Win7 32bit & 64bit on same PC

[AthomSmasher]

If there's one thing that confuses me, it has to be hard drives so question:

I would like to put Win 7 32bit and 64bit on the same PC but on separate HD's. Is this possible?

I do not mean 'Dual boot' like those in this thread: http://www.sevenforums.com/installat...-computer.html

The reason for this is that I am going to put an SSD drive in my new (first), build and do not want to take up anymore space than is necessary on the SSD. I also have a couple of programs that will only run in 32bit and I need them! I will also at some point move the 32bit to another (laptop maybe), build.

I think it should be possible but, would doing this mean I would be booting essentially two different PC's? i.e. would I then need two anti virus programs for instance; one for the 32bit and one for the 64bit?

Pro's and con's anyone?

Thanks

[IronWarrior]

Yes, you can do that.

Also, you shouldn't need to have two different versions of Windows, since 64bit can run 32bit software just as good. Just because you running a 64bit OS, doesn't mean you have too or require 64bit software, you can happy run 32bit if you want.

[directhex]

Yes, you can do that.

Also, you shouldn't need to have two different versions of Windows, since 64bit can run 32bit software just as good.

It won't, however, run 16 bit.

Worth noting: If you have Windows 7 Professional or above, it comes with a license to run 32-bit XP in a virtual machine: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/vir...cked=winXpMode

[IronWarrior]

It won't, however, run 16 bit.

Worth noting: If you have Windows 7 Professional or above, it comes with a license to run 32-bit XP in a virtual machine: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/vir...cked=winXpMode

Windows 7 64bit can't run 16bit software?

[directhex]

Windows 7 64bit can't run 16bit software?

No 64-bit OS can. It's a limitation of the CPU design - it either operates in 32/16 bit mode, or 32/64 bit mode. The only way to run 16-bit software is via a 32-bit emulator (e.g. DOSbox) which means no actual 16-bit instructions are executed.

This can be a problem for very old 32-bit Windows apps, which shipped with a 16-bit InstallShield (so anyone trying to install on Windows 3.1 would get a friendly error screen)

[IronWarrior]

Ah well, that's fine since he only cares about 32bit running.

[AthomSmasher]

Thanks again IronWarrior, I didn't realise you could run, some, 32bit applications in 64bit. Unfortunately, two of the programs I need to use will not run in 64bit, I know because I tried it on my brothers 64bit laptop They would be old programs too, so I guess that's where directhex's 16bit part comes in.

No 64-bit OS can. It's a limitation of the CPU design - it either operates in 32/16 bit mode, or 32/64 bit mode. The only way to run 16-bit software is via a 32-bit emulator (e.g. DOSbox) which means no actual 16-bit instructions are executed.

This can be a problem for very old 32-bit Windows apps, which shipped with a 16-bit InstallShield (so anyone trying to install on Windows 3.1 would get a friendly error screen)

So I am sure that these two programs must have the 16bit Installshield which is why they won't run. I am going to use Win 7 Pro which has the virtual 32 bit XP license. Are you saying directhex, that I should be able to run these using the virtual 32bit? I won't hold you to it, so I emphasize SHOULD

Thanks for your help guys

P.s. I am going to purchase these drives:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/256gb...oogle+shopping

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/2tb-w...64mb-cache-oem

So, whilst we are on what will or wont run, here's another question. Primarily I will be putting the OS on the SSD along with some other important programs. I intend to use the Caviar Black as storage for photo's etc, however, could I also put some programs on the Caviar Black and run them from there?

Told you I am a newb

[directhex]

So I am sure that these two programs must have the 16bit Installshield which is why they won't run. I am going to use Win 7 Pro which has the virtual 32 bit XP license. Are you saying directhex, that I should be able to run these using the virtual 32bit? I won't hold you to it, so I emphasize SHOULD

As long as you don't need 3D card access, or hardware access (i.e. the apps in question aren't for accessing a scanner or something) then I don't see why it wouldn't work.

[pp05]

I have a question similar to Athom and so not wanting to start a new thread.

If you have two W7 installations running independently(not dual boot) on two hard disks but only the SSD one was done with AHCI turned on in BIOS, does that mean when you run the other one you have to turn it off in BIOS before booting into that hard disk?

Secondly, assuming you keep the SSD installation, can you just stick in the SATA cable into 2nd mechanical disk and it will become secondry drive with AHCI on in order to access your old files.. ?

[AthomSmasher]

As long as you don't need 3D card access, or hardware access (i.e. the apps in question aren't for accessing a scanner or something) then I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Nope, no 3D with my eyes lol, and I just output the data to Excel or Notepad and then process it further in other programs before going to print etc.....

Thanks directhex, think you just saved me a few pounds ££

[directhex]

I have a question similar to Athom and so not wanting to start a new thread.

If you have two W7 installations running independently(not dual boot) on two hard disks but only the SSD one was done with AHCI turned on in BIOS, does that mean when you run the other one you have to turn it off in BIOS before booting into that hard disk?

Secondly, assuming you keep the SSD installation, can you just stick in the SATA cable into 2nd mechanical disk and it will become secondry drive with AHCI on in order to access your old files.. ?

Honestly, I have no idea - the idea of using an AHCI capable disk controller in IDE emulation mode utterly baffles me, and I've never done it