Question Vista - Split from other thread...

[softcris]

Hi! Would love to know how to instal the 64bit win vista or XP Pro before buying it.
Since I heard that I can't instal it if I had prior a 32 bit win in my HD.
Sounds idiotic I know, that's the reason I'm here asking you guys.(It'll be formatted anyway during before the new instal)
I have now a 32bit Win XPPro SP2.Running ok but I brought 2 GB more for the memory;4GB now and it only reads 3,25GBRam (DDR2 667) Having instal the OS in Raptor and the rest of the softwares on a external drive WDC.
Also I using a ECS C19SLI 1.1a mobo (http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?CategoryID=1&TypeID=32&DetailID=584&DetailName=Feature&MenuID=44&LanID=9)(supports till 16GB Ram!!) and a CPU Intel 650 Pentiun 4 - 3,40Ghz.
Now Am I equipped to have that 64 bit Vista or XP Pro ?
Pleased to have an answer A.S.A.P.
Thanks!
C

[jlreich]

Welcome to the PC Guide forums softcris. :)

If you are going to format your current install of XP, then there is no problem.

I think what you are referring to is installing, or upgrading, over your current XP 32bit. Thereby keeping all your programs and files intact. That you can't do, it just isn't possible. Yes you could upgrade with certain versions of 32bit Vista. But not from 32bit XP to 64bit Vista.

But like I said if your are going to wipe the drive anyway, you can install any version you want from scratch.

Another alternative is to dual boot your current XP and Vista. That would allow you to choose which operating system you want to boot to. That way you can keep your current XP familiarity and stability, while getting used to Vista.

[azzey]

XP has issues with more than 3GB of RAM. I won't go into the specifics, but the last gig is used as a system cache and is not available for program use.

Out of curiosity, what are your system specs?