64 bit conversion to 32 bit - ?files and settings transfer?

I am running Vista Home Premium 64 bit on the computer that I use as th
server on a 7 station peer to peer network. The most important progra
I run on it is my medical records program. The program is no
compatible with 64 bit and the software source tells me that while i
will run on a 64 bit system I will see errors in scanning and hav
issues with other peripherals. I don't really want to have to reinstal
all the programs and the medical record program was difficult to get u
and running and getting Vista and Norton to work together in th
network. Is it possible to use files and transfer to reinstall by usin
the 64 bit version as my "old" computer and the 32 bit version afte
clean install as my "new" computer using an external hard drive as th
transfer mechanism

RRSM

--
RRSMD

Actually, I guess I am talking about easy transfer instead of files an
settings transfer since it will all be within Vista

RRSMD:huh

--
RRSMD

On Nov 10, 3:52*am, RRSMD <gu...@unknown-email.com> wrote:
> I am running Vista Home Premium 64 bit on the computer that I use as the
> server on a 7 station peer to peer network. *The most important program
> I run on it is my medical records program. *The program is not
> compatible with 64 bit and the software source tells me that while it
> will run on a 64 bit system I will see errors in scanning and have
> issues with other peripherals. *I don't really want to have to reinstall
> all the programs and the medical record program was difficult to get up
> and running and getting Vista and Norton to work together in the
> network. *Is it possible to use files and transfer to reinstall by using
> the 64 bit version as my "old" computer and the 32 bit version after
> clean install as my "new" computer using an external hard drive as the
> transfer mechanism?
>
> RRSMD
>
> --
> RRSMD

There is a multitude of answers to this post, so I will number them

1- There is no reason why you should have problems running a 32-bit
solution on Vista 64. The notes that you are reading are probably out-
dated, since it is true that on the introduction of Vista 64, there
was a lack of drivers available. This of course, due to 3rd parties
taking their time to release said drivers. This is a largely a
problem of the past now though. Have you actually tried running your
solution on Vista 64?

2- An alternative approach would be to run a virtual machine on your
Vista 64 install, and host the medical application within the VM
running a more light-weight 32-bit OS like Window XP.

3- Re your query, yes, it is possible.

Hope I've been of help.

Stefan

RRSMD <> wrote:
>
> The most important program
> I run on it is my medical records program. The program is not
> compatible with 64 bit and the software source tells me that while it
> will run on a 64 bit system I will see errors in scanning and have
> issues with other peripherals.

If your peripherals that you would need to use with this program all have
64-bit drivers, I think it is unlikely that you will have any further
problems using it on Vista 64-bit. The warning is likely to be about the
lack of 64-bit device drivers a couple of years ago.

ss.

On Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:23:22 -0800 (PST), Stefan Z Camilleri
<> wrote:

>On Nov 10, 3:52*am, RRSMD <gu...@unknown-email.com> wrote:
>> I am running Vista Home Premium 64 bit on the computer that I use as the
>> server on a 7 station peer to peer network. *The most important program
>> I run on it is my medical records program. *The program is not
>> compatible with 64 bit and the software source tells me that while it
>> will run on a 64 bit system I will see errors in scanning and have
>> issues with other peripherals. *I don't really want to have to reinstall
>> all the programs and the medical record program was difficult to get up
>> and running and getting Vista and Norton to work together in the
>> network. *Is it possible to use files and transfer to reinstall by using
>> the 64 bit version as my "old" computer and the 32 bit version after
>> clean install as my "new" computer using an external hard drive as the
>> transfer mechanism?
>>
>> RRSMD
>>
>> --
>> RRSMD
>
>There is a multitude of answers to this post, so I will number them
>
>1- There is no reason why you should have problems running a 32-bit
>solution on Vista 64. The notes that you are reading are probably out-
>dated, since it is true that on the introduction of Vista 64, there
>was a lack of drivers available. This of course, due to 3rd parties
>taking their time to release said drivers. This is a largely a
>problem of the past now though. Have you actually tried running your
>solution on Vista 64?

YOU, sir, are a "Pollyanna" if you think ALL PROBLEMS with x64 have
been fixed. Because they haven't. The inability to downgrade from
x64 to x32 is one which has NOT been fixed (if it truly is a
"problem").

>
>2- An alternative approach would be to run a virtual machine on your
>Vista 64 install, and host the medical application within the VM
>running a more light-weight 32-bit OS like Window XP.
>
>3- Re your query, yes, it is possible.

