32bit to 64bit

[binks]

Well ok, but what if i've got dell xps 1530 and on their web page there are only drivers for vista 32bit and i have win7 and now i want to migrate to 64bit? I have to choose different model but in the other model they inserting different components. Not all of them but some. Why the hell people from dell sticking only wit vista? Win 7 is not so new system any more.

 

[seavixen32]

Well ok, but what if i've got dell xps 1530 and on their web page there are only drivers for vista 32bit and i have win7 and now i want to migrate to 64bit? I have to choose different model but in the other model they inserting different components. Not all of them but some. Why the hell people from dell sticking only wit vista? Win 7 is not so new system any more.

I can only assume Dell still have a load of Vista rigs to shift first. There may even be people who want to stick with Vista - can't think why though.

 

[binks]

I have Windows7 Pro 32bit on my machine, but i want to upgrade ram from 3gb to 6 and i know that 32bit os will be able to address only up to 4gb, thats why i'm thinking to go to 64bit os. I have dvd so it's not a problem but, and correct me if i'm wrong, i've heard that there is no way to migrate from 32bit os that i have now with all programs and tweaks to the os installed on it to 64bit without doing fresh install. So i've started to back up all my settings, mail, etc. But i'm wondering how many programs or drivers(for instance dells not giving support to win7 at all - 32 or 64 to my machine on their web pages - xps m1530) will not work at all. I know that i should download 64bit versions, but what % of companies don't have 64bit ver at all?

 

[Maguscreed]

the m1530 uses an intel chipset it's possible you could get the chipset drivers from intel. ...they may even be included in the windows 7 base drivers. The vista 64 drivers will be hit and miss for compatibility with win 7 though.

 

[Airbot]

64 bit has been around long enough that most drivers you'll need you can find for 64 bit. I wouldn't worry about that. Like you stated, you can't in-place upgrade install from 32 bit to 64 bit.

As for no drivers, you usually can use the existing drivers for Windows Vista on Win 7. Even for some troublesome drivers, running the installer in Compatibility Mode for Vista can get them to work.




Drivers & Downloads

 

[DeaconFrost]

In a case like this, I just go to each part's manufacturer for the drivers. You shouldn't have any issues.

 

[whs]

I suggest you make a backup image of your current 32bit system so that you have an easy way back. My prefrerred tool for that would be free Macrium. Then you can try a 64bit installation with your current 3GB of RAM. In any case, it will be all from scratch. Whatever you save from your current system will be of no use for the 64bit setup.

If that does not work out, you just restore the Macrium image (a 30 minute job). That way you know for certain whether it works or not before investing into more RAM.