64/32 Bit

My reply got "lost" so I thought I'd pull it out for here?

This was said:

Re: X305-Q701 @ Best Buy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Slackwater
Qosmio X305-Q701 17":
He started in Vista-64 bit. I asked him to restart in Vista-32 bit.

My question:
Do you mean when we first startup our new laptop, if we choose 64 bit, then find our software programs won't work and don't like it, can we undo 64 bit and go with 32 bit?

 

The key you bought should support both 32/64 bit installation. You do need an install DVD of the other version if you didn't get one. ie. You bought it with 64 bit Vista, only 64 bit disc, no 32bit disc; you need to buy/get one from MS before you can install 32 bit Vista.

 

I was looking at a desktop that came with 64bit, and I called Microsoft. They told me that the 64-bit Ultimate license could NOT be used for 32bit.

 

I meant the laptops that come with the option to choose 32 or 64 bit at start up like the G55-Q802. (comes with both)

 

I have the same question as Urlee. Should I install the 64 bit or 32 bit version of Vista? I have the X305 unopened yet and plan to open it soon but don't know if installing the 64 bit version will cause problems with some of my programs that I want to run on this laptop: iTunes, MS Office.

Can a 64 bit installed Vista OS run 32 bit programs?

Thanks,
bluejava2

 

Keys are universal, they aren't locked to x64 or x86. I've installed x86 vista keys to x64 vista.

You should have no problems really running anything in x64 as it'll run x86 programs fine. Apple has updated iTunes to run on x64 windows, Office'll run at x86 compatibility with no problem.

And if you do a full system restore, you can select x86 instead of x64 when you 1st run the notebook again.

 

Do you need to activate windows?

 

Thanks azianai. So, if I choose the 32bit install of Vista, is that kind of defeating the purpose of getting the X305? I've never worked with the 64bit version of Vista.

 

I found this article as well: http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/1426/vista_64_bit_or_32_bit_version_x64_vs_x86

Looks like it is recommending to go with the 32 bit install of Vista:

"Conclusion:

Most users with 64-bit hardware should install the 32-bit (x86) version of Vista.

Vista x64 is the turning point for operating systems as they transition to 64-bit. Currently, however, the majority of users will be very disappointed by installing Vista x64. The lack of 64-bit drivers for most current hardware will be very disappointing and frustrating to most users. Why push for 64-bit now anyway? The performance gains promised by 64-bit will not be seen for years until 64-bit compiled versions of software is the norm."

 

complete and utter BS.
If you have new hardware you are better off with Vista 64 than 32.

Also, since you have a computer that comes with the 64bit option, you definitely won't have a problem with the OS.
If you have some very old external USB hardware that you want to connect to it and its makers don't have a 64 bit version of driver and you base what OS to use by that one then...do as you wish.