I disagree, for a simple reason:
Vista x64 cannot be downgraded to Vista x32.
A Windows OS must be installed "clean" if downgrading.

BTW, the OP seems to already be on x64, and wants to know if he/she
can downgrade to x32 without reinstalling his/her sofware. The answer
to that question is a resounding "NO!".

HE/she can transfer his/her DATA (but not programs) via an external
drive.

>
>Hope I've been of help.
>
>Stefan

On Nov 10, 4:50*pm, Donald L McDaniel <orthocr...@invalid.com> wrote:
> On Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:23:22 -0800 (PST), Stefan Z Camilleri
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> <szc...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >On Nov 10, 3:52*am, RRSMD <gu...@unknown-email.com> wrote:
> >> I am running Vista Home Premium 64 bit on the computer that I use as the
> >> server on a 7 station peer to peer network. *The most important program
> >> I run on it is my medical records program. *The program is not
> >> compatible with 64 bit and the software source tells me that while it
> >> will run on a 64 bit system I will see errors in scanning and have
> >> issues with other peripherals. *I don't really want to have to reinstall
> >> all the programs and the medical record program was difficult to get up
> >> and running and getting Vista and Norton to work together in the
> >> network. *Is it possible to use files and transfer to reinstall by using
> >> the 64 bit version as my "old" computer and the 32 bit version after
> >> clean install as my "new" computer using an external hard drive as the
> >> transfer mechanism?
>
> >> RRSMD
>
> >> --
> >> RRSMD
>
> >There is a multitude of answers to this post, so I will number them
>
> >1- There is no reason why you should have problems running a 32-bit
> >solution on Vista 64. *The notes that you are reading are probably out-
> >dated, since it is true that on the introduction of Vista 64, there
> >was a lack of drivers available. *This of course, due to 3rd parties
> >taking their time to release said drivers. *This is a largely a
> >problem of the past now though. *Have you actually tried running your
> >solution on Vista 64?
>
> YOU, sir, are a "Pollyanna" if you think ALL PROBLEMS with x64 have
> been fixed. *Because they haven't. *The inability to downgrade from
> x64 to x32 is one which has NOT been fixed (if it truly is a
> "problem").
>
>
>
> >2- An alternative approach would be to run a virtual machine on your
> >Vista 64 install, and host the medical application within the VM
> >running a more light-weight 32-bit OS like Window XP.
>
> >3- Re your query, yes, it is possible.
>
> I disagree, for a simple reason:
> Vista x64 cannot be downgraded to Vista x32.
> A Windows OS *must be installed "clean" if downgrading.
>
> BTW, the OP seems to already be on x64, and wants to know if he/she
> can downgrade to x32 without reinstalling his/her sofware. *The answer
> to that question is a resounding "NO!". *
>
> HE/she can transfer his/her DATA (but not programs) via an external
> drive.
>
>
>
> >Hope I've been of help.
>
> >Stefan

The inability to downgrade from Vista x64 to Vista x32 cannot be
categorized as a problem, since it does not impede you from working in
Vista x64.

You might've misread what I wrote, since I wasn't answering him;
rather, I was questioning the choice. Same as I question 85% of
computer 'techs' who very promptly offer a 'reinstall' as a
solution... something which I rarely ever needed to do to fix a
system.

