XP SP2 x32 to Vista Ultimate x64

On dec. 14 2006 I built my new pc with AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor, I
re-installed my old XP Home SP2 32 bit.

Now I want to buy and install Vista Ultimate 64 bit and wonder about two
things:

1) I've read about the "Upgrade Paths from Previous Versions" but they
(Microsoft) do not specify x32 to x64, except "Professional" and it looks
like it's only 32 to 32 or 64 to 64, and

2) What about all the programs I own, will they work fine under new OS and
new 64 bit dual-core processor ?

 

You may use any Vista x64 upgrade edition to migrate from any of the
supported 32bit operating systems to Vista 64bits. However you cannot
perform an upgrade-in-place (keep your files, settings, and apps intact).
You have to use the Windows Easy Transfer wizard from the Vista x64 dvd
while in the legacy system to save your files and settings. You then boot
the computer with the Vista x64 dvd and perform a custom installation
replacing the legacy x86 OS with the Vista x64 OS. Then you use the WET
wizard in Vista to restore your files and settings. You must reinstall the
apps that are Vista compatible. You are not required to use a Vista x64
full edition.

Dual cores are not an issue. Even Windows 2000 leverages multicore cpu's.

"All programs" is a pretty broad category. There are some programs that
will not work in 64bits or in Vista or both. Without knowing what apps you
are using no one can say what your experience will be. If you rely on
standard business apps you will be fine. If you use content creation
software you need to visit the software vendors' websites for compatibilty
information. And so on. 32bit software that does not rely on software or
hardware drivers should do just fine. 16bit software or 32bit software with
16bit installers are roadkill in all x64 systems including Vista.

 

I was thinking to put Vista on a new hard drive and keep my XP 32bit OS for
the programs who wont run on 64bit.
Is this an option ?

 

Hi, B4Marc.

Yes, it certainly is an option. But it also is probably unnecessary.

You haven't yet told us WHICH programs you have in mind, or which hardware
you use, other than your CPU. As Colin says, practically everything that
now runs on WinXP x86 will also run fine on Vista x64.

Many of us (especially during the beta period) opted to dual-boot Vista with
whatever we were running before, usually WinXP Pro. This is a sensible
approach, as it let us continue to use our old hardware while waiting for
new drivers, and to use our old software while waiting for new versions.
Many IHVs and ISVs told us they would have compatible versions ready when
Vista goes RTM. More and more hardware and software worked as the beta
progressed, and I'm optimistic that the new drivers and program updates will
be ready by tomorrow.

I have not booted WinXP since I installed Vista RTM in November. It will
soon be time for me to reformat that volume to reuse the space. But I now
have "more disk space than I will ever need" (ha!), so I will probably keep
it around - "just in case".

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX

Microsoft Windows MVP
(Running Windows Mail in Vista Ultimate x64)

 

If you were planning to purchase an Upgrade edition of Vista, that would
subsume your XP licence, and you could not _legally_ still have an XP
installation side-by-side with your Vista installation.

Of course, if you're buying a full edition of Vista, or have more than one
XP licence, not a problem. But you should install XP first, then Vista
(otherwise you'll be doing a Repair of your Vista installation in fairly
short order).

 

If you buy a full edition of Vista. An upgrade edition will overwrite XP.
After all, that is the meaning of "upgrade" in the upgrade edition pricing.

 

Only if you purchase a full version of Vista and create a dual-boot
scenario. If you used an Upgrade version of Vista, the license for the
earlier, qualifying OS will be subsumed (become an integral part of) by
the Vista Upgrade license. Basically, you have no license to use the
Upgrade without there first being an earlier, qualifying OS license
_permanently_ in place on the computer, and that qualifying license
cannot subsequently be used anywhere else.


--

Bruce Chambers

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Might I also ask a question regarding same? I have the ultima vista and
running winxp also. I have not installed the vista yet, as i am wondering
about the 32 bit vs 64. If i have upgraded the video-audio card as well as
memory, what other card might i need for running 64 bit? I know this is a
bit generic since you don't know what i have installed, but just a general
answer as to what I might look for to upgrade. Software programs I am not
worried about as I will get the upgrades a little at a time.

You guys are very knowledgeable about this!
Teresa