Another nerd question

[Goat Blower]

On all new laptops these days, Windows 7 64-bit seems to be standard. Is there a way to convert it back to 32-bit? We're running into some compatibility issues here at work. Thanks.

[Matt D.]

Your only option is to reinstall using the 32-bit version.

You also can not perform an upgrade between them either, such as going from Vista 32-bit to 7 64-bit.

[Goat Blower]

So you'd have to locate a licensed copy of 7 32-bit I take it. Is that even available new anymore?

[daoshao]

So you'd have to locate a licensed copy of 7 32-bit I take it. Is that even available new anymore?

Yes, it is available new. Go to Microcenter in St.lous park. The 32 bit win 7 is tied to the 32 bit processor. The 64 bit version is tied to the 64 bit processor.

[A//// Guy]

Yes, you can get Windows 7 in both 32 bit and 64 bit at most computer stores. I run a mixed environment here at work.

[Matt D.]

So you'd have to locate a licensed copy of 7 32-bit I take it. Is that even available new anymore?
Vista came with 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs in the same case. All you pay for is the license, and it works for both flavors.
Yes, it is available new. The 32 bit win 7 is tied to the 32 bit processor. The 64 bit version is tied to the 64 bit processor. I didn't know you could install the 32 bit 7 version on a 64bit machine.
A 64-bit processor runs 32-bit applications, but not the other way around.

[daoshao]

Vista came with 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs in the same case. All you pay for is the license, and it works for both flavors.

A 64-bit processor runs 32-bit applications, but not the other way around.

Hmm..interesting. Never tried it. Might have to give it a whirl on my test station.

[Matt D.]

Hmm..interesting. Never tried it. Might have to give it a whirl on my test station.
64-bit processors were mainstream long before 64-bit operating systems were used by consumers.

[Goat Blower]

So if my customer purchased their laptop preloaded with W7, it would have backup copies of 32 and 64 in the case? Or is that only buying the full program from say Microcenter?

[viridionplague]

have you tried running your programs in "compatibility mode" set for windows xp service pack 2??

to convert back to 32 bit you would have to reformat the computer so you need a disk.