Windows 7 64 bit on 32 bit platform

I need to upgrade my T400 to 3 or 4 megs from 2 in order for it to be fully compatible with the Windows 7 64 bit upgrade I have yet to install. If I don't add the extra gig or 2 will I notice anything deleterious if I move ahead with the upgrade? (I'm eager to upgrade because my XP system is fighting a virus).

 

Nothing will change. Running a 64bit OS with 2G of ram will not have any (noticeable) performance difference.

EDIT: Btw, what do you mean "64 bit on 32 bit platform"?
Are you saying you want to upgrade, not do a clean install...? That's impossible, you can't upgrade XP to Windows 7 (I think). Also, you can't "upgrade" a 32bit OS to a 64 bit OS. It's also a bad idea if you're looking to get rid of a virus by doing so.

 

I meant to say this: My Windows 7 Upgrade (yes it allows upgrading from XP) is a 64 bit version -- they have the 32 bit and 64 bit. Apparently, my T400 specs are suited to the 32 bit because of the fact that I have 2 megs ram rather than 3 or 4. My question was: Would it be deleterious to install the Windows 7 64 bit version? BTW -- I did finally deal with the virus. The virus installed a fake anti virus application called "internet security 2010." It created quite a bit of trouble, but I finally dealt with it with the aid of malawarebytes and adaware. Search around and you will see this virus is rampant. I couldn't even get into safe mode.

 

There won't be any noticeable performance beneffits, unless of course you have over 3GB of RAM, but even a 32-bit OS will technically be able to support 4GB with PAE enabled, and a CPU that supports PAE (every modern processor does). x64 does not require over a certain amount of RAM to function normally, it supports up to 4GB and then some rather than only supporting over 3/4GB and that it will somehow not function without 3/4GB RAM.

Edit: Now that i notice your new post, how do you mean deleterous or whatever you refer to? It won't magically delete data if it's x64 and you aren't using over 3/4 GB, and we are referring to RAM amount in these cases, which is volatile memory anyways (requires constant power to hold data), RAM is meant to be constantly refreshed and flushed from each of it's uses, there is no data stored in RAM that you as a user need to worry about, so NO it will not be hazardous to your data if you install an x64 OS on a system with 2GB of RAM. Installing x64 OS with that just means that you can install more than 4GB, got it?

 

Just do it. BTW clean install. You are good to go. Add the RAM later. BTW from 3 to 4GB of RAM is noticeable. So 2 to whatever will also be an improvement but not a deal breaker preventing you from proceeding. Try to go dual channel by finding out what you got now if you want to up to 4GB. If cost is now object 8GB would be sweet.

 

Hello Vilmosz,

Just a bit of FYI to understand the issues with 32-bit and 64-bit OS upgrades and later options that may or may not be available to you later:

When upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 you must upgrade the version currently installed within Windows Vista to the corresponding version in Windows 7. I.E. Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium; Windows Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional; and Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate. You also cannot upgrade a 32-bit operating system to 64-bit -- to migrate from 32-bit to 64-bit will require a custom install.

The architecture between the two is too drastically different to allow such a change. To learn more about the differences between a 32-bit operating system and 64-bit please go to the following link: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/...and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

You can also find lots of information on Windows 7 here in our Springboard website:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx

Step by Step, Migration from Windows XP
please go here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446674(WS.10).aspx#BKMK_UpgradeFromXP

John M
Microsoft Windows Client Team

 

wow...we now have (presumably unofficial) microsoft support!

 

Dear John..yesterday i want to do clean install windows 7 64 bit.
but after i boot the DVD, there is message CD/DVD device driver missing error. and that time i use AHCI mode.
i have try several solution from internet but it didn't solve my problems.
Thank you so much