For the last few years I’ve been using a Windows Vista Media Center machine to record television shows, stream media to my Xbox 360, and perform backups of other computers in the house. When I made the switch from XP to Vista I contemplated installing the 64-bit version of the operating system, but I didn’t feel like hassling with any driver issues. After all, a 32-bit Vista serial number will also activate on a 64-bit install meaning you can make the switch at any point.
Almost two weeks ago I had a hard drive crash on me, and had to order a new one. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to install 64-bit Vista on my 4-year old Pentium D computer. Beforehand I made sure that drivers were available for my ATI graphics card and other devices that I knew would need them. Things looked good so I proceeded with the install.
The setup was a breeze, and I can’t really say that it felt any different than installing the 32-bit version of Vista. Some of the applications I use have versions specifically for 64-bit Windows, but all my other 32-bit programs still run fine. Although by running 32-bit programs you don’t necessarily get all of the advantages the operating system has to offer.
One of the big reasons that I wanted to make the switch is that using the 32-bit version of Vista meant that I couldn’t take advantage of all 4GB of memory in the computer. Before Vista was only able to access about 3.2GB of the memory.
So now I’m wondering how many of you are already running a 64-bit version of Windows, or are you holding out despite having a processor capable of handling it?
P.S. Here’s Microsoft’s guide comparing 32-bit & 64-bit versions of Vista
Been running Vista64 Ultimate for over a year now on my home machine…Upgraded from XP Pro SP2. I have to say that I love it and it’s solid. Media, games whatever. There were some inherent driver and program issues, but now most everything I use is supported. I build my own machines and finding Vista x64 drivers are not an issue anymore.
The 2 major issues I had/have are with finding a firewall and Peerguardian2. Took a bit to find a good firewall that works with Vista64. Comodo offers an x64 version that works well imo. That with Avast! does the trick for me.
If you know what PG2 is then you know why I’m bummed that it’s not supported on Vista64 yet…Argh! However Vuse/Asurus supports IP block lists using local lists or URLs. You can even use Bluetacks Block List Manager app to gather all your blocklists into one and have Vuse use that momma list. With that said, I’m a happy Vista64 DL’r
Comodo (install firewall only)
[personalfirewall.comodo.com]
-Choose X64 from the drop down.
I have a 64-bit version of Windows 7 waiting for me when I feel daring enough to take the plunge. I wanted 64-bit Vista but Dell sent me the 32bit version.
Does anyone know if it would be easy for me to reinstall Vista and not loose everything? I have a USB drive if I need to make an image on it.
Wish I could, but my hardware doesn’t support Vista or Windows 7
It’s fast enough but nVidia decided not to release drivers for my motherboard, so several key items don’t work (properly). I’ll make the switch to Apple when a new iMac comes out (hopefully supporting 8GB RAM) and then use bootcamp to run Windows 7 next to OS X.
I been using Ubuntu AMD64 version since Flash 10 64bit came out and I love it! I get all of my 4 gigs of ram and It’s really fast.
As a Linux developer, I had to consider the switch from 32-bit to 64-bit long before I had to make the decision on Windows.
Now, I never run a 64-bit desktop of either OS. Servers – yes, especially database servers I run 64-bit exclusively. However, on the desktop side there is very little advantage, and there are still hiccups and delays with drivers.
I have been testing Windows 7 recently and for fun tried the 64-bit version, and had compatibility problems with some drivers which misidentified the OS as 32-bit – I don’t have any time for that nonsense.
When I find myself needing more than 3.2 GB of RAM on a desktop, I will make the upgrade, and by then I expect it to be even more painless.
I had installed 32 bit vista media center on my 5200 AMD dual core / 2gb ram, for a few months, and the commercial skip (dvrms toolbox) and vista codec pack worked well. So I tried x64 Vista and installed both 64x software for dmrms and vista codec pack, and it broke all the time. Media center worked, but I couldn’t skip commercials, and couldn’t watch divx movies without them freezing half way thru. So I upgraded to Win7, and it didn’t work with my Hauppage 1600, so I formatted and tried Mythbuntu, and after 4 hours I sort of got the tuner to work, but it was so buggy I went back to 32 bit Vista and it’s all back to working order now. Phew! The end.
