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windows 7 64 bit vs 32 bit?

2388 Views 29 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  TwoCables
hey gius i am currently running vist 64 bit on my hp and my friend is going to let me instal windows 7 on my computer.

thing is it only 32 bit.
now i am only running 2 gigs of ram so its not like i would see a decreae from ram or anything.

also my processor is 64 bit.

so will i see a decrease in performance, mainly in games?
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i would not think so, but if you are planning on going to 4gbs of ram soon, i would install the 64bit if you can.
idk how windows 7 exclusively performs but usually you will find much better compatibility with programs and drivers with the 32-bit OS

However, things are rapidly moving toward the 64 bit world and you would be denying yourself the future expansion of memory if you ever so chose to buy some. If it were me, Id get the 64 bit system solely based on the ability to add more memory later.

Game performance related with 64 vs 32 = none
well im going to be building a new computer soon and this is a free upgrade so why not
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Not sure what the situation is with your friend, but if he thinks he only has a 32bit disc and key laying around, that key is good for a 64 bit as well.

Serials work for both x86 and x64, but cannot transfer between different versions (home, pro, ultimate).
No, you won't see any performance decrease, maybe even a little increase, because 32bit seems to use less RAM than the 64bit.
64bit uses about 900-1000mb on idle and almost no background apps running, and 32bit uses 400-600mb while running the same.
But this might also be due to total RAM available. (i.e. use more with more available)

If you really want x64 you could also download an x64 iso and install that, as long as you have a legitimate serial it doesn't really matter
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You shouldn't have any driver issues with anything that's relatively modern. I have been using Vista x64 and W7 x64 since they came out and I've only had minor problems with Vista in its early days. Then again, x64 is pretty much pointless unless you have 4GB or more of RAM as it shouldn't make any substantial performance difference either way and will use slightly more memory. Windows XP x64, however, did give me quite a few problems with drivers.
Keep in mind if you install Win7 on your machine, using the same key from his rig, you may not pass the windows activation process and be left without an activated OS.
Quote:


Originally Posted by funky882
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hey gius i am currently running vist 64 bit on my hp and my friend is going to let me instal windows 7 on my computer.

thing is it only 32 bit.
now i am only running 2 gigs of ram so its not like i would see a decreae from ram or anything.

also my processor is 64 bit.

so will i see a decrease in performance, mainly in games?

If he is giving you the 32-bit disc because he bought the normal retail version that comes with both the 32-bit and 64-bit discs, and if he is already using and has activated the 64-bit disc, then you can not use this 32-bit disc.

You see, the box comes with 2 discs: the 32-bit version and 64-bit version, but it comes with 1 Product Key. This is the rule according to the EULA: that Product Key can only be activated on 1 computer at a time. If you install the 32-bit version and successfully activate it (even with the help of a live phone representative), then his installation will become de-activated within a few days. This is because Windows 7 regularly checks to see if it is still genuine (and this check cannot be disabled).

The reason why it comes with 2 discs is to accommodate everyone. I mean, not everyone will be able to install the 64-bit version. Conversely, not everyone will really want to install the 64-bit version. So they include both to give us a choice. This doesn't mean that we have 2 individual legal copies of Windows 7. After all, there's only 1 Product Key. That Product Key cannot be shared between 2 or more people.

So, if this is what you guys are doing, then stop right now because it won't work.
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hey i tried installing and it doesnt work because i cant go from a 64bit os to a 32 bit os, however it will let me install if i wie my hard drive.

i dont have another hard drive to put the files on either

is there any way i can save my files on my computer?
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2
Quote:


Originally Posted by funky882
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hey i tried installing and it doesnt work because i cant go from a 64bit os to a 32 bit os, however it will let me install if i wie my hard drive.

i dont have another hard drive to put the files on either

is there any way i can save my files on my computer?

Again, is he already using this Product Key with the 64-bit disc?
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64 bitify ---- make back up disk with a DVD, buy a 20 gig flash drive: super cheap right now and save all your important files

and grab another 2 gbs of ram just for good measure
2
Quote:


Originally Posted by funky882
View Post

hey i tried installing and it doesnt work because i cant go from a 64bit os to a 32 bit os, however it will let me install if i wie my hard drive.

i dont have another hard drive to put the files on either

is there any way i can save my files on my computer?

