Windows 7 x86 update to x64.

[Elvis_4]

Hello , people.
So , possible update Windows 7 Ultimate from x86 to x64 and save all programs ? This all programs will work ?
I installed Windows 7 Ultimate x86 on my PC by mistake , but i should install x64 , because i have 4 GB RAM. So , right now my PC not using all RAM and this is really terrible.
I hope you will help me.
Best Regards

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Simple answer: No

Switching from 32-bit to 64-bit (or vice-versa) requires a clean installation. That means that all programs must be reinstalled, and all user data restored from backup. With only 4GB of RAM you don't need to switch.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

You can't perform an in-place update of 32-bit Windows to 64-bit, you have to wipe (reformat) the existing 32-bit Windows first, then install the 64-bit version from scratch.

You'll then have to re-install your applications.

Don't forget to back up any data you've saved on the existing Windows partition before you reformat it.

 

[USAFRet]

3rd reply of - No.
Full reinstall. This includes all your applications.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

Just noticed you only have 4GB RAM - - bubblehead is right - no point in switching unless you intend to increase the amount RAM.

On 32-bit Windows, it shows only "3.2GB usable"(or thereabouts) in Windows system properties because the remainder is reserved for the sub-system hardware. Switching to 64-bit Windows without adding more RAM wouldn't change "usable" RAM by very much, certainly not enough to make switching worthwhile, performance would be no better than it is now.

Now, if you intend to increase the RAM to say 8GB or more, switching to 64-bit would make sense.

 

[Rookie_MIB]

Just noticed you only have 4GB RAM - - bubblehead is right - no point in switching unless you intend to increase the amount RAM.

On 32-bit Windows, it shows only "3.2GB usable"(or thereabouts) in Windows system properties because the remainder is reserved for the sub-system hardware. Switching to 64-bit Windows without adding more RAM wouldn't change "usable" RAM by very much, certainly not enough to make switching worthwhile, performance would be no better than it is now.

Now, if you intend to increase the RAM to say 8GB or more, switching to 64-bit would make sense.

Agreed. If you were going to up the ram to anything more than 4GB, then it might make sense to upgrade from x86 to x64 as (previously mentioned) it would require reinstallation of all drivers and software.

That being said, I have done the installation myself and it wasn't that bad. My system is a pretty straightforward one without too many special programs etc. If you do decide to do it:

1) download all drivers and save them in a spot like c:\drivers BEFORE you start the installation.
2) windows WILL back up all your installed programs, documents, pictures etc to c:\windows.old\(users/program files/documents etc) so you can move them back to the original locations. Some programs may work, some may not.
3) make sure you have all copies of installation software for programs you'll need on hand.

 

[Elvis_4]

thanks everybody.
i decided to stay on my x86 ;D