Installing 32 bit applications on 64 bit system.

I need to install an Informatica app that runs only on 32 bit systems, usually only Win XP.

I am running Win 7 Home Prem 64 bit. So I need to install XP as part of a dual boot system. Or just bin Win 7 and install XP.

I created a partition on my HD but when I try to install XP I just get the blue screen of death. I can't even bin Win 7 for XP because I can't reformat the drive because of the blue screen of death when I try to install XP!!!

Any ideas?

Minotar said:

SteveTompkins said:

I need to install an Informatica app that runs only on 32 bit systems, usually only Win XP.

I am running Win 7 Home Prem 64 bit. So I need to install XP as part of a dual boot system. Or just bin Win 7 and install XP.

I created a partition on my HD but when I try to install XP I just get the blue screen of death. I can't even bin Win 7 for XP because I can't reformat the drive because of the blue screen of death when I try to install XP!!!

Any ideas?

Hi,
Have you tried this?
Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup

Unfortunately Virtual Machine is not available for Home Premium. It was my first port of call.

ccatlett1984 said:

Have you tried installing the software in compatibility mode? You can use VirtualBox if you have a licensed copy of XP and run the VM when you need the app.

Thank you so much for you suggestion. Is there a tutorial on installing in compatibility mode? I found one for running in compatibility mode but not installing. I have a licensed copy of XP so I can do that if needs be. The issue I have installing is that the install wizard recognises the 64-bit running mode and refuses to install saying that it requires 32-bit only.

Very new to this Win-7 stuff, I have been on XP forever. Win-7 is nice though, not just in looks.

I realised I did the typical frustrated noob thing and didn't use my own brain or search engine. I found loads of articles out there about installing in compatibility mode. I'll give it a whirl and let you know how it works out.

SteveTompkins said:

I need to install an Informatica app that runs only on 32 bit systems, usually only Win XP.

I am running Win 7 Home Prem 64 bit. So I need to install XP as part of a dual boot system. Or just bin Win 7 and install XP.

I created a partition on my HD but when I try to install XP I just get the blue screen of death. I can't even bin Win 7 for XP because I can't reformat the drive because of the blue screen of death when I try to install XP!!!

Any ideas?

To dual boot your system you will need to download Sata drivers for Win XP.

Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

**Update** - I tried to install the software in compatibility mode. Unfortunately the setup seems to still look at the base OS and sees it's 64-bit. Next stop is to install VirtualBox and Win XP and try again. I just need a couple hours spare...

Hi there
A Virtual Machine is the best way of achieving this.

Vmware player and vmware server (my favourite) are both FREE downloads as is Virtual Box.

You can either create a Virtual Machine directly from the actual running XP system (need vmware conversion tool -- free download from vmware site) or use the virtual machine's software wizard to create a VM -- you'll need an XP install disc -- just tell MS you have upgraded to W7 but you need to move your old XP disc to another machine since you have some old hardware that won't run on W7. You won't get an activation problem. Don't say it's a Virtual Machine BTW.

For running a 32 bit VM you don't need the VT feature to be enabled either.

I prefer vmware over vbox -- that's probably because I've used it for so long that I don't even have to think about how to do stuff. Others might prefer vbox.

All I can say is that vmware usually works efficiently and fast FIRST time.
When setting up an XP virtual machine you don't need to give it a lot of RAM -- 640 MB probably will be more than enough for your apps -- there isn't a 1:1 relation between RAM size in a VM and what you need on a physical system.

Plenty of advice on the Virtualisation Forum on setting up and operating Virtual Machines.

Cheers
jimbo