want to go from 32 bit to 64 bit need some guidance

[tas9195]

So I did some work on my sister in laws computer. Got it fixed. She bought Windows Home Premium 64 bit. Decided she didn't want to worry about it since I got hers going and asked if I wanted it for working on theirs. Of course I said sure. I have Ultimate 32 bit edition right now and want to make sure my computer is compatible to run 64 bit. Searched the internet and got a little confused by what I was reading so I found a site that run an analysis of your computer and tell you what you have it said my processor was 64 bit ready. I have the 3.20 gigahertz Intel Pentium D. I have 2 sticks of DDR2 2gb memory(4 GB total). I want to make sure this will work before I get started and not be able to get my computer up and going once I start. I want to do this so I can start using Adobe after effects. It needs the 64 bit version to run. I also want to be able to use all 4 GB of memory. Please let me know if you need more info. Here is the link to the info the site gave me. Hopefully you can access it.
file://localhost/C:/Program%20Files/Belarc/Advisor/System/tmp/(TheSauers-PC).html#virtualmachines

 

[DustSailor]

Tas, welcome to Sevenforums!

There is not really any benefit to using 64 bit ultimate if you only use 4GB of RAM.

64 bit enables you to use more than 4GB of RAM, so unless you are planning on increasing the RAM, it is probably not recommended. You gain no speed from it in and of itself, and if anything it is slower than 32 bit ultimate with less than 4GB of RAM. But if once again, if you are planning to increase RAM, you will notice faster speeds with the 64 bit ultimate installed. However, you will need to completely reinstall the ultimate software and lose all your installed programs.

 

[bobkn]

The link that you provide is to a file on your local PC. It's not accessible via the Web.

You could try the official Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor:

Download: Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details

(it includes a 64 bit check).

I think you're OK, though. You may wish to check whether peripherals that you don't list (if any) have 64 bit drivers available, as 32 bit drivers can't be installed on X64.

 

[bobkn]

Tas, welcome to Sevenforums!

There is not really any benefit to using 64 bit ultimate if you only use 4GB of RAM.

64 bit enables you to use more than 4GB of RAM, so unless you are planning on increasing the RAM, it is probably not recommended. You gain no speed from it in and of itself, and if anything it is slower than 32 bit ultimate with less than 4GB of RAM. But if once again, if you are planning to increase RAM, you will notice faster speeds with the 64 bit ultimate installed. However, you will need to completely reinstall the ultimate software and lose all your installed programs.

I neglected to mention that a clean install is required.

Note that tas9195 wishes to run Adobe After Effects. X64 is required for that. Whether it's a reasonable to install After Effects on a low-spec machine, I don't know, but the minumum requirement is 2GB of RAM.

 

[tas9195]

Yeah the main reason is to run after effects. I do plan to add more memory later. I do understand it is a clean install. do you mean by peripherals do you mean my hard drives graphics card etc.... I will try the link you posted thanks.

 

[DustSailor]

If for any reason the 64 bit ultimate software doesn't work, you can just reinstall the 32 bit software, so your computer will not shut you out. Sorry for missing the part about after effects. In that case, 64bit is a good idea. Even with 4GB of RAM, 64bit will run well. You do not need to increase the RAM unless you desire more speed. Generally, you do not need the 64bit software with 4GB of RAM or less, but in this case it appears you do.

 

[bobkn]

Yeah the main reason is to run after effects. I do plan to add more memory later. I do understand it is a clean install. do you mean by peripherals do you mean my hard drives graphics card etc.... I will try the link you posted thanks.

There are 64 bit drivers for your 9500GT. Windows has all the drivers you need for hard drives and optical drives. I was thinking more in terms of printers, scanners, etc.

 

[gregrocker]

You don't need to use the Home Premium license if you want to use your Ultimate license for 64 bit. You're entitled to use either 32- or 64-bit with each license.

Some other things to consider are that you can back up externally a Win7 backup image in 20 minutes so that if you decide you want to go back you can reimage it on the HD and be back to your current install in another 20 minutes. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

You could also in Disk Management shrink the current OS partition enough to install 64 bit as a Dual Boot to decide if you like it. With the second license you could even keep it if you like both.

 

[tas9195]

Thanks gregrocker. I think I will try that tomorrow. I was worried because I don't have the disc for the 32 bit anymore or don't know where it is actually. Thanks for the driver info bobkn. you guys have really been helpful. I will make a run at it and let you guys know if it worked out. Once again thanks alot. I am liking this forum already.

 

[tas9195]

Just looked it up and my printer/scanner is 64 bit compatible.

 

[gregrocker]

Official ISO Downloads

Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

Get a perfect install following these basic steps, same as for Clean Reinstall Windows 7 Factory OEM.

 

[tas9195]

Just curious if I do a backup and it doesn't work how do I restore it. will the computer allow that just in case I can't install the 64 bit.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, follow these steps: System Image Recovery

You can also shrink C in Disk Mgmt, boot to install 64 bit there to try it in a Dual boot the installer will configure for you - which can be wiped away as easily as just deleting in Disk Mgmt. Partition or Volume - Shrink

 

[tas9195]

Great info greg. I will burn the disc tomorrow and see how it works. Thanks again. Ignore the last comment

 

[gregrocker]

Same as this: Dual Boot Installation with Windows 7 and Vista

 

[AddRAM]

Gregs idea is a perfect solution. Ask any questions BEFORE you go ahead.

 

[tas9195]

Got it installed everything running good. Noticed a drop on the windows score for the processor. I plan on upgrading my processor soon though. I have the pentium D 33.20 and did some research and its scores compared to the current ones was horrible so I expected that.

 

[gregrocker]

Those scores are just informational. What matters is how performance is. Win7 should be instantaneous and never hang with adequate hardware, once you have a perfect install.

 

[tas9195]

For the most part it runs good. Sometimes when running multiple things it gets a little hung up. I don't remember now what I pulled up when I saw it. Maybe task manager. I noticed it has 2 cores and only one was running. I am assuming that would make a difference. I do know that the Pentium D is pretty much out dated. I am doing research now to see what will improve my performance. My board is a Gigabyte lga 775 ddr2 200 mhz bus. I don't know the difference between Intel and AMD. I usually have gone with Intel. I know a lot of gamers go AMD side. I will see what I find.

 

[gregrocker]

On borderline specs like 4gb RAM and a weaker processor, sometimes what helps is editing Visual Effects at Control Panel>System>Advanced Settings>Performance. Unchecking animation, sliding, fading, dragging intact and translucent selection rectangle can save resources and doesn't change appearance at all.

I would also look at your Performance Monitor during operations to see if RAM gets ahead of CPU or vice versa - you never want either to peg. CPU is a major change but adding RAM is as easy as googling upgrade from your model, running the Crucial System Scanner software
and/or going to a parts counter like CompUSA.

However upgrading RAM and then having its usage remain low while CPU pegs is a problem. You might in that case want to go back to 32 bit if this wasn't a problem then.