How can I be sure that . . . .

FED UP · Jul 16, 2009

I have a new computer with Windows XP 32 bit version . I want to upgrade to XP 64 bit, but don't know how i can be sure that the 64 bit version will be fully compatible with my system . The 32 bit runs just fine, I just want to exploit the full potential of my processor and have access to more then 3.2 gigs of RAM .

AMD AM2 X4 Phenom II Quad core, with a radeon HD 4870 GPU.
The Motherboard is an MSI DKA790GX , based on the AMD790GX chipset .

Im assuming that since the 32 bit version works just fine, that the 64 bit should also have no problems . I just want to be sure before i blow $135 on an OS .

DavidGP · Jul 16, 2009

Hi

You'd think, but XP64 can be fussy with drivers and many companies didnt embrace XP64 like they have Vista/Win7 x64, but looks as if your in luck with motherboard drivers for XP64 http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=downloaddetail&type=driver&maincat_no=1&prod_no=1625

Just need to double check any other hardware you have for XP64 drivers.

FED UP · Jul 16, 2009

So i'd have to DL those drivers or will the new OS find them for me ? I've never changed OS's on a computer before .

DavidGP · Jul 18, 2009

Hi

Windows is not bad at locating many drivers, its driver CAB database is much better in Windows Vista or Windows 7 RC, but XP and XP64 its not so good, whiel it will find many of the core drivers, its highly unlikely to find all of them.

So grab them all and pop on USB pen or CD, on clean install your security software before hooking up to the net, then update the security apps, then the first driver to install is the Chipset one, reboot and then install Audio and GFX card, then install any that are missing you can generally find out whats missing in Device Manager if their are any yellow ! marks.

Also then run Windows Update and grab all updates, do be weary of installing any drivers from Windows update, if it lists any goto the maker and get their drivers.

What I would be tempted to do and do you have an external HDD or secondary HD installed in your PC? or you can use DVDs but dependent on the size of your XP partition it may take many DVDs (use DVDRWs), is to clone/image your HDD incase the install doesnt go well at least you can then recover to the previous OS to troubleshoot.

Can use this free one as it similar to my favoured Acronis TI, Macruim Reflect

FED UP · Jul 18, 2009

ok i have purchased an OEM copy of 64bit Vista, which includes a free upgrade to windows 7 when it is released. Problem is, ive been working for an hour, and cannot get the computer to boot from the DVD drive . I have changed the option in BIOS to boot from the DVD drive. I have changed the boot menu to boot from my sony optiarc DVD drive, and made sure the changes were saved, however , nothing i do will force this computer to actual;ly BOOT FROM THE DVD SO THAT I MAY INSTALL THE 64BIT VISTA .
I have been googling my butt off looking for the answer , and have tried many different things, none of which have worked .
i am about to go get a hammer out of the garage .

FED UP · Jul 18, 2009

i guess i wasted my money on an OS that wont install .
now that ive opened it, im sure they wont give me my money back , either, and the 4 more gigs of memory i bought is also wasted, since i assumed the OS would install, and my current 32 bit OS will not recognize more than 3.2 gigs. I now have 8 gigs. Wasted.

DavidGP · Jul 19, 2009

Hi

What is your BIOS version?

If you have installed all the RAM, remove all bar say 2GB or 1 Memory module.

Do you by any chance have another DVD drive to try instead of the Sony one? could also again check that 1st boot device is CD/DVD and if you have the option remove any other boot options so no 2nd 3rd boot devices, then reboot and hit pause/break on keyboard to halt the bios loading then hit after a few seconds F11 for the boot menu.

In the BIOS is there an option to boot to USB? if so I tend to use this trick but you will need a USB Pen with a size of at least 4GB and follow the method I posted here in Bills thread http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=187152&highlight=diskpart

FED UP · Jul 22, 2009

Ok, i got the 64bit Vista installed.
Now i Remember why i hate Vista so much LOL.
This 64bit Vista with 8 gigs of RAM runs MUCH, MUCH slower than the OS i replaced (XP PRO 32 bit) with 4 gigs of RAM . I bought an OEM copy that came with a package for a free uprgrade to Windows 7, onces it is released in October (i already have the keycode)
I am now having new problems that i feel is best to start a new thread with.
Thanks for your attention, kind people .

DavidGP · Jul 23, 2009

Hi

Do you have all the drivers installed including chipset and during the install the SATA/Raid?

Also do a defrag and dont use any tweaking apps, plus make sure that any applications you install are a 64bit version if available, 32bit apps work ok but many apps including some security ones have 64bit versions these days and work much better,

I run x64 Vista but with 6GB DDR3 1333, with no issues, it boots quick and works quick.

FED UP · Jul 23, 2009

I did a IOBIT defrag last night while i slept, and i will put my MSI driver disk back in the drive to make sure i have everything installed.
thank you for your time, i really do appreciate it .

FED UP · Jul 23, 2009

Ok , apparently I have all the drivers installed, icluding the STA/Raid . I dont use any tweaking apps .
Boot time isn't that great, and the entire OS is just generally sluggish, compared to the XP i had on this same hardware config .

FED UP · Jul 23, 2009

oh boy, now im getting the BSOD every time i boot up, after about 10-20 seconds . I am currently using our other computer. I have gone into safe mode and am running virus scans . This is getting really frustrating, I think I may just re-install XP, since i was having no problems at all with it, and wait for Windows 7 to come out .
I just wanted a 64bit OS, and i have had nothing but problems with it (home premium) since i installed it last Saturday . While in safe mode, i guess I will also uninstall my drivers and then re-install them after my virus scans are complete. If that does not stop the BSOD, then I will re-install XP .
:mad

FED UP · Jul 23, 2009

no viruses found, drivers reinstalled. I am no longer getting BSOD . Now if i can find a stable browser besides IE (which i will use if i HAVE to) then i think ill be OK .
Minefield is OK but obviously, being pre-beta is buggy .

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