Transitioning from 32 bit to 64 bit

  • Thread starter Thread starter Neil Jones
  • Start date Start date
N

Neil Jones

Hello,

Currently I have a 32-bit Vista Ultimate on my laptop. Very soon I plan
to get a laptop with 64 bit processor.

In my current setup, I am doing complete system backups daily. The new
laptop will come with a licensed Vista Ultimate.

I have several applications installed and configured on my current
32-bit Vista and would hate to lookup all the license information for
these applications and reinstall all the patches. Is it possible to
transfer selectively some of the backups to the new Vista?

Any idea how to best transition from 32-bit to 64-bit Vista?

Thank you in advance for any help/advice.

NJ
 
Make sure your programs will run on Vista 64: older Windows programs with 16
bit code will not.
Make sure your peripherals have 64 bit drivers; some may have 64 bit drivers
but they may not be as fully functional as 32 bit counterparts.
If you have a satisfactory printer or scanner but there are no or inadequate
drivers for Vista 64 it makes little sense to get Vista 64.
Vista 64 is not a good choice for most buyers of the low and mid-level
laptops selling in big-box stores; I presume that manufacturers are using
Vista 64 because it may seem slightly faster than Vista 32.
 
Neil Jones said:
Hello,

Currently I have a 32-bit Vista Ultimate on my laptop. Very soon I plan
to get a laptop with 64 bit processor.

In my current setup, I am doing complete system backups daily. The new
laptop will come with a licensed Vista Ultimate.

I have several applications installed and configured on my current
32-bit Vista and would hate to lookup all the license information for
these applications and reinstall all the patches. Is it possible to
transfer selectively some of the backups to the new Vista?

Any idea how to best transition from 32-bit to 64-bit Vista?

Thank you in advance for any help/advice.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately the transition from 32 bit to 64 bit requires a clean install
of Windows. That means you will have to reinstall all your programs. You can
use Windows Easy Transfer to move data and program settings but not the
programs themselves. Before installing 64 bit Windows make sure you have a
complete full backup so you can return to 32 bit if needed. Once you have a
full backup then use Windows Easy Transfer and save your data and settings
to an external source like a USB drive. Install 64 bit Windows. I prefer to
format the Windows partition during this process to ensure a clean, trouble
free installation. Install your programs. Update Windows and your programs.
Run Windows Easy Transfer to copy your data and program settings into the
new installation.
 
pupick said:
Make sure your programs will run on Vista 64: older Windows programs
with 16 bit code will not.
Make sure your peripherals have 64 bit drivers; some may have 64 bit
drivers but they may not be as fully functional as 32 bit counterparts.
If you have a satisfactory printer or scanner but there are no or
inadequate drivers for Vista 64 it makes little sense to get Vista 64.
Vista 64 is not a good choice for most buyers of the low and mid-level
laptops selling in big-box stores; I presume that manufacturers are
using Vista 64 because it may seem slightly faster than Vista 32.
Click to expand...

There's no "may" about it. With more memory it will run faster than on
32 bit. The key is whether or not the OP's environment can run under 63
bit... How much faster depends on the programs and whether they can take
full advantage of the increased address space.

--

Regards,
Hank Arnold
Microsoft MVP
Windows Server - Directory Services
http://mypcassistant.blogspot.com/
 
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