XP pro 64-bit advice.

[Lyceum]

Just found this forum, I'm looking for a bit of advice about XP pro x64. I have searched and not found all I'm looking for.

I'm thinking of changing from 32bit as is I have 4gig of ram in my system and the 32bit OS can't use it all. I know a lot of users have this issue, and I'm not doing anything incredibly resource hungry with the PC, but as I paid for 4gig, I'd like the system to be able to use it.

I've checked all my hard ware (chipset, GFX, sound card, ect) has drivers for 64-bit windows, so does my printer, so that wont be a problem.

But I'm wondering if my software will all work? I currently use Nod32 anti virus, will that work? Or will I need to change my anti virus?

Some of the free programs I use (eg, comodo) have 64-bit versions, but what about the rest?

Is all software used on 32bit systems compatible with the 64but OS?

Basically, I'm wondering if I was to change my current OS to XP pro 64-bit, what problems am I likely to face?

Thanks in advance.

[Gizmokid2005]

The biggest issue with a 64-bit XP is that there is a large lack of drivers for it. That was my reason for never upgrading. As for the software working, I'm fairly sure that all your current software will work, it will just be emulated to run as 32-bit.

There are hacks out there that will allow XP 32-bit to see and use 4GB of RAM but I haven't tried them, nor would I be able to help with such a task

[cauzomb]

Just found this forum, I'm looking for a bit of advice about XP pro x64. I have searched and not found all I'm looking for.

I'm thinking of changing from 32bit as is I have 4gig of ram in my system and the 32bit OS can't use it all. I know a lot of users have this issue, and I'm not doing anything incredibly resource hungry with the PC, but as I paid for 4gig, I'd like the system to be able to use it.

I've checked all my hard ware (chipset, GFX, sound card, ect) has drivers for 64-bit windows, so does my printer, so that wont be a problem.

But I'm wondering if my software will all work? I currently use Nod32 anti virus, will that work? Or will I need to change my anti virus?

Some of the free programs I use (eg, comodo) have 64-bit versions, but what about the rest?

Is all software used on 32bit systems compatible with the 64but OS?

Basically, I'm wondering if I was to change my current OS to XP pro 64-bit, what problems am I likely to face?

Thanks in advance.

What are your system specs?
Motherboard make/model
Processor ""
What are your most commonly used applications?

Even though most windows xp apps will run on the 64bit OS in 32bit compatability mode, some still have issues; specifically, the Internet explorer icon that is on the desktop after installing xp64 is still the x86 32bit version, find the 64bit version of internet explorer in the start menu then copy it to the desktop as a shortcut... There's a bunch of benchmarking apps that don't run well on 64bit OS, and there's a few good 64bit OS benchmarks.
Most games have 64bit patches, others need to be run in 32bit compatability mode etc.. If the applications you use most often have a 64bit version it's worth the upgrade to take advantage of all that memory, but some motherboards have issues using all the memory slots, so the 4 gig's and more can be used via larger individual ram sticks, 2x 2GB etc..

I've helped my brother with his 64 bit xp, up and running pretty good, only a few applications couldn't be used, but the gain in total system memory and the 64bit applications show a noticable improvement in processing time.

You can contact eset's customer support regarding changing to the 64bit version, just ask them if you can upgrade to the 64 bit version using your 32 bit version license here's a link to their contact form http://www.eset.eu/support/form

[starshooter10]

i run X64 XP and vista

both are similar in that the will make "program files" and program files X68" the latetr being for 32bit programs

most CD burning and anti virus dosn't like to run in X64

best AV i've found for X64 *(thats also free) is avast!

and nero will run on X64

[Lyceum]

Thanks for the replies. Having read the advice given here and seen similar posts elsewhere I've decided to stick with x32 bit. No point in creating problems for myself for the sake of an extra 512 of memory.

Thanks