XP Pro to XP Pro 64bit

True...when all the drivers were done for Vista64 all the missing ones for XP64 were also made. Now you just get the XP experience with added 64bit benefits...seems lik a win-win situation to me.
All the issues are a thing of the past but still stick in peoples minds, same as with Vista actually...still people shouting how much it sucks while they haven't even used it after SP1

 

Changing the BIOS settings from SATA to ATA worked. What did not work was my XP 64bit key (nor did my vista ult key). I talked to microsoft and they told me that my keys were both good. I talked to dell and they could not find what the problem was.

To fix the problem Dell is going to send me xp 64bit and vista bus 64bit (not ultimate but whatever).

The Dell associate told me that the computer has the key built into the motherboard so when you install windows one does not need the code. I think they do this so the purchaser can only use the cds that dell provides with that one computer.

When windows 7 comes out I am a little worried about what will happen. My problem did not get resolved but rather "band aided".

 

XP 64-bit if not a good OS. The driver, software support compatibility, and quality of teh OS is abysimal. AVOID AT ALL COST.

I would prefer to stick with Win98 then even touch WinXP 64-bit. I had my share of experience. Not only Win XP hates new technologies, but adding the little used XP 64-bit, is just asking for troubles.

You want a real OS, get Vista 64-bit or Win7 64-bit.
Also, Windows XP support ends next week. Meaning no more bug fixes and more patches for security holes, unless Microsoft judge it to be really critical.
Source: http://www.dailytech.com/Mainstream+Support+for+Windows+XP+Ends+Next+Week/article14797.htm

If you look at Windows Vista 64-bit for example, you will see that you won't have any compatibility issue with 32-bit application, because what Microsoft did is the best solution.. have 2 OS in 1. Meaning Vista 32-bit with 64-bit. Not only you have all teh system files and processes in 32-bit and 64-bit, but it goes as far as IE, WMP11, Media Center (if you have it), heck even Windows Mail in both 32-bit and 64-bit with it's ActiveX counterpart (in case an application uses IE or WMP inside).

Moreover, Vista/Win7 is more than being better in 64-bit world, thank to it's experience with XP 64-bit, but also feature proper memory management. Yes it takes more RAM.. but it uses it more efficiently, so in reality it is more beneficial. XP behavior is "OH you ONLY have 16GB of RAM... quick put EVERYTHING on the HDD".. no mater how much RAM you have XP will act if you are low in memory. Vista in the other hand is the contrary, and Win7 perfects it, by giving the ability to adapt a little more (that is why Win7 run smoothly with 1GB of RAM).

Then we fall down to multi-core CPU. Sure XP supports them.. but the term "support" goes as far as the same "support" that all 32-bit OS has with 4GB of RAM . Meaning it will trow it's own processes on either core. But in Vista they use all your core to get the job done quicker... MUCH quicker. Win7 of course, as you read, perfects that by being more optimized (as a programmer, I can tell you making software an trow processes on different core and keeping everything in sync and in communication, is hard.)

Then you come down to support. XP does not support or know what SATA is, same for PCI-E, and won't know what that TPM chip is. Now motherboard chipset does some things to make XP detect it as PCI until your install the drivers, but even then XP is not comfortable, as will see the day you jump to a better OS. As for SATA, well you have the prime example. XP is so old that it want a floppy, no disks. Again, the trick in this case is set the BIOS to tell the SATA controller to go as ATA.. workarounds after workarounds. headaches! Vista/Win7 has nothing of this. You just put teh disk in and 20-25min you are done. Install drivers, 10-15min MAX, and windows updates which takes 2-5min max today.


So... I STRONGLY recommend, stick with XP 32-bit wait for WIn7. OR Call Del and ask Vista 64-bit disk (which will be free)

 

I was going to dual boot xp and vista but now that dell is sending me vista 64 just install that.

What are your thoughts on that none of my windows key codes are accepted?

 

I know that Dell Vista 64-bit is already activated, with it's own product number for buisness line machines, like the Latitude series.
If the system name matches the name of the disk, then it works, nothing to do. Else activation will fail, and the system will be set as not genuine, until you insert a new product key. In this case, contact Dell. Maybe they sent you the wrong disk.

 

The computer shipped with both xp pro and vista business (both 32 bit). I had previously purchased xp pro 64 and vista ult from my school (at a very large discount).

When I tried install either of these purchased programs the key code did not work. I talked to Microsoft and they told me that the key code is valid and the problem is with the equipment.

Dell could not fix the problem with the key code, so they are sending me the 64bit cds for both OS'es.

I am still trying to figure out why the key codes were not accepted and I cannot find anything.

 

strange, i've had no problems with my XP 64-bit computer since 2005. zero. none. reliable as hell.