What happens when you run Win 7 32-bit in a desktop with 64-bit CPU

[CAG43]

My `Ole` desktop died. I removed the hard drive and installed it in another desktop and it booted.
My `Ole` desktop had 32-bit CPUs the new one has 64-bit CPUs. Everything seems to work, am I about to be surprised by compatibility issues that haven't surfaced yet. :sarc: So far the only issue is that Microsoft Office is no longer activated. What should I do to activate it? I know the license key.

 

[cmmpro1]

My `Ole` desktop died. I removed the hard drive and installed it in another desktop and it booted.
My `Ole` desktop had 32-bit CPUs the new one has 64-bit CPUs. Everything seems to work, am I about to be surprised by compatibility issues that haven't surfaced yet. :sarc: So far the only issue is that Microsoft Office is no longer activated. What should I do to activate it? I know the license key.

Try using the license key. Other than that, I don't see any other issues. The only problem will be you have to run 32 bit software as opposed to 64 bit. My question is this, why load the 32 bit? You know that even though windows is 64 bit, it will run 32 bit. I do it all the time.

 

[CAG43]

I tried using the license key and it said Invalid Key. I uninstalled Office 10 downloaded and reinstalled and tried the key again. It worked.

Should I download Win 7 64-bit and install it and use the same key I am using now?

 

[LMiller7]

There should be zero issues using a 32 bit OS with a 64 bit capable CPU. In fact there are many millions of computers doing just that. I have been using such a computer for more than 5 years. It has been very reliable. When running a 32 bit OS a 64 bit capable CPU becomes a 32 bit CPU for all practical purposes. The CPU was designed to work that way. All 64 bit capabilities are securely hidden and software has to use some pretty advanced methods to even determine the CPU is 64 bit capable. Only when running a 64 bit OS is it's true nature revealed.

 

[CAG43]

Just discovered WIN7 is no longer activated :sarc: I entered the license key and it activated.

The desktop is running smoothly. I love using it, think I'll leave it alone.

 

[Megahertz07]

The main difference between Win 32 and win 64 is the capability of using memory.
32bits OS can only deal with 3.2G of memory, even if the computer has more.

So my suggestion is:
Less than 4G of memory, use Win 32.
More than 4G of memory, use Win 64