I have been using 64 Vista Home for over a year, and very rarely run into a program that doesn’t work, and usually it is just a quick google check to find a similar program that does. The main one I ever had problems with was Zonealarm, and I don’t think they have caught up even still.
I also needed to buy a new laptop for my wife, and found an awesome deal on one at BestBuy, and it has Vista64. She doesn’t even know the difference. So if a lay person can use it without problems, it is ready for prime time. She was watching CES coverage the other day and people were talking about all the Vista haters, and she said something like “I don’t get what people don’t like. It works fine and looks good.”
Both my game rig and her laptop have 4 gigs, and are very quick.
OH! but I do run x64 Vista at work, and have been for 2 years because I have 8GB of ram for those virtual machines. It works very well for work related stuff (I’m a network admin).
I’ve been running XP64 for several years, and it’s generally been pretty painless (except for the first time I tried where drivers weren’t ready, which sent me back to XP32 for half a year).
My observations:
*) drivers generally work very well, but older or “niche” products might not be supported. No luck in installing data-cable drivers for a SE K750i phone, for instance.
*) no speed difference for most stuff, and only few applications benefit even if recompiled for x64. A few applications are pessimized by running under x64, check out foxit reader rendering speed.
*) shell extensions need x64 versions – unless you use a 32bit 3rd party file browser, like xplorer^2.
*) having access to all 8GB of RAM is nice when running multiple virtual machines – or even when simply gaming, because of filesystem cache
Oh, btw, don’t bother with custom firewalls – Windows built-in is all you need (outgoing protection is wank, if you get something that tries to leak you’re already game over), and peerguardian? As if that’s going to save your sorry ass if you’re a pirate
Using xp 64 bit and love it:D Feels faster, all programs run fine…minimal issues.
When I moved from XP64 I decided to take the plunge and go right for Vista64. I’ve had 4GB of Ram for years, ever since XP 64 was out. That ran almost perfectly for about a year and some. I gained access to all my ram, but lost the ability to use my fingerprint reader and webcam (no BIG loss there). When Vista was released I got a 32 and 64 bit copy of ultimate (free, yay!), but I had absolute hell putting it on my K8N Neo2 Platinum (as in, I couldn’t do it – for some reason it wouldn’t boot into Vista after it was installed, 32 or 64) so I had an excuse to upgrade and moved to an Abit P35 Pro which ran Vista 64 beautifully. Being an ‘intel’ based board, all 64 bit drivers were available and since I’d moved from AGP to PCI-E and had to buy a new videocard, I simply reverse checked to see what cards had V64 drivers and voila. Now I’m 100% sure that my next upgrade will be Windows 7 64bit, and maybe I’ll slap in another 4gb of Ram (though Windows 7 will run on almost anything! – it runs FAST on my old K8N Neo2 board, ironically).
I’m using the 32-bit version of Windows Vista. Have been considering making the jump to 64-bit, but I am not sure if all my applications will run or not and especially the games.
my HP tablet with AMD turion x64 came with vista 64bit, wiped the disk and installed 32 bit just because i got a signature issue…only now, i thought to give windows 7 64 bit a try. amazing. i’m not sure there’s a huge difference in day-to-day use with most programs like browsing or doc editing, but the entire system seems snappy, actually snappier than vista. don’t know if that’s a windows vista or 7 issue or 32 or 64 bit thing. now on to install what i really want…ubuntu 64 9.04 with ext4…thanks and cheers
I have been using 64bit Ubuntu only problem was flash player which I swapped out with the 64bit alpha flash and have had no problems since.
