If you want to use more than 3 GB of RAM, you need a 64-bit version.
Kees
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I am just going to build a new desk top and will use Windows 7.
I am confused as to which version to buy.
There seems to be Professional, Ultimate and Home Premium. What are the advantages / disadvantages of these.
I assume I need to go 64bit, but why?
Thanks
Colin
Discussion is locked
I think I have my answer. Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate will all do the job for me. Just depends which version I can get at the cheapest price.
Ebay here I come!
Colin
And maybe longer. Here's how.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2690339/how-to-install-the-windows-10-technical-preview-everything-you-need-to-know.html
For me I won't be buying any more W7 licenses. We get 8.1, add Classic Shell and we're done plus we get all the stability and more.
If I was going to make a home build, I'd install 10.
Bob
with the historical problems with some releases of Windows, 8!, I am not prepared to do Microsoft's Beta testing.
From what I read 7 is good and stable and will replace my XP.
I am a user not a techie!
Colin
Again, classic shell addressed the concerns and we get the latest without 7's old issues. I see you are coming from XP so how about the XP Luna skin for Windows 8 (courtesy of Classic Shell!)
http://classicshell.sourceforge.net/gallery.html#menu
Bob
Hi, go ahead and build it with the Windows 7 ultimate. It has many features comparing to Win XP and other versions.
Well slightly used! I have got another desktop, with Windows 7 Ultimate on it. It is unfortunately 32 bit.
I have the key but no disc so how can I upgrade to 64 bit?
Thanks
Colin
Check the Microsoft DVD (the OS DVD) to see if it's some 32/64 issue.
There is no upgrade path. It's a clean install.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/32-bit-and-64-bit-windows#1TC=windows-7
"If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows or vice versa, you'll need to back up your files and choose the Custom option during Windows installation. Then, you'll need to restore your files and reinstall your programs. For more information about performing a custom installation, see Installing and reinstalling Windows 7."
Have you ever done a "reinstall" of a 32 bit windows system, but using the 64 bit disc to do it? If so, what was the result? No, I've not tried it, have no idea if it would even do the "reinstall" of that windows version (vista, 7, ![]()
But as drivers and more are not 64 bit, even if you force the install (remove windows folder or other tricks from the web) the machine is a mess afterwards.
Bob
I'll take a run at it. I'd think the problem might be non microsoft programs added which of course wouldn't be overwritten by the 64 bit version. I don't know however if the 64 bit version would do it, or just warn on it and refuse. It never occurred to me till reading this to even give it a try, just for s&g.
32 can only upgrade to 32 (maybe a good thing ..from what Bob said).
Where does one get the upgrade anyway? All I see now is OEM at Frys or Newegg (full version)
what the price difference are. I am one of those guy that changes computer more often than changing OS.
I believe I tried to upgrade vista to win8 and I accidentally use the 64bit disc. So that's true with vista as well.