32 bit vs 64 bit

  • Thread starter Thread starter normc
  • Start date Start date
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normc

Anyone up to a few words and/or a link regarding the difference between
32 and 64 bit XP Pro?

Can you 'convert' from 32 to 64?. Is it considered an upgrade?

I downloaded a laptop touchpad driver. When I attempted to install, a
popup indicated it wouldn't install on 32 bit XP. I didn't even realize
there was more than one kind of XP Pro.

TIA
 
Hi,
Anyone up to a few words and/or a link regarding the difference between 32
and 64 bit XP Pro?
Click to expand...

Yes, one (32 bit or x86) is designed for 32 bit systems but will run on 64
bit hardware, the other (x64) will only install and run on 64 bit hardware.
Can you 'convert' from 32 to 64?. Is it considered an upgrade?
Click to expand...

Yes and yes, provided you have 64 bit hardware and appropriate drivers
support. And this upgrade is a one-way street, there is no uninstall option
once done.
I downloaded a laptop touchpad driver. When I attempted to install, a
popup indicated it wouldn't install on 32 bit XP. I didn't even realize
there was more than one kind of XP Pro.
Click to expand...

It's probably a 64 bit driver and you are running 32 bit. This is quite
normal as many 64 bit systems are shipped with the 32 bit version of WinXP.
The chief reason for this is that there are some issues with finding proper
driver support for additional peripherals, so most consumers are better off
with 32 bit.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
normc said:
Anyone up to a few words and/or a link regarding the difference between
32 and 64 bit XP Pro?
Click to expand...

Five editions of Windows XP compared
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/compare.mspx

Can you 'convert' from 32 to 64?. Is it considered an upgrade?
Click to expand...

No, there's no "conversion" or upgrade path from a 32-bit OS to a
64-bit OS. A clean (freshly formatted hard drive recommended)
installation is required.

I downloaded a laptop touchpad driver. When I attempted to install, a
popup indicated it wouldn't install on 32 bit XP.
Click to expand...


Return to the website from which you downloaded the 64-bit device
driver and download the 32-bit driver.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin
 
Rick said:
Hi,


Yes, one (32 bit or x86) is designed for 32 bit systems but will run on
64 bit hardware, the other (x64) will only install and run on 64 bit
hardware.


Yes and yes, provided you have 64 bit hardware and appropriate drivers
support. And this upgrade is a one-way street, there is no uninstall
option once done.


It's probably a 64 bit driver and you are running 32 bit. This is quite
normal as many 64 bit systems are shipped with the 32 bit version of
WinXP. The chief reason for this is that there are some issues with
finding proper driver support for additional peripherals, so most
consumers are better off with 32 bit.
Click to expand...
Thanks.

How can I determine if my hardware is 64 bit?
 
Bruce said:
Five editions of Windows XP compared
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/compare.mspx
Click to expand...

Thanks. Just what I was looking for.
No, there's no "conversion" or upgrade path from a 32-bit OS to a
64-bit OS. A clean (freshly formatted hard drive recommended)
installation is required.




Return to the website from which you downloaded the 64-bit device
driver and download the 32-bit driver.
Click to expand...

I thought I had downloaded the only XP driver in the list. Turns out I
was wrong. Thanks.
 
normc said:
How can I determine if my hardware is 64 bit?
Click to expand...


Presumably, you'd know what you purchased. Look at the invoice or in
the accompanying manual.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin
 
normc said:
Thanks. Just what I was looking for.
Click to expand...

You're welcome.

.......
I thought I had downloaded the only XP driver in the list. Turns out I
was wrong. Thanks.
Click to expand...


You're welcome, again.

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin
 
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