Donald L McDaniel <> wrote:
>
> > > I am running Vista Home Premium 64 bit on the computer that I use
> > > as the server on a 7 station peer to peer network. The most
> > > important program I run on it is my medical records program. The
> > > program is not compatible with 64 bit and the software source
> > > tells me that while it will run on a 64 bit system I will see
> > > errors in scanning and have issues with other peripherals. I don't
> > > really want to have to reinstall all the programs and the medical
> > > record program was difficult to get up and running and getting
> > > Vista and Norton to work together in the network. Is it possible
> > > to use files and transfer to reinstall by using the 64 bit version
> > > as my "old" computer and the 32 bit version after clean install as
> > > my "new" computer using an external hard drive as the transfer
> > > mechanism?
> > > RRSMD
> > >
> >
> > There is a multitude of answers to this post, so I will number them
> >
> > 1- There is no reason why you should have problems running a 32-bit
> > solution on Vista 64. The notes that you are reading are probably out-
> > dated, since it is true that on the introduction of Vista 64, there
> > was a lack of drivers available. This of course, due to 3rd parties
> > taking their time to release said drivers. This is a largely a
> > problem of the past now though. Have you actually tried running your
> > solution on Vista 64?
>
> YOU, sir, are a "Pollyanna" if you think ALL PROBLEMS with x64 have
> been fixed. Because they haven't. The inability to downgrade from
> x64 to x32 is one which has NOT been fixed (if it truly is a
> "problem").
>
> >
> > 2- An alternative approach would be to run a virtual machine on your
> > Vista 64 install, and host the medical application within the VM
> > running a more light-weight 32-bit OS like Window XP.
> >
> > 3- Re your query, yes, it is possible.
>
> I disagree, for a simple reason:
> Vista x64 cannot be downgraded to Vista x32.
> A Windows OS must be installed "clean" if downgrading.
>
> BTW, the OP seems to already be on x64, and wants to know if he/she
> can downgrade to x32 without reinstalling his/her sofware. The answer
> to that question is a resounding "NO!".
>
> HE/she can transfer his/her DATA (but not programs) via an external
> drive.

Anybody that is stupid enough to upgrade/downgrade in the way that you want
deserves all the problems that can be expected, if it was even possible.

ss.

Synapse Syndrome;883095 Wrote:
> Donald L McDaniel <orthocross@xxxxxx> wrote:> > >
> > >> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > There is a multitude of answers to this post, so I will number them
> > >
> > > > >
> > > > > 1- There is no reason why you should have problems running a 32-bit
> > > > > solution on Vista 64. The notes that you are reading are probably
> > > out-
> > > > > dated, since it is true that on the introduction of Vista 64, there
> > > > > was a lack of drivers available. This of course, due to 3rd parties
> > > > > taking their time to release said drivers. This is a largely a
> > > > > problem of the past now though. Have you actually tried running
> > > your
> > > > > solution on Vista 64?> > > >
> > >
> > > YOU, sir, are a "Pollyanna" if you think ALL PROBLEMS with x64
> > have
> > > been fixed. Because they haven't. The inability to downgrade from
> > > x64 to x32 is one which has NOT been fixed (if it truly is a
> > > "problem").
> > >> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > 2- An alternative approach would be to run a virtual machine on
> > > your
> > > > > Vista 64 install, and host the medical application within the VM
> > > > > running a more light-weight 32-bit OS like Window XP.
> > > > >
> > > > > 3- Re your query, yes, it is possible.> > > >
> > >
> > > I disagree, for a simple reason:
> > > Vista x64 cannot be downgraded to Vista x32.
> > > A Windows OS must be installed "clean" if downgrading.
> > >
> > > BTW, the OP seems to already be on x64, and wants to know if
> > he/she
> > > can downgrade to x32 without reinstalling his/her sofware. The
> > answer
> > > to that question is a resounding "NO!".
> > >
> > > HE/she can transfer his/her DATA (but not programs) via an
> > external
> > > drive. > >
>
> Anybody that is stupid enough to upgrade/downgrade in the way that
> you want
> deserves all the problems that can be expected, if it was even
> possible.
>
> ss.

Actually it was not an upgrade/downgrade. The Computer that has the 64
bit Vista was already loaded with that when I bought it. So I hope I am
not quite as "stupid" as you might think. Anyway thanks for all of your
inputs. i am going to try to run the programs on the present 64 bit os
and then do a clean install if indeed the problems occur that the
software vendor says will occur.

RRSMD


--
RRSMD

On Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:17:29 -0800 (PST), Stefan Z Camilleri
<> wrote:

