OS + laptop upgrade time: Windows 7 64 bit licensing issues

[Saajid]

It's upgrade time for me, and I am about to purchase a new my laptop, and I am considering moving to Windows 7 64 bit.

As a software developer, web developer, and graphic designer, I really need the extra RAM and processing power. That's why I am considering 64 bit. However, I am wary of migrating to 64bit, as I am not sure if all my tools/apps will work correctly.

So down to my actual quesetion - if I purchase Windows 7 64 bit, will I also get a license for Windows 7 32 bit, giving me the ability to downgrade? It's no use I migrate to 64 bit, then find out that half my tools/apps don't work, and then I need to fork out again for a 32 bit license.

Anyone?

 

[kingrob]

If you purchase the "commercial" version of Windows 7, you get the 32-bit & 64-bit DVDs in the same box.

Just check with the salesman before you purchase it.

 

[Asha'man X]

Just about every piece of softweare these days runs fine on 64 bit, I've personally only ever seen Adobe CS2 refuse to install on a 64 bit Vista install.

AFAIK, the retail box copy of Windows 7 comes with both 32 and 64 bit disks, and you can use the key to activate whatever version you installed.

 

[HavocXphere]

I think Pro, business & ultimate have both. Make sure though.

EDIT: Its mainly drivers & low level stuff thats a pain with x64. e.g. Software that needs to install a network driver to filter stuff.

 

[Saajid]

If you purchase the "commercial" version of Windows 7, you get the 32-bit & 64-bit DVDs in the same box.

Just check with the salesman before you purchase it.

Thanks. Any idea if the OEM versions (i.e. the ones that come pre-installed on the laptop) also give you the ability to switch between 64bit and 32bit?

I think Pro, business & ultimate have both. Make sure though.

EDIT: Its mainly drivers & low level stuff thats a pain with x64. e.g. Software that needs to install a network driver to filter stuff.

Yip drivers would be the main issue, but also older software, especially expensive software dev tools, and graphic design tools that I've paid for, and can't get the latest version of. That's why I need Windows 7 32bit as a backup, in case I need to revert back to 32bit. Drivers wouldn't be too much of an issue - they should come pre-installed, and should have native 64bit drivers if i buy the laptop as a whole with 64bit Windows. What I am worried about is getting drivers for external devices, like older printers, scanners, etc.

Just about every piece of softweare these days runs fine on 64 bit, I've personally only ever seen Adobe CS2 refuse to install on a 64 bit Vista install.

AFAIK, the retail box copy of Windows 7 comes with both 32 and 64 bit disks, and you can use the key to activate whatever version you installed.

Thanks guys for your replies. Sounds like it is possible. I will ask about it before making any pruchases.

 

[HavocXphere]

Yip drivers would be the main issue, but also older software, especially expensive software dev tools, and graphic design tools that I've paid for, and can't get the latest version of.

The WoW layer is pretty much bulletproof yes. I doubt that you'll have any trouble with app level software. Pretty surprised than Asha says CS2 gave him issues tbh.

I am worried about is getting drivers for external devices, like older printers, scanners, etc.

Yep. Unless those are USB linked you'll probably have trouble with them. Maybe even on x86.

 

[kingrob]

Thanks. Any idea if the OEM versions (i.e. the ones that come pre-installed on the laptop) also give you the ability to switch between 64bit and 32bit?

Check with reseller, not too sure about what you get nowadays and how many times you're allowed to reinstall OEM versions.