Windows 7 from 32bit to 64bit worth it?

[mkol]

Hello

I am currently running windows 7 Ultimate 32bit version and my machine specs are as follows,

Intel 3ghz dual core processor

4gb ram

64bit SSD, 150gb raptor and 320 seagate HDs

9500Gt

600 Watts power supply.

I have 64bit version is well, but I have not installed it as I am not sure if office 2007 will work on 64bit version or the new office beta software.

I am looking to hear from people who run 64bit version whats their experience like with it. Shall I go 64bit? Is it worth it?

I do Internet surfing, email, Network related work, Word processing.

[richardsim7]

Yeah go for it :)

-Rich-

[hdood]

Installing the 64-bit version is the only way you get to use all 4GB of RAM you have, so that alone is good enough a reason to move. Office 2007 works perfectly in the 64-bit version (I've been running it since the beta), as does the Office 2010 beta.

The only thing you have to consider first is whether you have any software or hardware that is 32-bit only. Most people don't, at least not on recent machines.

[stevember]

office 2007 will work fine any 32-bit software works absolutely fine on 64-bit Windows.

Make sure all your hardware has 64-bit drivers printers, scanners and suchlike.

You're not going to notice a huge improvement in what you are doing, but it will not do any harm.

[mkol]

will office 2007 and other application do work on it though without issues?

[GreatBarrier86]

Yup. I dont see why not. Office 2007 works just fine with it and you will get the benefit of all 4 gb of ram with the option for upgrades later if you want.

[hdood]

will office 2007 and other application do work on it though without issues?

As long as they don't have a driver component (think firewall and security software, that kind of thing), they should run just fine in the 32-bit emulator. Office certainly does.

[mkol]

office 2007 will work fine any 32-bit software works absolutely fine on 64-bit Windows.

Make sure all your hardware has 64-bit drivers printers, scanners and suchlike.

You're not going to notice a huge improvement in what you are doing, but it will not do any harm.

There is no point if the improvement is not a lot.

[hdood]

There is no point if the improvement is not a lot.

The improvement is that you'll get to use all 4GB of RAM, and will be able to use 64-bit software (which can be noticeably faster). If you're not interested in either, then there will be little gain. At the end of the day you have to decide.

[Appzalien]

Remember though, you cannot update a 64bit OS over a 32bit one, you can only do a clean install although it will ask if you want to save some files. The best way to go is to save an image of exactly what you have now on another drive so you can get back if your not satisfied, then format and install Win7 64 on the clean C drive. If you use Acronis it has a function where you can open old images and take stuff out of them (it makes a temporary drive letter for it and mounts the image in a virtual drive). You also cannot update to Win 7x64 over a Vista 32bit, only clean install. Thats where driver issues come in especially for OEM Desktop and Laptop owners.

[-Himanshu-]

If you have 4 GB RAM and all drivers, then I don't see any reason why you shouldn't.