haleraiser2

Hey I just bought a new lap top it has windows7 64bit, The question is can I up date it to the professional version that is 32bit. I have several programs that won't work with the 64bit version?

Steve_250

No, you cannot.
Don't even try, the hardware is for the 64 bit too.
You will void the warranty and have a dead laptop.
Look around for other programs, got to be something out there.

What programs do you need in 64 that you can't find?

haleraiser2

2 of the major outboard motor manufactors diagnostic programs and no they don't make ones that work with 64bit. Old shop computer took a dump and all the new ones where 64bit. These get tossed and dropped weekly. So we purchase the cheaper ones. I read that the proffesional versions are 32bit, thats why I asked.

Steve_250

In that case, I can only suggest finding an old 32 bit for that purpose.
I would think that someone on here is nearby and has something laying around for next to free.
They are probably fairly busy this weekend, so maybe hear something back on Monday or so.

Flot

Yes, you can run 32 bit windows on a new 64 bit pc. 32 bit windows (and applications) will run just fine on a 64 bit platform. You will not be able to address more than 4 gb of RAM however, so if your PC has more than 4 gb of ram consider any excess a lost cause.

For the record, it is almost impossible to damage your hardware (much less void your warranty) with a software misconfiguration. Not completely impossible but you'd really have to work at it.

Note that "update" is not really the right term - you'd basically need to install the new OS (you'll need the 32 bit OS CD) and your applications from scratch. If you just got a new PC and don't care about anything installed on it, no problem, throw your old WinXP disc in and have at it. Only thing to be cautious of is that it's possible that the new pc could need a driver (for instance, for the network card) that may not still be made for an older OS, or at least may not be on the original install CD, so could be a bit more work to get it up and going.

haleraiser2

Thanks I was hopeing to just buy the new windows7 pro version that was 32 bit, and install. nothing on new computer thats not backed up. We still have an old lap that is running xp that we use but last time it was in the shop they said it failed the hard drive test which ment it might last a day or 2yrs..... So just trying to stay ahead of the game. I was told by yamaha that the new software might run on 64bit when it comes out.

Flot

That'll work fine, and exactly why it exists. You might want to double check to make sure that the particular programs you are installing are supported on Win7, just in case that's a concern.

Note that Win7 ain't cheap retail - you could actually come out ahead buying a laptop with 32 bit windows already installed on it if you have to do it again. (you might want to look at dell, lenovo, maybe even refurbs from online outlets) Then again if you're just picking up whatever BB has on sale for $299 that week that works too.

It is also worth a call to the vendor who made the laptop, they MIGHT just have a program in place for this kind of scenario, IE ability to send you system recover disks for 32 bit.

haleraiser2

That's not as easy done as said...........

bumster

Check your install disk. I am pretty sure that the 32 bit and 64 bit versions are packed together, at least on my OEM disk they are. When I did my install i could choose between the two. Most 32 bit programs will work on a 64 bit system. You could try it and see if it works.If I read you correctly you have nothing to lose

Seacat FL

Flot is correct about this.

Theoretically 32 bit Windows 7 Pro will run fine on a 64 bit machine. Being a laptop you might have a sticky time with a few hardware drivers.

Have you tried just running the 32 bit apps apps on 64 bit Win 7? Are they hardware intensive or do they use a serial port?

haleraiser2

Yes I have tried to install on the lap top. Will install but the drivers for the hardware won't work. Call tech services and was told by both companys that it won't work with 64bit only 32bit. Will research it more this long weekend, will check os disk that came with the computer and see if it has both right now I have the home version and was told only the pro version comes in 32bit.

Bumster did the install of the lights we order on Thursday look awesome customer very happy.

bumster

If the customer is happy that means youre happy and if youre happy Im happy. Dont suppose you have a few pics of the job do you?

haleraiser2

I have a short video if like i can send it too you.

bumster

That would be awesome. Any objections to my using it on my site when I start to rebuild it?

haleraiser2

none!! email too the same one you use for buisness ok.

bumster

Yes
they are both high speed connections

Back-in-Black

I just bought a new HP for the house and ordered it with W7 Pro. When I tried to install an old program, I somehow got redirected to Windows Virtual PC. It installed Windows XP as a virtual machine over top of Windows 7. Installed my software and ran it in this virtual mode and it worked great. Now when I want to run old software i just crank up Windows Virtual PC. The "home" version won't do this???

haleraiser2

Hey I sent it let me know if you don't get it.

bumster

Thats one of the downsides to home premium. With all other except pro you have to use either 32 OR 64 but there is no virtual XP in anything but 7 pro. You also pay a premium for pro which most users will never use.

haleraiser2

Thanks BNB.