Upgrading XP Pro 32 bit to 64 bit

[Homeking]

This might have been asked before - not sure as I'm new!

I'm looking to build a new PC with 4 gig of RAM so need a 64 bit OS. I already have a full version of XP Pro in 32 bit - is there an easy and cheap way to upgrade to XP Pro 64 bit or should I just invest in Windows 7?

[spoon_]

Well, you will be missing 0.75GB of RAM, depends on your configuration.

Is it worth the expense?

[Homeking]

That's what I'm trying to judge.

If there's no dirt cheap way to upgrade to XP 64 bit then for now I think I'll just use Linux for a while!

[kalniel]

XP x64 isn't really XP anyway, it's a completely different OS which isn't well suited for home use. Get windows 7 if you *must*, but 3gb is plenty for most things.

[Homeking]

I've never seen or used XP x64 - I was assuming it was the same or similar to x32 so thanks for that.

If it's that different (and not suitable for home use) I may just drop the idea.

[j.col]

its personal preference.
its only 1gb, you are losing.
3gb of ram is good for most things, especially on XP

but eventually you will have to move upto win. 7, or will you? lol

[Agent]

I've never seen or used XP x64 - I was assuming it was the same or similar to x32 so thanks for that.

It's quite a different beast to XP32. I've had success with it, but only because I use very specific applications that took advantage of it. For home use I'd shy away without a doubt.

Windows 7 is an excellent OS. If you have the chance to upgrade to it, I would strongly recommend it.

[Homeking]

Many thanks for the replies.

It's always good to hear from those who actually use things rather than just trying to compare on the net.

Think I'll stick with XPx32 to start with (possibly alongside Linux!) then maybe upgrade to Windows 7 later.

I hadn't really factored in buying an OS with the new build I'm planning but when I kept seeing the warnings on MB specs that I won't see more than 3 gig of RAM if using a 32 bit OS then it got me thinking about upgrading.

[directhex]

Despite the name, XP 64 bit is not XP. The version number on XP is 5.1, the version number on XP x64 is 5.2 - same as Windows Server 2003. As a result, loads and loads of apps won't install because they don't support Server 2K3.

[Homeking]

Thanks directhex.

Am I right in assuming that the 64 bit version of Windows 7 doesn't have the same problems as 64 bit XP?

I'm afraid I don't know anyone who has Windows 7 - they are all using XP or Linux.

[watercooled]

Windows 7 64 is fine, it's basically the same as the 32 bit version to the end user and most apps should work with either. The only thing you're likely to have any trouble with is any older 32-bit drivers, if you have an old printer or something for example.

[Jay]

I have used XP x64 and it was a nightmare! I use windows 7 x64 at home and work and its very very good. You will have no issues with 7 x64.

[directhex]

Thanks directhex.

Am I right in assuming that the 64 bit version of Windows 7 doesn't have the same problems as 64 bit XP?

I'm afraid I don't know anyone who has Windows 7 - they are all using XP or Linux.

Vista (6.0) and 7 (6.1) both behave mostly the same in 64-bit as 32-bit.

You'll only really run into brick walls if you play a lot of mid-nineties Windows games

[matthab]

I ran XP Pro x64, not a great OS not much support for it. I would buy Windows 7 which is far superior to XP now.

[Apex]

XP x64 isn't really XP anyway, it's a completely different OS which isn't well suited for home use. Get windows 7 if you *must*, but 3gb is plenty for most things.

Beg to differ.

[blackbox]

Good to know. I have recently purchased W7 and want to install the 64 bit version. I have a old HP printer that is still going strong. Should I be able to run the driver/install under the XP mode or someting? Or would a generic W7 driver do?

I checked the website and there is no W7 support for the printer.

Windows 7 64 is fine, it's basically the same as the 32 bit version to the end user and most apps should work with either. The only thing you're likely to have any trouble with is any older 32-bit drivers, if you have an old printer or something for example.