Native 64-bit

Gumshoe · 19 Apr 2012

Hi,
I am new to SevenForums, but spend a lot of time choosing my new "home". I really hope I am posting in the right forum.

Thing is, I want to run native 64-bit. This is 2012, I feel it is time for x64 and my CPU is x64, my OS is x64 and I have found 64-bit versions of all my software. I also gathered all my drivers in 64-bit versions.

But if I am not carefull by manually installing the apps, some of them are still trying to install in the Program Files (86) folder. And even though I stripped down Windows via custom OS building using RT7Lite, I still can't seem to get completely rid of the default Microsoft apps like IE and DVD burning and Windows Media Player, Common Files and such. Even Waterfox installs some elements in the Program Files (86) folder.

Now, I wonder if changing to Windows Server 2008 R2 would filter out all 32-bit elements? I am willing to try it out just for the fun of it (I heard you can convert it to a Workstation Edition and there is a 240 days trial to it).

But would this do any good? Does someone have experience with going there?
I am not expecting my machine to run faster, but will users, in reality, ever be able to actually run run in native x64 mode or will there always be 32-bit elements left in the code?

Thx in advance
Gumshoe

cyclic · 19 Apr 2012

Hello and welcome to your chosen place, I know you made the right decision.
Anyway, you will always have 32bit apps installed in the x86 folder, even with a full 64 bit system and hardware.
Ultimately even a 32 bit app can theoretically run better on 64 bits.
Quick explain.
CPU's are all about maths, 32 bit CPU's do calculations in 64 bit, so they have to split the operand into 2, thereby taking more time to complete. However a 64 bit CPU has the extra integer pipes which helps anyway and being natively 64 bit don't have to split the calculation in two.
It's a lot more complicated than this, but I hope you see what I'm getting at.:)

pparks1 · 19 Apr 2012

Gumshoe,

It sounds like you have good intentions, but I'm unsure if you are going to have the results that you are looking for. While some applications are 64bit apps, this doesn't mean that they don't have some 32bit components to them.

In addition, you may or may not necessarily want to run 64bit versions of everything. For example, Microsoft still recommends in all cases that people default to using the 32bit version of Office over the 64bit version. It's not that Office won't run properly, but there are tons of 3rd party add-ons to things like Outlook which simply don't work with the 64bit versions of the software.

Running Server 2008 R2 will work no differently than Windows 7 is. A 64bit OS can run 64bit and 32bit applications.

Eventually..yes 32 bit will go away. But it will be along time. It wasn't until 64bit came out (which runs 64 and 32) that 16 bit apps have had to exit (as a 64bit OS doesn't run them). The Microsoft OS's support 1 version back. So, expect when 128Bit comes out that it will run 128 and 64..but not 32.

DeaconFrost · 19 Apr 2012

You are grossly over-thinking this process. What is the reason for your aversion to 32 bit software? Just because you feel it is time...doesn't mean the rest of the industry has caught up.

First, just because an app is labeled as 64 bit...doesn't mean it always is. That often means it is compatible, yet the executables are still 32 bit, and therefore, go in the proper Program Files directory.

The question I'm left with is why. As in why does it matter to you? This is 2012 (agreed), so spend your time and efforts using your computer to run whatever games and applications you need it to.

You also may have set yourself up for potential problems by using RT7Lite. Those apps should be avoided at all costs. There are too many dependencies to worry about, so you might end up needing something that was stripped out down the road.

Enjoy your computer...honestly. Don't spend time worrying about things that yield no result.

ignatzatsonic · 19 Apr 2012

32-bit applications will install to the Program Files (x86) folder. This is by design.

You may want to live in a 64-bit world entirely, but the fact is that most programs out there are 32-bit.

I'm not sure what your intent was in "stripping" Windows 7 and using R7Lite.

Gumshoe · 19 Apr 2012

I see. Very interesting, cyclic thank you :)

I agree, my intentions might seem a little foolish now.
I will need to read more on the 32/64-bit dynamics.

I dont game, trying to educate myself to be an IT-grunt by scripting, packaging and deploying on my machines at home. I would not call it an aversion to 32-bit, merely a diversion from all the standard stuff, learning databases, reading etc.

My reasons for stripping down Windows are 20% boredom and 70% need for customization and individuality by deploying my favourite themes, styles, backgrounds etc by default and 10% challenging myself to see how far I can go with Windows 7 on my own machine, and not a machine that is supposed to run smooth 24/7 in a professional environment.

I know it does'nt make sense :) In fact I AM overthinking things a lot and I somewhat needed input from guys like you. Great wake-up call, thx guys.

gregrocker · 21 Apr 2012

I would Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 (same for retail) and stick with the tools and methods used in the tutorial to maintain your install.

Win7 doesn't need any optimizing as it is already the leanest Windows yet, is instantaneous without hangs on adequate hardware with a perfect install.