New to 64 bit
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New to 64 bit
I have been using Windows 7 Pro (32 bit) and yesterday I became the owner of a desttop PC with Windows 7 Ultimate (64 bit).
I have never delt with a 64 bit OS so I have some questions about software that can and cannot be used with 64 bit.
I think I have pieces of software that will work without difficulty:
Nitro PDF Professional (x64)
Revo Uninstaller Pro v2.4.3
Over the years I have bought a lot of software (32 bit) that I don't want to have to buy again. I suspect a lot of this software can be installed using the compatibility mode.
Here is list of some of the software (32 bit) that I want to use:
Audacity (free one but is there a 64 bit version)
Bit Torrent (free one but is there a 64 bit version)
VLC (is there a 64 bit version)
Calibre (for my ebook reader)
Dreamweaver (two years old)
Office 2003
Newsbin version 4 (yes it is old but works great with win 7 pro 32 bit)
Quickpar v.9
Cyberlink Power DVD v 9
Smart Defrag (is there a 64 bit version)
There are probably more.
I know in here there tutorials on how to:
Install Themes (I know how on 32 but NOT 64 bit)
Take ownership
If someone could send me in the right direction on those I would appreciate it.
I am also sure there will be more questions but this will get me started.
Thank you
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Just forget that it's x64 and just think of it as Windows 7 and go about your installing software as you would on any other PC, I dont think I've seen any problems running 32bit on x64 since the early Vista days.
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Most 32 bit software will work OK. There may be some that are not compatible or will have to be run in a compatibility more, for example XP mode. But, the majority will not be a problem.
I have lots of 32 bit applications installed and running OK, including MS Office 2003, Pro Tools MP9, Audacity, etc.
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One thing to take note of is that on a 64-bit system you will have 2 folders, \Program Files and \Program Files(x86). 64-bit programs will be installed into \Program files while 32-bit programs will be installed in \Program Files(x86). Windows will handle this transparently so don't worry about it but be aware of it should you stumble across these 2 folders while exploring the disk. As others have said, the great majority of 32-bit programs will install on a 32-bit system with no special consideration.
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I can only speak of one: VLC.
From VideoLan, there is a 2.0.2 64-bit version with a 64-bit plug-in for a 64-bit browser. The 32-bit version is 2.0.3. Don't know if the gap will grow wider, or the upgrade path will merge further down the line.
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Thanks guys that answers a lot of my questions.
One question I did think of is about drivers for things such as printers and scanners.
My printer I do not have to worry about since in updates it had the drivers for my old printer.
I have a Cannon N670U flatbed scanner. As far as I know the only drivers that are available from Cannon are the Vista drivers. These worked fine in Win 7 pro 32 bit as long as I ran them in the compatibility mode.
Will these work for Win 7 64 bit?
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You would need 64bit drivers and there doesn't look like there is any for that scanner as it's pretty old.
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If lucky enough (sometimes) Windows itself is capable to recognize the printer type and find closest matches driver when you connect it and turn the printer on.
Did try it?
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Kevin Ismail
The printer is not an issue since the drivers for it were in the updates. The issue is the Old Scanner (which works fine in Win 7 Pro 32 bit).
I will have to look around and see if I can find a cheap scanner (with 64 bit drivers) at either Goodwill or Salvation Army.
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Sorry for didn't catch your post, I thought a printer scanner series.
If Windows 64-bit didn't detect any possible matching driver, yes you have to find a newer one. :)
Btw I was lucky having an old HP scanner being recognized by it without installing any driver. :)