XPPro to XP-64 - will all my software still work???

Bob Fry <bobfry@mailinator.com> wrote in
news:d4yyr54i.fsf@mailinator.com:

> I tried that a few months ago...and have finalized on a dual-boot
> setup, with x86 (32-bit) XPPro as the default boot OS, with x64 Vista
> as the 64-bit OS. Still have devices--in particular a VOIP gadget
> that lets me use Skype from a telephone--that don't work with x64.

Warning! Off topic.

Hi Bob,

At the risk of discussing software in a hardware forum, you want to be
careful running XP and Vista, any flavor of each.

XP will corrupt all Vista restore points. I've seen it happen and when
you need the restore points the most, you will discover that they are not
there. There are several not so simple solutions.

1. Stop running XP.
2. Hide the partition(s) from XP where the Vista restore points are
created.

I like your solution in theory though. It would be almost perfect were
it not for the fact that two MS operating systems don't play well
together.

To the OP (original poster) - If you have any 16 bit programs leftover
from a bygone era and still want to use them, they won't work. Programs
that directly access the hardware may also fail. These tend to be Anti-
virus programs, firewalls and games. Finding 64 bit drivers for your
hardware can also be a big problem.

There is supposed to be better security with the 64 bit version as well
as the capability for breaking the 4 GB memory barrier.

I have used both 32 and 64 bit versions of Vista and prefer the 64 bit.
Using 64 bit now is an investment in future-proofing your system.

I have also used the 64 bit trial version of XP and found it to be an
excellent OS. I don't have a problem with 64 bit drivers though and
found reasonable substitutes for ZoneAlarm and Norton anti-virus. I
don't do much gaming these days, though if I remember correctly Half Life
2 will run in the 64 bit version.

You may have some software that won't run in the 64 bit version of XP.
If you can't find a substitute for the software or don't want to spend
money on an upgrade that will run on XP Pro x64 then the x64 version
isn't for you.

You can download or order a trial version of XP Pro x64 (no charge for
the download, shipping and handling charge of $10.00 - $15.00 U.S. for
the CD):

http://tinyurl.com/2d5zaa

Try it out and see if you like it. My version worked for 120 days and
then went into reduced functionality mode for the next 60 days.

--
Alan Norton - Pecos SoftWareWorks - Foxconn 975X7AB-8EKRS2H MB Review
Read *before* you buy Maxtor DiamondMax, IT Articles
Vista Confusion - Vista EULA's examined in detail
http://www.pecos-softwareworks.com/

In article <49ednfNVWZtyxwjbnZ2dnUVZ_vCknZ2d@comcast.com>, DaveW
says...
> You would need 64 bit version drivers for ALL your hardware if you go that
> route. Not generally recommended for the faint of heart.
>
Driver support is the main stumbling block IME.

--
Conor

Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.........