Win7 64bit Question

[ratronic]

This maybe a stupid question, but since I have only ever had 32 bit operating systems I don't know - right now I have Windows7 32 bit and have some older stuff like a digital storage oscilliscope and some other things working just fine with it - would that stuff work on a 64 bit Win7 system - would they install ok?

 

[zigzag3143]

This maybe a stupid question, but since I have only ever had 32 bit operating systems I don't know - right now I have Windows7 32 bit and have some older stuff like a digital storage oscilliscope and some other things working just fine with it - would that stuff work on a 64 bit Win7 system - would they install ok?

Hi and welcome

Nope they wouldnt. In win 7 32bit ist can handle some older (16 bit apps) but in win 7 64bit it can onky handle some older (32bit apps) There is another option if your machine is able to. In win 7 there is "XP mode", basically a virtaul XP machine. Comes in very usefull if you use older apps. You can find out if your machine can do both 64bit and virtual xp mode by running a third party app called secura. you can find it for free at GRC.com/secura.

Let us know if you need help with any of this

Good luck Mate

Ken J

 

[ratronic]

Well it's only about 3 or 4 years old (that seems old to me), I know my system can have windows 64 bit, but if I were to use the software that came with them, could I install them on a 64 bit Win7 system or would I have to have the latest 64 bit sofware for them? (couldn't use the 32 bit original software on the new Win7 64 bit system?)

 

[Dzomlija]

Well it's only about 3 or 4 years old (that seems old to me), I know my system can have windows 64 bit, but if I were to use the software that came with them, could I install them on a 64 bit Win7 system or would I have to have the latest 64 bit sofware for them? (couldn't use the 32 bit original software on the new Win7 64 bit system?)

A common misconception about moving to 64 bit is whether or not you can run your older 32-bit software. The problem arises with how the software is installed, and if it uses drivers.

If the application in question uses a 16-bit installer, then you will not be able to install it, even if the program is 32 bit. In just such a case, then you'll have to use Windows XP Mode (Available I think only in Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate Editions, and then only if you processor support hardware assisted virtualization).

Programs such as virtual drives or explorer add-ons (Alcohol 52, Acronis True Image, etc) may themselves be 32-bit, but they rely on drivers and will not work, because you can only use 64-bit drivers on a 64-bit operating system. If you cannot get 64-bit drivers for these applications, or for any of your other hardware devices, then you're out of luck.

But generally speaking, most 32-bit software will run unchanged (or in some cases, better) on a 64-bit operating system.

 

[ratronic]

Hey you guys should be getting paid by micrsoft! So just so I have an understanding of this, the items I am refering to are hardware that has drivers in the software, was meant to go into a 32 bit machine sold new about 3 to 4 years back, but your saying that the original installation software might not work on a 64 bit win7 system? There's a chance I can't get 64 bit software for this stuff because some of it came from korea and I Don't seem to find anything new on the net, I guess the only chance I will have if someone lets try to install on their 64 bit machine?

 

[Dzomlija]

Hey you guys should be getting paid by micrsoft! So just so I have an understanding of this, the items I am refering to are hardware that has drivers in the software, was meant to go into a 32 bit machine sold new about 3 to 4 years back, but your saying that the original installation software might not work on a 64 bit win7 system? There's a chance I can't get 64 bit software for this stuff because some of it came from korea and I Don't seem to find anything new on the net, I guess the only chance I will have if someone lets try to install on their 64 bit machine?

The 32-Bit software will install, but when it comes to the drivers, it will fail. YOU CANNOT USE 32-BIT DRIVERS ON A 64-BIT OPERATING SYSTEM. Back when Vista was first released, I was using the Canon Lide20 scanner. I could not get 64-bit drivers for it, so I had to purchase a new scanner that was supported by 64-Bit.

Sorry, Ratronic, if this is bad news for you, but if you cannot get 64-bit drivers for your hardware, then you should either stay with 32-bit, or replace the hardware with newer versions that is supported under 64-bit.

I haven't yet tried this, and even if it works for me, it may not work for you, but in a pinch, you can maybe use Windows XP Mode? I think when I get home tonight, I'm going to see if I can get my old Canon Lide20 scanner working in this way, and I'll report back to you on the results of that experiment...

 

[ratronic]

Thank you Dzomlija for taking the time to explain this to me.

 

[Orpheous]

ratronic, if you find that you cannot locate 64 bit drivers for your device/s, try posting in the drivers section of this forum for help. Sometimes there are ways around using the original manufacturers drivers for some devices. Good luck!