When our Windows XP 32bit died from a remote take over — it was one of those fake popups, where whatever you click you get the virus. It was beyond repair without a reinstall — only the genius who got that for roomy didn’t make the disks — Ok neither did I but I was a total newb with Windows then.
I’ll be honest. I got the Vista x64 bit on accident, but I’m glad I did!! Here’s why:
1) The hardwired security system prevents remote take overs! I leared enough from my 6502/Basic days to know you can’t get under the ROM.
2) Vista was meant to run on a x64 bit machine. It runs flawlessly in every way!
3) Vista x64 has room for exponential memory expansion! Every bit you add doubles the amount of memory you can use. Thus you get 4GB with the 32 bit and WE COULD HAVE 18,000 Quadrillion addressable addresses on the x64 bit machines.
4) The driver issue is either over or non-existant so far. We’ve only had three problems with programs and they were all ancient.
5) Nearly NO CRASHES! Our XP crashed all the freaking time!
SUMMARY: It’s plain as the filthy glasses on my nose; with the all the video, tv programs, movies, music, photos and who knows what’s next in use now, we NEED x64 bits machines to get to the next level. And isn’t that what it’s all about people? (Sorry, I’m taking writing classes and just can’t help but write!)
I for one can’t wait for the future of computers!!!!
I plan to move to 64 bit with Windows 7 when it is released.
I installed the 64-bit Windows 7 beta on my PC on Monday. So far, everything has been working great. I have a 2 year old custom build desktop. All but 4 drivers were installed with Windows. I was able to use a 64-bit Vista driver for the wireless NIC. Windows 7 was able to install the sound driver after the fact. I don’t remember what the other 2 devices are. I’m not sure I’m experiencing any noticeable differences with using the 64-bit version since I only have a gig of RAM and I’m not using any 64-bit programs. 64-bit IE8 seems to have compatibility issues with websites.
Though I have only used it sparingly, I can definitely say that Windows 7 performs better than Vista (I used to have Vista on a laptop I no longer own). The PC boots up quickly and there is little lag when surfing the web and doing normal things.
For whatever reason though, when I hold down shift and click on a open window in the taskbar, it takes a few seconds to bring up the menu. However, if that’s the worst thing I have to complain about when using a beta, I think I’m in good shape.
I’ve been running 64 bit Vista for a while now. Currently running the 64 bit Windows 7 Beta. The only thing I miss are programs like Pitaschio and Katmouse that only half work in a 64 bit environment.
Otherwise, it’s been great.
I’ve been back and fourth. I started with XP 64 bit back in 2006. Went back and fourth several times just for small issues and because I’m like that. Anyway I have XP64 bit installed now and have had ZERO problems. There is almost nothing that is not compatible. Some software developers still refuse to get with it. They just don’t want to get with the times.
I prefer windows xp 64 bits.
Vista is a really bloated system ~~
I had vista 32 and was soo slow, and now i have vista 64, wow soo much faster, i have an AMD X4 9850, 4GB, GForce 8900GT, runs like a bullet.
IM Happy w it.
I hadn’t realized how good the driver support was for 64-bit Windows. It had been probably 6-months to a year since the last time I had checked, and I was very pleased to not have had any troubles.
You’ll have to reinstall Vista completely. You can’t just upgrade it or anything. Also, you might be able to get the 64-bit CD for a small price from your PC manufacturer.
Sounds like quite a nightmare you had. I actually use the DVRMStoolbox 64-bit version and have no troubles with it. In fact it was one of the first things I installed after getting Vista setup, because if that didn’t work I was going to scrap the whole idea of moving to 64-bit.
I totally agree with her. I can understand why some people have viable reasons to complain about Vista, but it always irks me when someone talks about how much Vista sucks without even trying it for themselves.
I’ll definitely be using 64-bit operating systems from now on as well.
That was one thing that was nice… Vista installed all but 2 drivers for me, and those were easy to find online. That’s part of what made the upgrade to 64-bit so seamless in my case.