the beginning of the setup process. I just did that exact thing with the 64-bit Windows 7 RC although it's not an upgrade disk.

gemad9

 

[LaGgEr]

I used windows XP for a very long time, not even take vista (i don't like it, slow etc.). But now i have 64-bit system and very happy with windows 7, because everything is running with very good speed and there's no problems at all.

 

[zakdoc89]

I've never used a 64bit OS before. Windows 7 was my first. I've now opted to install it on all mya compatible PC's. It works far better than any other OS so far....

 

[fakeasdf]

Ok, so I'm pondering: "Hmmm, 32bit or 64bit for my next install?"...

I have only 4Gb and don't Photoshop nor use massively WinRar, so those arguments don't have much weight in my decision.

My PC is still fairly new, so all hardware & drivers are fine for 64bit - I don't think I have any legacy stuff that wouldn't run on a 64bit OS.

1. Are boot times faster in 64bit?
2. Are app load times faster in 64bit?
3. Any impact on games? (current games, not legacy stuff)
4. Any stability problems in 64bit? (I ask because Explorer on Vista 64 seems very finicky to me)
5. What would be the best reason to move to 64bit? (excluding +4Gb ram & Photoshop or other very specific program)
6. What would be the best reason to stay with 32bit? (excluding legacy hardware & software)

Btw, is W7 64bit plagued like Vista by the ass-backward "System32" for the "regular", (ie: 64bit) binaries, and "SysWow64" for the 32bit binaries? Imho, they should have implemented from the start just "System" and "System.legacy" folders... much less confusing...(same for registry hives too!)


Tbh, I'm leaning towards 64bit, but I don't see any real benefit from it.

Thanks!

1. Yes
2. Yes, especially when they are 64 bit apps, but 32 bit apps generally run faster in the 64 bit OS as well.
3. See #2. Some games have also started taking advantage and have released 64 bit binaries, which is another see #2.
4. I haven't noticed any stability issues, it's a solid OS.
5. You allow your OS/APPS to take advantage of the full power of your CPU. It's almost like installing the drivers for your sweet graphics card, before you do it, your computer works, but it could work better... (that was kind of a bad example, cause the drivers for your graphics card make a monstrous difference, but I still like the thought myself)
6. You know it works, and don't have to venture out into new stuff.

And yes, they still use the System32 and SysWOW64 folders. I imagine until 32 bit becomes a thing of the past they are going to continue to use those folders.

In all honesty I suggest installing 64 bit and trying it out for a while, the worst that can happen is RTM comes out and you decide to go back to 32 bit... And by putting the OS in 64 bit, you are allowing the Windows 7 Hybrid kernel in your computer the ability to take advantage of your CPU which definitely percolates off onto the other programs...

 

[Muad Dib]

.
1. Yes
2. Yes, especially when they are 64 bit apps, but 32 bit apps generally run faster in the 64 bit OS as well.
3. See #2. Some games have also started taking advantage and have released 64 bit binaries, which is another see #2.
4. I haven't noticed any stability issues, it's a solid OS.
5. You allow your OS/APPS to take advantage of the full power of your CPU. It's almost like installing the drivers for your sweet graphics card, before you do it, your computer works, but it could work better... (that was kind of a bad example, cause the drivers for your graphics card make a monstrous difference, but I still like the thought myself)
6. You know it works, and don't have to venture out into new stuff.

And yes, they still use the System32 and SysWOW64 folders. I imagine until 32 bit becomes a thing of the past they are going to continue to use those folders.

In all honesty I suggest installing 64 bit and trying it out for a while, the worst that can happen is RTM comes out and you decide to go back to 32 bit... And by putting the OS in 64 bit, you are allowing the Windows 7 Hybrid kernel in your computer the ability to take advantage of your CPU which definitely percolates off onto the other programs...

I am so glad you took the time to answer the questions though, in truth, starting with the first post in this thread they were already answered.

I would simply add, "Why put a 2 barrel carburetor on a 454 big block?"

But in full disclosure I was not a proponent of Vista 64 bit for the "average" home user. Too many driver issues at the time of release....

 

[fakeasdf]

I would simply add, "Why put a 2 barrel carburetor on a 454 big block?"

Man I wish I knew more about cars... I ordered a Haynes Manual for my car and I bought a hydraulic jack and some jack stands and I'm going to learn how to do simple maintenance... We changed the calipers on my car the other day... Dang bleed screw broke in the caliper and we couldn't e-z out it. I wish I had a 64 bit version of my car...

 

[The Cool Guy]

Man I wish I knew more about cars... I ordered a Haynes Manual for my car and I bought a hydraulic jack and some jack stands and I'm going to learn how to do simple maintenance... We changed the calipers on my car the other day... Dang bleed screw broke in the caliper and we couldn't e-z out it. I wish I had a 64 bit version of my car...

Haha Lol :roflmao:

 

[Shak 10]

I always use X64, if your computer is capable of running an x64 os why use anything else?

 

[Gbsnplr]

I have found this discussion very interesting but must admitt to not understanding 1/3rd of it. Bottom line for me is how do I find faster HDs? I am not sure I am interested in going with SCSI because I would have to change MoBo's.

Thanks for the help.