So, you're trying to upgrade? Try a clean install.
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Quote:


Originally Posted by Jaggar
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idk how windows 7 exclusively performs but usually you will find much better compatibility with programs and drivers with the 32-bit OS

However, things are rapidly moving toward the 64 bit world and you would be denying yourself the future expansion of memory if you ever so chose to buy some. If it were me, Id get the 64 bit system solely based on the ability to add more memory later.

Game performance related with 64 vs 32 = none

Do you expect this to change once they start writing 64-bit games? There are next to no 64-bit games, most are 32-bit, correct?
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Quote:


Originally Posted by TwoCables
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If he is giving you the 32-bit disc because he bought the normal retail version that comes with both the 32-bit and 64-bit discs, and if he is already using and has activated the 64-bit disc, then you can not use this 32-bit disc.

You see, the box comes with 2 discs: the 32-bit version and 64-bit version, but it comes with 1 Product Key. This is the rule according to the EULA: that Product Key can only be activated on 1 computer at a time. If you install the 32-bit version and successfully activate it (even with the help of a live phone representative), then his installation will become de-activated within a few days. This is because Windows 7 regularly checks to see if it is still genuine (and this check cannot be disabled).

The reason why it comes with 2 discs is to accommodate everyone. I mean, not everyone will be able to install the 64-bit version. Conversely, not everyone will really want to install the 64-bit version. So they include both to give us a choice. This doesn't mean that we have 2 individual legal copies of Windows 7. After all, there's only 1 Product Key. That Product Key cannot be shared between 2 or more people.

So, if this is what you guys are doing, then stop right now because it won't work.

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3
Quote:


Originally Posted by videoman5
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Quote:


Originally Posted by TwoCables
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If he is giving you the 32-bit disc because he bought the normal retail version that comes with both the 32-bit and 64-bit discs, and if he is already using and has activated the 64-bit disc, then you can not use this 32-bit disc.

You see, the box comes with 2 discs: the 32-bit version and 64-bit version, but it comes with 1 Product Key. This is the rule according to the EULA: that Product Key can only be activated on 1 computer at a time. If you install the 32-bit version and successfully activate it (even with the help of a live phone representative), then his installation will become de-activated within a few days. This is because Windows 7 regularly checks to see if it is still genuine (and this check cannot be disabled).

The reason why it comes with 2 discs is to accommodate everyone. I mean, not everyone will be able to install the 64-bit version. Conversely, not everyone will really want to install the 64-bit version. So they include both to give us a choice. This doesn't mean that we have 2 individual legal copies of Windows 7. After all, there's only 1 Product Key. That Product Key cannot be shared between 2 or more people.

So, if this is what you guys are doing, then stop right now because it won't work.



Thank you. There's no point in saying anything else until we know the answer!
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Quote:


Originally Posted by TwoCables
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Thank you. There's no point in saying anything else until we know the answer!

No, I was pointing out the fact that the genuine check can be disabled. It goes against the the EULA, but is not illegal as the EULA is not seen as a binding contract by the courts.
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Quote:


Originally Posted by videoman5
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No, I was pointing out the fact that the genuine check can be disabled. It goes against the the EULA, but is not illegal as the EULA is not seen as a binding contract by the courts.

Oh. But you didn't say anything. You just bolded a couple of things and posted it.

Well, I don't care. I am not about to suggest doing that. That's not how I roll. So again: if his friend is using the Product Key and if he has already activated it, then this should not be attempted. I am not going to suggest any work-arounds because enabling this 1 Product Key to be used and Activated by 2 different people is software piracy.

I'm not about to risk getting an infraction, ok?
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Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoCables View Post
Oh. But you didn't say anything. You just bolded a couple of things and posted it.

Well, I don't care. I am not about to suggest doing that. That's not how I roll. So again: if his friend is using the Product Key and if he has already activated it, then this should not be attempted. I am not going to suggest any work-arounds because enabling this 1 Product Key to be used and Activated by 2 different people is software piracy.

I'm not about to risk getting an infraction, ok?
Oh yes, the piracy part is illegal, but the genuine check override isn't. It's not the ski mask and the gun that's illegal, but the robbery itself in other terms.

To OP, yes it's possible, but it's against the forum rules to be pro-pirate.
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