>On Nov 10, 4:50*pm, Donald L McDaniel <orthocr...@invalid.com> wrote:
>> On Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:23:22 -0800 (PST), Stefan Z Camilleri
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> <szc...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >On Nov 10, 3:52*am, RRSMD <gu...@unknown-email.com> wrote:
>> >> I am running Vista Home Premium 64 bit on the computer that I use as the
>> >> server on a 7 station peer to peer network. *The most important program
>> >> I run on it is my medical records program. *The program is not
>> >> compatible with 64 bit and the software source tells me that while it
>> >> will run on a 64 bit system I will see errors in scanning and have
>> >> issues with other peripherals. *I don't really want to have to reinstall
>> >> all the programs and the medical record program was difficult to get up
>> >> and running and getting Vista and Norton to work together in the
>> >> network. *Is it possible to use files and transfer to reinstall by using
>> >> the 64 bit version as my "old" computer and the 32 bit version after
>> >> clean install as my "new" computer using an external hard drive as the
>> >> transfer mechanism?
>>
>> >> RRSMD
>>
>> >> --
>> >> RRSMD
>>
>> >There is a multitude of answers to this post, so I will number them
>>
>> >1- There is no reason why you should have problems running a 32-bit
>> >solution on Vista 64. *The notes that you are reading are probably out-
>> >dated, since it is true that on the introduction of Vista 64, there
>> >was a lack of drivers available. *This of course, due to 3rd parties
>> >taking their time to release said drivers. *This is a largely a
>> >problem of the past now though. *Have you actually tried running your
>> >solution on Vista 64?
>>
>> YOU, sir, are a "Pollyanna" if you think ALL PROBLEMS with x64 have
>> been fixed. *Because they haven't. *The inability to downgrade from
>> x64 to x32 is one which has NOT been fixed (if it truly is a
>> "problem").

NOTICE I write "if it truly is a "problem". in his case, he does have
a problem he is trying to resolve. The only resolution is to
reinstall Vista x32.

>>
>>
>>
>> >2- An alternative approach would be to run a virtual machine on your
>> >Vista 64 install, and host the medical application within the VM
>> >running a more light-weight 32-bit OS like Window XP.
>>
>> >3- Re your query, yes, it is possible.
>>
>> I disagree, for a simple reason:
>> Vista x64 cannot be downgraded to Vista x32.
>> A Windows OS *must be installed "clean" if downgrading.
>>
>> BTW, the OP seems to already be on x64, and wants to know if he/she
>> can downgrade to x32 without reinstalling his/her sofware. *The answer
>> to that question is a resounding "NO!". *
>>
>> HE/she can transfer his/her DATA (but not programs) via an external
>> drive.
>>
>>
>>
>> >Hope I've been of help.
>>
>> >Stefan
>
>The inability to downgrade from Vista x64 to Vista x32 cannot be
>categorized as a problem, since it does not impede you from working in
>Vista x64.

Right, it's no "problem" to ME, since I know how to upgrade to x64 if
I choose. And I know how to downgrade from x64 to x32: Cleanly
installing in either case.

However, it is a "problem" to him, since he can't do what he wants to.
Maybe not to you. But it IS keeping him from working in Vista x32.
Additionally, it is plain from the OP's post that he no longer wishes
to work in x64.

>
>You might've misread what I wrote, since I wasn't answering him;
>rather, I was questioning the choice. Same as I question 85% of
>computer 'techs' who very promptly offer a 'reinstall' as a
>solution... something which I rarely ever needed to do to fix a
>system.

But sometimes, reinstallation is the ONLY solution, no matter how much
"questioning" one is inclined to do.. In the OP's experience, it is
the "only" solution. To downgrade to x64, he MUST reinstall x32
cleanly if he desires to "downgrade" from x64.

IN this case, the best solution is offered "promptly", since it is an
easy solution to his "situation".
..
The "best" solution to a particular "situation" (since you don't like
"problem") is the one which works, friend. If it's not suited to the
OP's needs, and it doesn't work, it's not much of a "solution", now,
is it?

Donald

Donald L McDaniel <> wrote:
>
<snip>
>
> NOTICE I write "if it truly is a "problem". in his case, he does have
> a problem he is trying to resolve. The only resolution is to
> reinstall Vista x32.
>
<snip>
>
> Right, it's no "problem" to ME, since I know how to upgrade to x64 if
> I choose. And I know how to downgrade from x64 to x32: Cleanly
> installing in either case.
>
> However, it is a "problem" to him, since he can't do what he wants to.
> Maybe not to you. But it IS keeping him from working in Vista x32.
> Additionally, it is plain from the OP's post that he no longer wishes
> to work in x64.
>
<snip>
>
> But sometimes, reinstallation is the ONLY solution, no matter how much
> "questioning" one is inclined to do.. In the OP's experience, it is
> the "only" solution. To downgrade to x64, he MUST reinstall x32
> cleanly if he desires to "downgrade" from x64.
>
<snip>
>

I only mention it as you have typed it so many times in one post, but there
is no such thing as an x32 instruction set. It's either 32-bit/64-bit, or
x86/x64. You have morphed the two alternative sets of terms.

ss.