64bit vs 32bit

[scottsw]

I got a new 64 bit Windows 7 laptop today. I installed the 64 bit beta patch for Ceedo and it worked perfectly. It even worked when I switched my Ceedo drive back over to my 32 bit XP system. The problem is half of the programs that I must have do not work on a 64 bit system and many of the companies who made the software are not even in existance any longer to create a patch! (a lifetime free upgrade policy is useless when the company discontinued that software 3 years ago). So, I was curious if there was a way to temporarily change your 64 bit system back to 32? I tried google and microsoft and it looks like it's not possible but just wanted to see what everybody else was doing for this problem???
I really dread the thought of having to keep my big old XP PC on the desk just so I can use a few programs

Thanks Microsoft!

[keith]

The only way to go back to a 32-bit version of Windows is to wipe your PC and reinstall Windows from scratch, using a 32-bit version.

You could install VMWare or VirtualBox on your PC and run a 32-bit version of Windows that way.

[Brando212]

it's windows 7 right? just install XP mode

google it, it should lead you to a microsoft page with the download links

[scottsw]

Originally Posted by Brando212

it's windows 7 right? just install XP mode

google it, it should lead you to a microsoft page with the download links

I ran across that but get this message from microsoft 'You are not eligible to download Windows XP Mode. You must have Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate to run Windows XP Mode.'
I have Windows 7 Home Premium.

Does XP mode convert to 32 bit XP or is it still 64 bit???

Thanks

[keith]

I also have Win7 Home Premium. I just selected Pro. XP Mode installed just fine.

[scottsw]

Originally Posted by keith

I also have Win7 Home Premium. I just selected Pro. XP Mode installed just fine.

Cool thanks, I'll give it a try!

[scottsw]

Originally Posted by keith

You could install VMWare or VirtualBox on your PC and run a 32-bit version of Windows that way.

I tried XP Mode and Virtual Windows but it gave me an error that my laptop doesn't support virtualization. I checked the bios and couldn't find anything related to virtualization. So, I tried VirtualBox. That worked but was extremely slow and that wasn't an option. I then tried VMWare and so far that has worked perfectly. Thanks for the help.

[BlackCat666]

Hi Scott,

I would recommend you try VMware player, you can run any virtual machine environment (windows, linux etc) at a very decent speed.

You can convert machines and also machine backup images using VMconverter, and the customisation options are fantastic too!

I personaly use Virtual Machines a lot, and VMware Player is fantastic if you don't want or can't afford to go the full extent of VMware Workstation then VMware Player is definitely the next best thing, and most importantly.... it's free! xD

You have to register for the downloads, but you could probably just as easily download the files you need elsewhere.

[BlackCat666]

in actual fact, if you are a Vista user. You will find running a VMware Vista Virtual Machine actually operates quicker than having it actually installed xD

[Brando212]

just download it from filehippo.com