32 vs 64 bit

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 08:31 AM

I recently purchased an additional 4 gig of RAM and installed it, only to learn, to my embarrassment, that my 32 bit Win 7 has a maximum 4 gig capability. I'm thinking about reinstalling Win 7 in 64 bit mode and am wondering whether its worth it. Basically, I just want to use the new RAM. The 32 bit OS seems to be running OK as it is, but will I gain anything by going through the upgrade process to 64 bit? I understand that I will have to remove the 32 bit version before installing the 64 bit. Any suggestions as how to proceed?

**Bad Haircut** · 06-24-2012, 12:12 PM

You've paid for the memory, you might as well have it all available to you as far as I'm concerned. Just install the 64 bit version is my take. In fact, it's what I ended up doing, and the 64 bit version of 7 has nicer touches to it in some ways anyway.

**MSUredux** · 06-24-2012, 12:30 PM

Yeah I'd go for it too. I went with the 64 bit Win 7 right off the bat with 4 GB RAM. I've since added another 4 GB for a total of 8 GB though. I don't know if you'll really see much difference between the 32 bit and 64 bit though. Or even the extra RAM for that matter. Depends on what you do with your computer. But if I had extra RAM laying around I'd certainly want to utilize it.

edit: he he, comparing different forum responses I see

**ZemaTalon** · 06-24-2012, 01:10 PM

After you bite the bullet and back up and running utilizing your new RAM you'll be glad you did it, even if it turns out you don't really need it, at the moment

Originally Posted by MSUredux

edit: he he, comparing different forum responses I see

He'll get higher quality answers at BBF, and all argument-free

**floppybootstomp** · 06-24-2012, 01:26 PM

Most new software and hardware is optimised for 64 bit systems, 32 Bit is almost old hat now, 4Gb memory wasted if 32 Bit OS retained, I know a fresh install can be a pain but hopefully you'll only do it once (Win 8 is quite stable but of course we never know when a HDD might go belly-up though less chance of failure with SSD) so all in all I'd say change to 64 Bit.

**Grogan** · 06-24-2012, 03:24 PM

Yes, do that. Even some 32 bit games are (re)linked with the large address aware flag, that lets them use up to 4 Gb of RAM (otherwise maximum 2 Gb per process for 32 bit programs) only if they are run on 64 bit Windows.

P.S. Note that it's a clean install to change to 64 bit Windows, not an in-place upgrade. (In case you were unaware of that... you said "reinstall")

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 03:40 PM

Ran the Windows Upgrade Advisor, which only advised that I can upgrade to 32 bit Win 7 Pro, but no mention of 64 bit. Interestingly enough, it stated that Far Cry 2 was not compatible with Win 7,... I have played FC2 a number of times on my Win 7 System.

Booted with the 64 Bit Win 7 install disk, but didn't find anything regarding 64 bit compatibility. I quit when it said to "Install Now", although I believe that I could have proceeded further without actually doing an install. As I recall, continuing, it would have given me the option of formatting a partition, etc. I want to be completely ready to proceed with a full install. I have completed the files and settings transfer, but understand that I will have to reinstall all my aps.

**ZemaTalon** · 06-24-2012, 03:54 PM

If you had another drive, or large enough 2nd partition, you could install them side by side, which I've found that helps in the transition to another installation because you can go back and ck that you have everything you want installed and configured properly, then move in when you're good and ready. And then that old install can serve as a good back up OS.

**Grogan** · 06-24-2012, 03:56 PM

You choose "Customize" if you want the option to repartition etc. but yes, that's how it will proceed.

**dolittlejerry** · 06-24-2012, 04:24 PM

Bob back up every thing. Image your system. I have had a 64 bit system sense 7 came out I do have 8gig of ram tho. You will have to install all your programs but most if not all 32 bit programs run on 64 bit.
I don't know what browser or e-mail you use.
MozBackup will save your t-bird and FF data.
Good luck with this. JD

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 04:39 PM

I recognize that it would have to be a clean install. I did that originally with upgrade media for my 32 bit installer disc, using Paul Therot's double install procedure. Would there be a problem, after a clean install, of addressing the Files and Settings file created from my 32 bit Win 7?

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by ZemaTalon

If you had another drive, or large enough 2nd partition, you could install them side by side, which I've found that helps in the transition to another installation because you can go back and ck that you have everything you want installed and configured properly, then move in when you're good and ready. And then that old install can serve as a good back up OS.

Steve, are you saying that I could have 32 bit and a 64 bit versions of Win 7 installed on the same computer? Currently, I'm dual booting Vista Home and Win 7, but expect to drop Vista fairly soon and might install the 64 bit 7 in place of Vista.

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 04:56 PM

edit: he he, comparing different forum responses I see

BBF is fairly new to me, and I'm going for the best of both worlds. I've gotten good info at that other place, but am trying to acclimate here as well. I do my best to avoid arguments. I started with WinMag.com about a hundred years ago, and have found friends there. (BTW, is ZemaTalon related to Zemabus?)

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 04:58 PM

he he, comparing different forum responses I see
Yep! I think you know who's responsible.

