Windows XP 64bit version help

[Vinny]

I was wondering if there was a way to get 32bit software to work on XP64?

I just built a computer and am using the '30 day trail' person of a copy we already had. After it's over, I either have a worthless system or have to pay $150 for a copy of XP Pro. Or, another option I have is a copy of XP64 from my school, which I received with XP Pro (you can only buy one copy for lifetime).

I'd like to use XP64 but most of the software I use are free software (AVG antivirus and SpyBot being the two main ones) and they don't work.

Also, can I still install any game I want? I have a lot of old games that I still play as well as new ones, I'm wondering if those will work.

 

[sturm]

most 32 bit software will work under 64 bit windows. Anti-virus software is one that sometimes wont. There is a 64 bit version out there just cant remember which one it was thats free.
I have used 64 bit a little and had no problems with games running on it. I dont have any 64 bit apps yet so I have stuck with 32 bit pro for now.

 

[Vinny]

Well, if it's just a few apps then I guess it'll be ok.

What about hardware? I have this really old TV Tuner that doesn't have any 64bit drives, will that work with x64?

 

[exit2dos]

Well, if it's just a few apps then I guess it'll be ok.

What about hardware? I have this really old TV Tuner that doesn't have any 64bit drives, will that work with x64?

The free antivirus that runs on x64 is:
http://www.avast.com/eng/x64.html
Most of the retail AV works on x64, but that is the only free one that does (that I know of).
As far as anti-spyware: Ad Aware works, and I think Spybot S&D has been updated.

The software you may have problems with is any that require low-level hardware use. Some CD/DVD burnig programs and software firewalls have problems - most have x64 updates, however. Just make sure the software is at least 32-bit, as I don't think the old 16-bit programs will run at all.

As far as your TV tuner - I doubt it will work. I think all drivers have to be 64-bit.

 

[mizlplix]

I had to install a "32 bit framework driver " in order to get my 32 bit apps to work under XP X64.

Sorry, I'm fairly new with this 64 bit deal.

GL, MPX

 

[exit2dos]

I had to install a "32 bit framework driver " in order to get my 32 bit apps to work under XP X64.

Sorry, I'm fairly new with this 64 bit deal.

GL, MPX

This is natural. If you want to think of it as x64 has a "shell" in which it runs the 32-bit programs. The programs which will have problems running in x64 are the ones that need access outside of this "shell" (low-level access) - these have to be 64-bit.

In short, most all programs will run within the 32-bit shell except those requiring direct hardware access (virus scanners, disk utilities, firewalls, etc.). All hardware drivers have to be 64-bit, however.