Windows 7 32-bit Vs. 64 Bit

[FirefoxRocks 0]

I installed the 64-bit of Windows 7 because the upgrade shipped with both versions, but now I'm not sure if that is what I want.With the 64-bit Windows installed, I cannot play Guitar Hero III or use Skype, and there's also some minor incompatibilities (but I'm not sure if that is related to the 32/64-bit issue or not). I downloaded the 64-bit iTunes but sometimes it does not launch for some reason (it works most of the time, but when it doesn't, I have to restart).Also sometimes after leaving the computer on for a long time, windows will not open (at first I thought this was a Chrome problem). Again I have to restart the computer.I thought 64-bit was supposed to be faster in the way that programs handle the memory available to them or something, but I haven't noticed any major speed increases. Startup and shutdown are a bit faster but I think this is due to the lesser amount of programs installed on the computer.None of these problems occurred when I was using the RC version of Windows 7 32-bit. Should I reinstall 32-bit or leave it at 64-bit?

[yordan 10]

If you use 32-big softwares like Guitar Hero III or Skype and cannot purchase the 64-bit version of these softwares, you should stick to the 32-big operating system version.

[grim reaper1666 0]

actually 64 bit operating systems support 32 bit programs the types that are not supported are older 16 bit programs, the thing with windows 7 is that the 32 bit libaries are installed on it aswell which means that most 32 bit programs will run on it. These days most companies make their programs completable with both 32 and 64 bit in the same program.

[yordan 10]

actually 64 bit operating systems support 32 bit programs the types that are not supported are older 16 bit programs, the thing with windows 7 is that the 32 bit libaries are installed on it aswell which means that most 32 bit programs will run on it. These days most companies make their programs completable with both 32 and 64 bit in the same program.

Namely, FirefoxRocks says that he just tested that Guitar Hero III and Skype do not work properly on the 64-bit Windows, and they worked correctly on the 32-bit version.

[xboxrulz1405241485 0]

Skype and iTunes works perfectly here. I've been running 64-bit OS ever since I built this new rig back in 2008. I don't play Guitar Hero at all and def. never even touched the PC version so I don't know if it's just lacking drivers. This, you need to talk to Aspyr about 64-bit support as they were the ones who ported the game.

xboxrulz

[levimage 0]

With the Itunes, and I'm not sure about the other software. Make sure you don't disable the software related services on startup, (BONJOUR, APPLEDEVICE, UPDATE, QUICKTIME QUICKSTART, and Some other other one). The software checks to see it these are running, which provide better interactivity and connectivity especially when connecting devices and using online features.Well you pretty much answered you own question running 32bit software on a 64bit operating system. Although depending on how old you PC is, it might just not only be software/game related. It could be an issue with a 64 bit driver on you OS running in a 32-bit compatibility mode (emulation?) for you installed hardware.Check with the software vendors, look into their software releases' read me.txt, offline/online help, requirements, compatibility issues, online forums, online FAQ's, and if you are a paid customer it doesn't hurt to call them or send them a detailed email. Who knows they may send you a 64bit version just for providing some customer insight/feedback.I've got Microsoft, and some other vendors to kick down some media cd's from time to time.Enjoy!Levimage :DP.S. With so much advances inhardware performance, virtual solutions, and open source options, it doesn't hurt to look into virtual technology (make use of the VT in your processor with VT enabled software). Whether it is a virtual OS, a live boot cd(usb/dvd), other other (partitioned) boot environment. Just experiment, make it happen, and show us the tutorial.

[bradboom123 0]

Hi there,I haven't got any ideas, but I was wondering if you ever got a solutionas I would like to do the same thing. Cheers!

Edited December 3, 2009 by bradboom123 (see edit history)

[levimage 0]

I haven't got any ideas, but I was wondering if you ever got a solutionas I would like to do the same thing.

I am curious what solution you are referring to. Same thing?

[yordan 10]

I am curious what solution you are referring to. Same thing?

He wants a solution because he cannot play Guitar Hero III nor use Itunes (32-bit programs) on his 64-bit Windows.So, if a solution appears, he will be happy.

[takerraj 0]

To see what type is your system, right click on my computer icon and select properties. A new window will be opened, there you can see your System type mentioned. If it is 32-bit, then install 32 bit. If it is 64-bit, then install 64-bit.

[yordan 10]

To see what type is your system, right click on my computer icon and select properties. A new window will be opened, there you can see your System type mentioned. If it is 32-bit, then install 32 bit. If it is 64-bit, then install 64-bit.

This effectively tells you whether your Windows is 32 bits or 64 bits.

But it does not tell you if your computer is 64 bits.

It tells you something like

Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q9300 @2.50GHz 2.50 GHz

You need some more efforts in order to see if the Q9300 is really a 64-bit processor, or a 32-bit which has 64-bit capabilities, or a native 32-bit one.

[grim reaper1666 0]

i prefer the 64 bit version of windwos 7 because 32 bit would not use all of my 4 gigabytes of memory, it only shows around 3.8 gigabytes of my memory. which is not very impressive for it because i thought that the memory limit on a 32 bit operating system was 4 gigabytes but it is strange thats why i like a 64 bit operating system.

[wutske 0]

i prefer the 64 bit version of windwos 7 because 32 bit would not use all of my 4 gigabytes of memory, it only shows around 3.8 gigabytes of my memory. which is not very impressive for it because i thought that the memory limit on a 32 bit operating system was 4 gigabytes but it is strange thats why i like a 64 bit operating system.

Theoretically, the memory limit for a 32-bit system IS 4 Gb and there are enough addresses to address 4Gb of memory. However, a set of these addresses are used for other purposes (for address PCI stuff etc ...) thus limiting the amount of available address that can be used to address the memory (and thus limiting the size of the memory).
3.8Gb isn't bad at all, I've seen 32-bit systems that could only address 3Gb of memory .

[iGuest 3]

Dude I can even run 16bit programs on 64 bit win7 I doubt that's what is causing your problem

-reply by MasterCheef

[iGuest 3]

Hmmm... Well, actually that's really good. I mean you're not going to find anything closer. I don't even believe that 64-bit would make much more than that addressable. Windows XP was 2gigs OS and 2gigs addressable. Windows Vista? Not even going to go there. That was MS trying to pull another huge leap, but no one wanted it this time. The computer here at our office is running 64bit and it's 3gigs with 2.75gigs addressable. Which is really nice...

 I had a lot of problems upgrading the 64bit version from my Windows XP 32bit. I want to be able to run Adobe Creative Suite in 64bit, because at the office it runs really nicely. So, that's my project right now. I guess gotta go buy a 64bit version of XP and then run the upgrade since I haven't activated my key or gotten online with the computer yet.