**ZemaTalon** · 06-24-2012, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by bobbo

Steve, are you saying that I could have 32 bit and a 64 bit versions of Win 7 installed on the same computer? Currently, I'm dual booting Vista Home and Win 7, but expect to drop Vista fairly soon and might install the 64 bit 7 in place of Vista.

You sure can, they're each on their own partition so it doesn't matter. That sounds like a good plan - just replace Vista with it. Then take your time getting it set up how you like it

**ZemaTalon** · 06-24-2012, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by bobbo

edit: he he, comparing different forum responses I see

BBF is fairly new to me, and I'm going for the best of both worlds. I've gotten good info at that other place, but am trying to acclimate here as well. I do my best to avoid arguments. I started with WinMag.com about a hundred years ago, and have found friends there. (BTW, is ZemaTalon related to Zemabus?)

Hehehe - we're very close

Actually I decided to change to the same name I use on Steam a few years back.

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by ZemaTalon

Hehehe - we're very close

Actually I decided to change to the same name I use on Steam a few years back.

Why am I not surprised. I mentioned that I had found friends at that other place,... but I see that quite a few of them are also here. Small world.

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by bobbo

Steve, are you saying that I could have 32 bit and a 64 bit versions of Win 7 installed on the same computer? Currently, I'm dual booting Vista Home and Win 7, but expect to drop Vista fairly soon and might install the 64 bit 7 in place of Vista.

It just occurred to me,.. what happens after I install the 64 bit version and then have to register it. I have already registered the 32 bit OS, and am under the impression that I cannot use that registration twice.

**floppybootstomp** · 06-24-2012, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by bobbo

It just occurred to me,.. what happens after I install the 64 bit version and then have to register it. I have already registered the 32 bit OS, and am under the impression that I cannot use that registration twice.

Won't be a problem, if activation is refused you'll be offered a phone number to activate Win 7 64 Bit by phone. Bit of a pain but I've done it dozens of times.

I also installed 64 Bit from the day Win 7 was released with 8Gb RAM, seems to be the most stable OS MS have released. I use Vista for my media machine, stable, but possibly the slowest OS MS have ever released, I only use it cos I paid for it.

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by floppybootstomp

Won't be a problem, if activation is refused you'll be offered a phone number to activate Win 7 64 Bit by phone. Bit of a pain but I've done it dozens of times.

I also installed 64 Bit from the day Win 7 was released with 8Gb RAM, seems to be the most stable OS MS have released. I use Vista for my media machine, stable, but possibly the slowest OS MS have ever released, I only use it cos I paid for it.

Will it activate even though the same product key was used to activate the 32 bit OS? The alternative is to format the 32 bit Win 7 OS partition, clean install and leave Vista as is. In that way, my dual boot system should remain active, as Vistaboot Pro is already set up.

**floppybootstomp** · 06-24-2012, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by bobbo

Will it activate even though the same product key was used to activate the 32 bit OS? The alternative is to format the 32 bit Win 7 OS partition, clean install and leave Vista as is. In that way, my dual boot system should remain active, as Vistaboot Pro is already set up.

Yes it will. You pay Microsoft for an activation number to rent their OS, 32 Bit or 64 Bit is irrelevant. In fact if ever there was a reason to re-install and reactivate for MS to consider it's changing from 32 Bit to 64 Bit.

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by floppybootstomp

Yes it will. You pay Microsoft for an activation number to rent their OS, 32 Bit or 64 Bit is irrelevant. In fact if ever there was a reason to re-install and reactivate for MS to consider it's changing from 32 Bit to 64 Bit.

Many thanks Tony. I will go for it and see what happens.

**ZemaTalon** · 06-24-2012, 10:50 PM

Good luck Bob, let us know how things go

**bobbo** · 06-24-2012, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by ZemaTalon

Good luck Bob, let us know how things go

Thanks Steve. It may be a while before I actually do the upgrade to 64 bit, as I have some drivers and aps to research. I'll certainly let you know how it turns out when/if it turns out.

**MSUredux** · 06-24-2012, 11:12 PM

Apps that are working in Win7 32bit should be no problem at all in Win7 64bit. Drivers at this stage in the game shouldn't be a problem either. When Win7 first came out there were some lack of driver issues. But it would have to be either a really old or obscure piece of hardware not to have drivers now.

**bobbo** · 06-27-2012, 04:28 PM

Posted this elsewhere, but I need all the help I can get.
I did it! I really did it!! I killed my computer.
I booted from the W7 64 Install disk, chose Custom Install (even though Paul Therott's instructions said to go directly to Update) and formatted the C: drive, then started the install. No go. It wanted someplace to put the new OS. Restarted with the install disk, selected update,.. same result. I also have Acronis Disk Director and was able to go in and rename C: as Windows. No help. No problem, I have an Acronis image,.. I'll just reinstall Vista and start over. After several attempts, I finally started the the image recovery but after several minutes, nothing seemed to be happening so I started over again. That was too many "agains". Well, I didn't start over; at this point the computer boots to the initial splash screen, but it doesn't respond to the keyboard. The only light showing on the keyboard is F Lock. I can't get into the BIOS, and it won't boot from the CD Drive. When I start the computer, the CD drive lights blink, the HD activity light blinks briefly, all fans are spinning, and after that NOTHING. I have no idea what action killed the computer, and I have no idea as to how to fix it. I may be in the market for a new Mother Board. All components were working up to the point when I stopped the image restore; after that, nothing. BTW, Since the computer wasn't responding to the USB keyboard, I connected an old PS2 keyboard, but that didn't work either. I'm not very encouraged at this point. All because I wanted to make use of the extra 4 GB RAM.
At least I have another computer that works, i.e. the one I'm reporting on now.

