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]

Originally Posted by Goat Blower

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.]

Originally Posted by Goat Blower

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.

Originally Posted by daoshao

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]

Originally Posted by Matt D.

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.]

Originally Posted by daoshao

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.

[Goat Blower]

This is for a customer of ours in Canada. We've got a team of engineers across the building, but I knew I could get the right answer here faster.

[Matt D.]

Originally Posted by 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?

It should have reinstallation media for either one. If it doesn't they should be able to get it from the laptop manufacturer. The same license key will work for both 32-bit and 64-bit.

[cmspaz]

Sometimes you even need to go back to win98 compatibility mode to get stuff to work in certain instances. I've seen that with stuff released within the past two years even...

[Goat Blower]

Originally Posted by Matt D.

It should have reinstallation media for either one. If it doesn't they should be able to get it from the laptop manufacturer. The same license key will work for both 32-bit and 64-bit.

That's the info I was looking for, thanks!

[Matt D.]

Originally Posted by cmspaz

Sometimes you even need to go back to win98 compatibility mode to get stuff to work in certain instances. I've seen that with stuff released within the past two years even...

People need to stop creating shit software.