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Resolved Question

upgrade 32-bit XP to a 64-bit OS? Windows 8?

Jan 27, 2013 6:54AM PST

I would like to upgrade my 32-bit XP OS to a 64-bit OS so I can make better use of my computer's capabilities. Any suggestions? Would Windows 8 be a good move (especially at $40 for the upgrade this week)?

Thank you. You folks have been very helpful.

Ron

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Best Answer

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Re: upgrade
Jan 27, 2013 6:59AM PST

An upgrade from a 32-bit XP to a 64 bit 8 is not possible. The upgrade program sees you have a 32-bit OS and downloads a new 32 bits also.

So your choice:
- upgrade to 32 bit Windows 8
- buy a retail 64 bit Windows 8

Buy the way, a 64-bit Is doesn't have much (if any) advantages on a PC with 4 GB or less of memory. And 32 bits Windows XP machines don't have more than 4 GB. So it's somewhat doubtful if you profit from it without buying additional memory. And - if you do that - it depends on what you do with your PC if you'll notice any performance difference between 4 GB and 8 GB of RAM.

Kees

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Thank you!
Jan 27, 2013 11:09AM PST

Thank you for the info. The reason I'm thinking of a 64-bit OS is that I built the system with an AMD Phenom II quad core and an Asus motherboard that can handle 25.6 GBs if I can get the 64-bit OS. Any other ideas for a 64-bit that won't cost me as much as the retail 64 bit Windows 8?

Thanks,

Ron

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(NT) The System Builder version.
Jan 27, 2013 4:07PM PST
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There's another way
Feb 2, 2013 10:46AM PST

If you didn't buy the $40 download, this information won't do you any good, but if you did...when someone buys the download, they get an email with the invoice. At the bottom of that email, there's a link that takes you to a page from which you can order two Windows 8 Pro backup DVDs for $14.99. One of those DVDs has the 64 bit version on it.