**Grogan** · 06-27-2012, 05:10 PM

Sounds like a hardware fault of some sort... you didn't cause all that just by trying to install an OS. See if it will POST without the hard disk connected and let you in the bios. Try reseating RAM and any installed cards. Try removing the RAM you installed (was it ever initialized?)

Stuff like that.

P.S. Windows setup allocates a small partition (100 Mb) to hold the boot files. If that's selected when you click "Next" to install Windows 7, it will fail because there's not enough space. (That's not what's causing your problem right now though of course)

**bobbo** · 06-27-2012, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Grogan

Sounds like a hardware fault of some sort... you didn't cause all that just by trying to install an OS. See if it will POST without the hard disk connected and let you in the bios. Try reseating RAM and any installed cards. Try removing the RAM you installed (was it ever initialized?)

Stuff like that.

P.S. Windows setup allocates a small partition (100 Mb) to hold the boot files. If that's selected when you click "Next" to install Windows 7, it will fail because there's not enough space. (That's not what's causing your problem right now though of course)

Its definitely a hardware problem. The new RAM wasn't installed. What I don't understand, Grogan, is that everything was working on the computer right up to the point when I stopped the image restore. When I power up the computer now, all fans are spinning, LEDs flash briefly, etc. After that the USB keyboard stopped responding. I tried a PS2 keyboard which also didn't work. I know that I removed the boot record when I formatted the C: drive, and that was what I was trying to get back when I attempted the image restore.
If I can get into the BIOS, what more can I do to get the computer running again? I need to get the CD drive working in order to either restore my backup image or to install Win 7.
Once before, I ran into a fail-to-boot situation, and it turned out that a CD drive cable was loose, BUT, I was able to determine that by accessing the BIOS, and I was able to boot by accessing the boot menu and selecting the correct HD to boot from. I cannot do that when the keyboard doesn't respond. I really think I blew something when I stopped the image restore. When the restore didn't seem to be doing anything, I hit cancel, but it didn't seem to stop so I opened the CD tray. That's when it all quit. Anyway, I'll try disconnecting the HD's and see if I access the BIOS.

**bobbo** · 06-27-2012, 07:28 PM

A few minutes ago, I found the computer somewhat past the the splash screen and was showing "Boot from CD" "Boot from CD", but wouldn't continue. I tried restarting and hit Delete, and it started to go into the BIOS, and is halted there. Something very wonky going on. It seem to be trying.

**Grogan** · 06-27-2012, 07:43 PM

My money is on drives. Hard, or optical.

**bobbo** · 06-27-2012, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by Grogan

My money is on drives. Hard, or optical.

I agree. I have had some limited success, as I did make it into the BIOS after a long wait on the message "Preparing to enter the BIOS" It was showing two optical drives and one Hard. I changed the BIOS to "Stop on No Errors". I disconnected the one optical drive that I was using to do the install/image restore, but that didn't make a difference. I have reconnected the optical drives and am waiting for the BIOS to open again. I will also try to get both hard drives recognized. I tried to reset the boot order for the optical drives to set the second one as the boot drive. Will continue and come back with any more progress.

**ZemaTalon** · 06-27-2012, 09:24 PM

Did you try it with no drives connected Bob?

**bobbo** · 06-27-2012, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by ZemaTalon

Did you try it with no drives connected Bob?

Not yet. That will have to be my next step. I was finally able to get into the BIOS which are showing one HD and two opticals. I need to check the connections to the HDs to find out which one isn't showing. When I hit Del to open the BIOS, it may take ten or twenty minutes before the BIOS set up pages finally open.

**Michael_Horatio** · 06-27-2012, 10:39 PM

Hi Bobbo,
I would clear the cmos either by the supplied jumper on the motherboard, or by removing the battery for 20 seconds or so just to rule out any nonsense with the bios program...

**bobbo** · 06-28-2012, 06:15 PM

Eureka!!!
I was able to restore access to the BIOS just by reseating all cables. Access to the BIOS is quick and easy now. I have it up and running now. The 64 bit Win 7 is installed,.. with a slight glitch. I can't get it to boot, or even the 32 bit Win 7. I use a crazy round about technique for booting into either OS; I boot with my Acronis TI boot disk and select Windows from it's menu. It then gives me a choice of either OS and it will then boot the one selected. I need to figure how to set up a normal boot-up. I tried Vistaboot Pro and selected the new OS as the default, but it doesn't seem to work.
BTW, I resurrected the computer by just re-seating all cables, and lo and behold I was able to get into the BIOS without a problem.
Now if some kind soul would explain to me how to set up a working MBL,.. is that right? Master boot Log?