Windows 64bit OS

[rivrrat]

I few months ago I bought a new computer system with a 64 bit dual core processor (SLI motherboard, dual video cards, etc)

They gave me the option of having it come with Windows XP 64 bit edition installed. I read the description of that OS and figured, sure... why not.

Little did I know.

I was hoping maybe some of the folks better knowledgable in this area could answer a few questions and/or help me out.

Since getting this OS, I've found that there are a number of my programs that are incompatible. I can't, for instance, use Macromedia Dreamweaver... a program I used to use daily. Not to mention that it's a damn expensive program to not be able to use now.

I've also found that I'm having problems getting an antivirus, firewall, and spyware program(s) running on it. It wouldn't accept Norton (which I had already purchased). I bought a Computer Associates internet security suite from the company I bought the computer from and I'm having problems with it as well.

Does anyone know a way around these issues? What about programs that WILL run on a 64 bit OS?

Also, can I use a 32bit OS on a computer with a 64bit processor? Could I just revert back to the 'normal' windows with no ill effects?

What about Linux?

I'm just getting increasingly frustrated that I forked out a good deal of $$ for this powerhouse computer, only to find out that I can't run my usual programs, or play my usual games on it. I'm afraid I'm going to have to buy a second, lower end computer *just* so I can use my web dev programs.

 

[Spartacus FPV]

Yes you can and should run 32bit on your 64bit. I've got an Athlon 64 and I tried Ubuntu linux 64 and I had the same problem as you. Flash didnt offer a 64 bit version, neither did many other crucial apps.

Once 64bit is mainstream, you'll be able to more properly utilize your processor, but until then, go 32bit.

 

[rivrrat]

You think I could dual boot it? Or rather... could I do that without having to reformat my current drive? I remember a program called Partition Magic from a few years back that would let you re-partition a drive without having to format and reinstall everything. But, it had some issues of its own. Any idea if this type of program works better nowadays?

I'd rather not completely redo my drive (i.e., lose everything) if I can avoid it. But at the same time, I'd like to be able to run some of my 32bit programs that I can't run now. LOL

 

[CaptainCourtesy]

You think I could dual boot it? Or rather... could I do that without having to reformat my current drive? I remember a program called Partition Magic from a few years back that would let you re-partition a drive without having to format and reinstall everything. But, it had some issues of its own. Any idea if this type of program works better nowadays?

I'd rather not completely redo my drive (i.e., lose everything) if I can avoid it. But at the same time, I'd like to be able to run some of my 32bit programs that I can't run now. LOL

Partition Magic is still around and works better than earlier versions. Should do exactly what you are looking to do.

 

[Spartacus FPV]

Partition Magic works great if you want to pay for it (or feel no shame in software piracy.) However, most distros of Linux (Ubuntu for example) have their own partition manager.

Ubuntu's works great, shaved off a few gigs for my linux partitions from my Win32 XP NTFS partition, and so far no adverse effects.

 

[Karmashock]

Get a copy of windows XP 32 bit and reinstall the OS. I'm sorry but this is the best solution and I'm not going to suggest you waste your time with anything else.


The 64 bit version of windows was never well supported and what's more the only people that will really care about it until most of the software is 64 bit compatible are people running servers. Server software in the 64 bit range IS well supported so if you're making a file server or a domain controller or a web server or an ftp server... or any kind of server then 64 bit is the way to go. There will still be incompatibility issues but because there is lots of 64 bit server software that shouldn't be a problem.




I would also recommend against upgrading to windows Vista for at least 1 year. The OS is simply not ready yet. I'm actually considering waiting for the fully featured business edition of Vista to come out which should be in the next year or so... and I might just go straight from windows XP to that.



Before you upgrade, make sure you have ALL the drivers that your computer needs. You'll need chipset drivers (that's drivers for your motherboard), processor drivers (newer processors often require special drivers to run properly. They will run without these drivers but it's not recommended), video card drivers (assuming your video card is not built into your motherboad these will be seperate from your chipset drivers), sound card drivers (assuming that your sound card is not built into your motherboard these will be seperate from your chipset drivers)... and that should just about do it.


The most overlooked portion though and typically hardest to get are the chipset drivers. Getting such drivers from HP or Compaq for example is almost impossible as they have a very annoying "use the provided restore disk/partition" policy and thus tend not to provide chipset drivers on their website unless they released an update for them... and in that case they're not full drivers but just updates.






Anyway, 64bit windows XP is a mistake you made. I'd just bite the bullet right now and switch to 32 bit windows. MS might provide you with a disk to help you do this if you explain your problem. However, I think windows xp is only about 80 dollars right now... so I'd do that unless you have other means of aquiring what you need.



If you have questions about how best to install windows without harming your existing files then please don't hesitate to ask. I've installed windows on enough machines to become an expert on the subject.

 

[Tashah]

Anyway, 64bit windows XP is a mistake you made. I'd just bite the bullet right now and switch to 32 bit windows.

I agree. I purchased a 64bit XP/OS dual-core machine dedicated to manage my digital music library and digital-capable musical instruments. However, the requisite 64bit software programs necessary for this purpose are virtually non-existant. I reformatted to a 32bit XP/OS and all is very good. :mrgreen:

I also agree with Karma about Vista... wait at least a year for it to be reasonably debugged.

 

[Karmashock]

you don't need to reformate or delete ANY of your files. Many of your programs will have to be reinstalled but you can install a fresh OS without damaging any data. You can tell windows to install a second OS in a different directory if you're worried about losing anything.


That is your first install would have put the OS in the "windows" directory. Simply tell the installer when you're looking at that horrible navy blue installer screen that you'd like to install it into the "XP32" folder or the "wind32" folder... call it the "opps" folder for all I care... but if you do that then you won't be deleting anything. What's more unlike windows 98 which kept your desktop inside the windows folder, XP keeps it in the "documents and settings" folder. So even if you do delete your old system directory you won't lose anything you care about. All your documents, desktop items, etc will be safe inside your documents and settings folder.


Once you've transitioned I can help you clean up a little bit by deleting your old system partition and then editing your boot.ini so it won't ask you "which" OS you want to boot with in the future.