upgrade from XP 32 to XP 64 query

[Marko]

I'd like to install WXP 64 bit on my current computer (Core 2 duo 2.13) which has WXP professional.

Should I purchase an upgrade or should I get an entire new WXP program and create a dual boot system?

This would be for audio purposes only. I would like to load more samples into ram (and be ready for 64 bit applications when they arrive).

Does it matter which version I get: home or professional?

Please avail me of any pitfalls with respect to this plan.

Thanks.

Marko

[Iwanatsu]

I would like to do exactly the same but the problem is, you have to buy the 'new' XP, there's no upgrade, so you have to pay the whole price again:mad: I think that's just ridiculous so I'm waiting with the jump to 64bit until Vista is really stable and supported. Well, maybe even until the new Windows "Seven" (this is its current codename), which will be in 64 bit version only, AFAIK...

[Haydn]

I believe that there is only one version for 64 bit - Windows XP Pro. There is no home edition.

Do you have enough free space on your system drive to create another partition. Then you can install x64 version on another partition and keep your older x86 version. When you boot, then you pick which partition to use. Some plugins do not work with the x64 version which is why I still use both versions on my system.

Jim

[Andrew Aversa]

I too use a dual boot solution... it works great. My XP64 partition is far leaner than my XP32 one, which is for general internet usage, chatting, and multitasking.

[Marko]

Thanks Iwanatsu.

Thanks Jim.

Thanks Andrew.

I may go the dual boot way.

Can you recommend a vendor for buying a copy of XP 64?

Marko

[Haydn]

You could try Newegg.com. I only see OEM versions available so you may have to buy some hardware at the same time.

Jim

[kitekrazy]

You can buy it direct from MS. You download the trial version and it will ask you if you want to purchase it.

OEMs I think are only limited to one install ever. Research before you buy.

[Marko]

kitecrazy,

Thanks. If I download the trail version and install it, does it replace my current Wxp 32 bit or will I have the option of installing XP 64 as a separate OS (so I have a dual boot sytem)?

Marko

[alanb]

One option that I've considered is buying a copy of XP64 and just holding on to it until it's time to build a new machine.

I've considered this because I've read (although I haven't seen specific data) that Vista performance is inferior to XP performance as far as heavy-duty music work is concerned...

...plus, of course, in a few months MS will no longer sell XP.

My concern is that XP64 will be a dead-end in terms of no new/updated drivers, possible incompatibility with new hardware, and such... and I wonder whether it pays to live with Vista (bugs, bloat and all) just to ensure (?) forward-compatibility...

:confused:

[Nickie Fønshauge]

My concern is that XP64 will be a dead-end in terms of no new/updated drivers, possible incompatibility with new hardware, and such...

My thoughts exactly. Already my present video card supports XP 32 and Vista 32/64, but not XP 64. Plus if you own any NI products such as Kontakt 3, Akoustik or Kore 2 you will be lucky if you'll ever see any XP 64 support.

Let's face it: XP 64 is Yesterday and Vista 64 is Tomorrow. Like it or not.

[Haydn]

I was talking to a couple Cakewalk employees at NAMM this year and asked them about which OS they were using. Almost all are using Windows XP in either the 32 bit or 64 bit version. Very few are running Vista because of performance issues. They mentioned the Sonar 7 is working fine in Windows XP x64 even though they don't officially support it.

I think you should be safe for a couple years running x64 version of Windows XP as Microsoft has extended support of the XP operating systems. I don't plan on going to Vista for quite a long time. I'll look back into Vista after SP1 has been out for a bit.

I use an Nvidia 8600 GT chipset video card and the x64 drivers work fine.

My main recommendation for anyone thinking of going the 64 bit route is to have 2 partitions and have the 32 bit XP on one and x64 XP on the other.

Jim

[Haydn]

I was talking to a couple Cakewalk employees at NAMM this year and asked them about which OS they were using. Almost all are using Windows XP in either the 32 bit or 64 bit version. Very few are running Vista because of performance issues. They mentioned the Sonar 7 is working fine in Windows XP x64 even though they don't officially support it.

I think you should be safe for a couple years running x64 version of Windows XP as Microsoft has extended support of the XP operating systems. I don't plan on going to Vista for quite a long time. I'll look back into Vista after SP1 has been out for a bit.

I use an Nvidia 8600 GT chipset video card and the x64 drivers work fine.

My main recommendation for anyone thinking of going the 64 bit route is to have 2 partitions and have the 32 bit XP on one and x64 XP on the other.

Jim

[Gesticulator01]

Let's face it: XP 64 is Yesterday and Vista 64 is Tomorrow. Like it or not.

But, as someone at the cubase forum once said in response to this - I need to compose today!!

[Marko]

Does anyone know if the download for WXP 64 from Microsoft's site replaces the current Wxp 32 bit that is in use or is there the option of installing XP 64 as a separate OS (so I have a dual boot sytem)?

Marko

[Haydn]

Marko,

You need to create a new partition for Windows XP x64 if you want to keep your 32 bit version. You'll need a program that can repartition drives. You'll need to look around for whats out currently. You'll need at least 10 GB of free space to be safe. Windows XP x64 setup will ask where you want to install the OS. You can install it in the new empty space you created.

Word of warning - make backups of everything before starting.

Partitioning programs such as Partition Magic can sometimes make the computer unbootable if they crash during the middle of an operation. It's also possible to install the operating system on the wrong partition so be careful.

Jim

[howardv]

Marko, I found it easier and safer to just put my C: drive into a kingwin plugable drive tray and do a fresh install of xp64 to a new drive. I had tried the partition thing back when I converted from Win2K to XP and wasn't crazy about it. Anyway, XP 64 worked so well that a year later I ended up reformatting the old XP boot drive to try vista64... which wasn't stable enough to get any work done so it sits on the shelf awaiting SP1.

Howard

[pantonality]

You can buy it direct from MS. You download the trial version and it will ask you if you want to purchase it.

OEMs I think are only limited to one install ever. Research before you buy.
I believe this is wrong. I've always purchased OEM versions of Windows and have done numerous installs. It just ain't so.