Guest DJ Bing Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 Hi, I am considering changing the OS from 32 to 64 bit. I have heard that XP Pro will only use 3.5GB of 4GB memory and I would like to make use of every MB I can. What are the pitfalls of changing over to 64 bit and is there a program that will check to make sure existing programs drivers are supported? Cheers, DJ Bing
Guest Malke Posted June 15, 2008 Posted June 15, 2008 Re: 32 bit to 64 bit in XP Pro DJ Bing wrote: > Hi, > I am considering changing the OS from 32 to 64 bit. > I have heard that XP Pro will only use 3.5GB of 4GB memory and I would > like to make use of every MB I can. > What are the pitfalls of changing over to 64 bit and is there a program > that will check to make sure existing programs drivers are supported? 1. Make sure that all your applications will run on a 64-bit OS. 2. Look carefully at what applications you use to make sure that if they will run, they are optimized for 64-bit computing (otherwise it's a waste). 3. No, you will need to go to every hardware component mftr.'s website and every software application mftr.'s website and check for 64-bit compatibility yourself. 4. You must do a clean install going from 32 to 64-bit. So unless you're using applications that need more than the RAM you've got and they are optimized for 64-bit computing, IMO don't bother. If you're really running stuff like sophisticated number-crunching programs, Windows isn't the best choice of operating systems for you anyway. Malke -- MS-MVP Elephant Boy Computers http://www.elephantboycomputers.com Don't Panic!
Guest Patrick Keenan Posted June 16, 2008 Posted June 16, 2008 Re: 32 bit to 64 bit in XP Pro "DJ Bing" <djbing@tunetube.eu> wrote in message news:%23V8g$IyzIHA.2384@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > Hi, > I am considering changing the OS from 32 to 64 bit. Why? > I have heard that XP Pro will only use 3.5GB of 4GB memory and I would > like to make use of every MB I can. Is there a purpose other than to say you are doing so? > What are the pitfalls of changing over to 64 bit and is there a program > that will check to make sure existing programs drivers are supported? > > Cheers, DJ Bing The pitfalls are many. They start with hardware that has no 64-bit drivers, and proceed to applications that won't install on a 64-bit platform. You must carefully review your hardware and software to determine what else you will have to replace. It is likely that you *will* have to abandon a selection of hardware and software if you shift to 64-bit. Again, there needs to be an acutal, compelling reason for doing this, such as manupulating large audio or video files, or very large databases. HTH -pk
Guest Martin Posted June 16, 2008 Posted June 16, 2008 Re: 32 bit to 64 bit in XP Pro On 15 Jun, 20:58, "DJ Bing" <djb...@tunetube.eu> wrote: > Hi, > I am considering changing the OS from 32 to 64 bit. > I have heard that XP Pro will only use 3.5GB of 4GB memory and I would like > to make use of every MB I can. > What are the pitfalls of changing over to 64 bit and is there a program that > will check to make sure existing programs drivers are supported? > > Cheers, DJ Bing Even if you find 64 bit driver support you might also find as i did - lots of beta drivers. Beta drivers lacking full functionality i found with my video card (no tv out controls). My SBLive had no official Creative drivers (i know it's an old card but it works well for me!), i think i could have found some opensource alternatives though. But i gave up on using 64 bit XP 'just because i can' and reverted happily back to 32 bit. Martin.
Recommended Posts