Solved How To Switch From 64 to 32 Bit?

[Milanodan]

Just bought a new Toshiba laptop (my first) that came with Win 7 64 bit installed. I have that installed on my home desktop, but I want to run the laptop on 32 bit--have lots of software that won't run on 64.

The laptop didn't come with any Win 7 disks, but there is a MS product code label on the bottom. So, how do I reset it to 32? Do I have to be online and D/L Win 7 and reinstall?

Thanks--just a dumb computer novice here.

 

[WebMattR]

Have you tried running them in compatibility mode, or using XP Mode?

 

[cmd187]

What programs won't work? You may as well switch to new apps that are made this century seeing as virtually all systems have 64-bit installed.

 

[Milanodan]

Have you tried running them in compatibility mode, or using XP Mode?

Uh, I have the programs on my HDD, and when I try to install them I get a message saying they're incompatible with 64 bit or something like that.

I know nothing about comp. mode or XP mode.

 

[Britton30]

Hi Milanodan and welcome. First you can change to 32 bit BUT you would have to buy a key to do that. The key provided by your laptop maker would only be for the OS installed at the factory.

Now for the software issues. I have several 32 bit programs which run fine on my 64 bit system, Win7 has a special folder for them in fact, system WOW64, Windows on Windows. If compatibility mode won't work have a look Here to see in they are compatible with Win7.

 

[Milanodan]

What programs won't work? You may as well switch to new apps that are made this century seeing as virtually all systems have 64-bit installed.

For starters I have an old, lite version of Photoshop (PS-LE) that came bundled with a Nikon Coolscan slide copier I bought. I still have my old computer that's running W2000 Pro, so that's what I use for the stuff that won't run on the new DESKTOP. BTW, I skipped right over XP--never used it.

I need to try re-installing some of my old software using this WoW thing--no idea how to start.

 

[seavixen32]

What programs won't work? You may as well switch to new apps that are made this century seeing as virtually all systems have 64-bit installed.

For starters I have an old, lite version of Photoshop (PS-LE) that came bundled with a Nikon Coolscan slide copier I bought. I still have my old computer that's running W2000 Pro, so that's what I use for the stuff that won't run on the new DESKTOP. BTW, I skipped right over XP--never used it.

I need to try re-installing some of my old software using this WoW thing--no idea how to start.

Check this link to see whether any of your older applications are incompatible with Windows 7 64-bit: Windows 7 Compatibility: Software Programs & Hardware Devices: Find Updates, Drivers, & Downloads

As for 32-bit software, it will work with the 64-bit operating system unless there are compatibility issues.

You'll find that Windows 7 64-bit has two programs folders:

1. Program Files is the container for 64-bit software.

2. Program Files (x86) is the container for 32-bit software.

Just sling the discs in your optical drive and try to install them. Windows will soon let you know if they won't install under a 64-bit system.

 

[johnnya]

Hi Milanodan and welcome to the Forum. As an owner of a Toshiba laptop also, I thought I would give you a heads up on a few things. You mentioned that you did not receive any Windows DVD with your new system. This is the way most systems are now shipped to consumers. However, not to worry. These systems, including Toshiba, have an inbuilt ability to BURN a full set of Windows/System recovery DVD's. On my Toshiba, the program to do this is called "Toshiba Recovery Media Creator". You will probably need 4 blank DVD's to complete this process. Once completed, put them in a safe place so that in the event of a hard disc failure, you would be able to restore your system to Factory Condition. Even if your hard drive is physically ok but Windows has become corrupted or otherwise unusable your system has an option at bootup to restore the system to Factory Condition also from a hidden Recovery Partition on your hard drive.
I realize that the above information does not address your 64bit vs 32bit question, however it is important to know.
Regards
JohnnyA

 

[Milanodan]

I think my light bulb just went on. For the last year+ I was thinking the problem was 64 vs 32 bit, but now I finally understand that it's a basic "new version of Windows" incompatibility thing.

OK, so I have a purchased CD or DVD of W2000 Pro. Can I install (easily) TWO versions of Windows? Seems I remember something about a "Boot Manager" goodie from when I tried out one of the Linex op. systems--was in way over my head with that so I removed it.

Since I haven't installed any programs on the new laptop, should I make a partition and install W2000 on it? Or must I get involved with this virtual thing?

 

[BriceH]

I suggest that you use Windows XP Mode. Click on that link, and you can learn all about it.

 

[Britton30]

How to Create a New Partition or Volume in Windows 7
Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and XP

Yes you can do that with a dual boot setup. The 2nd tutorial uses XP, but any OS can be insalled on the new partition you create.

EDIT: Brice's idea may be a better one than a dual boot.

 

[Milanodan]

I suggest that you use Windows XP Mode. Click on that link, and you can learn all about it.

All I could figure out to do was to D/L "Windows Activation Update" but it won't run.

Can't seem to D/L the virtual and XP stuff.

 

[BriceH]

Have you entered your product key to activate Windows yet?

 

[Milanodan]

Have you entered your product key to activate Windows yet?

Huh? For the new laptop or the desktop that I'm using right now? Win 7 works on both machines. The XP page you provided didn't ask me for any activation codes. It DID perform a search and said Win 7 was validated or something like that.

 

[BriceH]

I suggest you take a look at this tutorial. It goes into great detail, and I think you will find it helpful.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8247-windows-xp-mode-install-setup.html

 

[Britton30]

A note here, you will need Windows Pro, Ultimate, or Enterprise to use XP mode.

 

[Milanodan]

A note here, you will need Windows Pro, Ultimate, or Enterprise to use XP mode.

I just read that--I only have the Home Edition. Anyone know how much it costs to upgrade to the PRO version?

 

[Britton30]

At Newegg, about $140 for an OEM upgrade disk,.

 

[Milanodan]

Just saw it as an online upgrade for $89. Looks like what I should do is make a partition and install my W2000 PRO on it, or just reformat the HDD and run only W2000.

So, to make a partition for the two Win versions, do I use something already in Win 7 that's installed? I don't do games so speed isn't a big deal for the laptop.

 

[gregrocker]

You are entitled to use either 32 bit or 64 bit Win7 with each license, even if only 64 bit is supported by your manufacturer for install on a specific machine. This is a provision of the Win7 EULA which no manufacturer can override - they can only refuse to support 32 bit install, just as most refuse to support a clean reinstall to try to enforce the preinstalled factory bloatware under pressure from it's sponsors.

Manfacturers who tried to limit or lock the BIOS of other people's property to prevent reinstall were sued successfully around the world. We never see this any longer.

Here are tips for clean reinstalling without the factory bloatware using the Product Key on your COA sticker: Reinstalling Windows 7

Here is how to make Toshiba Recovery Disks or run Factory Recovery from partition or disks: How to use the Toshiba HDD Recovery Utility