From x32 to x64

[Samurai Jack]

Hello
Its time to upgrade to win7x64 I now have x32 now. I have 3 hdd with all kinds of programs & stuff.
My question is what happens when I have x64 and I open a program that is not for x64 os. Does the pc crash or freeze or do I just get error message?
I know I have to start to get all my pro.&stuff in x64 but I know that I will have some stuff that I will click on and it will be x32.

Thanks for reading this maybe stupid question

 

[Bill2]

32 bit apps work just fine in 64 bit windows. 16 bit apps (old programs) dont. Nothing drastic will happen if you try to run a 16 bit app in 64 bit windows- you may get an error message or the app just doesnt start.

Not all apps have 64 bit versions. In some cases like MS office, its still advised to use te 32 bit version because of problems with plugins etc.

 

[seekermeister]

Most x32 programs work just as well in x64 as in x32. The ones that don't probably won't install at all. Some times the installation problems can be overcome by running it in compatiblity mode or by running it as administrator.

 

[Samurai Jack]

Ok thanks, good to know so now if I get any crashes its not the software its me..

 

[alphanumeric]

Just in case you don't know, you can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit. What I mean is, you can't do an upgrade install and carry over all your currently installed programs. You will have to do a clean install to make the switch and re-install all your apps.

 

[Samurai Jack]

Just in case you don't know, you can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit. What I mean is, you can't do an upgrade install and carry over all your currently installed programs. You will have to do a clean install to make the switch and re-install all your apps.

I have 3 hdd the 1 with the os on it has 2 partions C+D so I was just going to wipe out the x32 on C drive and do a clean x64 back on the C. the other 2 hdd was just going to leave as they are.(is this not the right thing to do?)
I am putting in a new MB and a new smoking i7 2600k.

 

[alphanumeric]

Sounds good to me. I only mentioned what I did because its hard to tell sometimes, what somebody actually means when they use the term "upgrade".

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Jack.


If the current Windows 7 partition has enough free space, you may be able to use this method to clean install the 'new' Windows 7 to its own partition ahead of the current install, that way it would be a lot easier to migrate everything to the new install while the old install still boots and then remove the old Windows when that time comes.


Have a look at this tutorial at the link below, though it says Vista it will work exactly the same with Windows 7 and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Clean Install Windows 7 : Ahead of Vista