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General discussion

64 bit downgrade to 32 bit question

May 29, 2010 5:15AM PDT

Hi,

Apologies if this is a newbie question.

I have a Toshiba Equim P300 16T with Vista 64 bit on. There are too many software incopatibilities, so I am considering going 32 bit.

My questions:

1. I have Processor Architecture AMD64 - it is an Intel Pentium Dual CPU 1.73GHz. Will this run a 32 bit version of windows?

2. I don't have a windows Vista installation disk - just a recovery partition on my HDD. How do I get a copy of Vista Installation CD to install 32 bit?

3. Can I ring Microsoft and ask for a Vista installation CD for free (!) as I already have a product key sticker on my machine?

4. I have an XP installation disk for a different PC. Can I use this for my Toshiba PC? Will the Product Key I have for my Toshiba laptop (Vista Home Premium) work with the new XP installation?

Thanks,
Alex

Discussion is locked

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Fast answer.
May 29, 2010 6:35AM PDT

1. Yes
2. Ask Toshiba. It's complicated to those that just dive into the mess that is licenses and more.
3. No. Microsoft supplies the license. Toshiba the media, etc.
4. No. But feel free to test my answer.

Frankly I'd skip all this and move to Windows 7 64 bit. All good here.
Bob

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Do you have programs that will only work on 64-bit
Jun 1, 2010 8:13AM PDT

Hi Alex,

There are more 32-bit programs out there that work with 64-bit, than 64-bit programs that work with 32-bit. I fear if you do a clean install of 32-bit Vista, you will not be able to use programs / devices that you are able to use currently. It might not be worth the hassel of getting your hands on the 32-bit media and going through the installation process...

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach