Contents
[ hide ]
Run Win 7 32-bit and 64-bit on the same Machine
Recently I installed a new hard-drive on my machine to which I loaded a second Operating System Windows 7 32-bit. The idea was to improve performance, namely when working with graphic and media related programs, such as Photoshop, Flash or After Effects.
To keep my Windows light and fast, I decided not to install any security updates nor any security related programs, such as Essentials, a Firewall or Antivirus. The performance is smashing compared to my main Win 7 which is patched with all available updates. My Adobe programs run faster smoother and it’s a pleasure combining media programs and Live Conferencing on the same screen.
Windows 7
When Adobe recently announced the release of its CS5, I noticed that two of my preferred programs will run on 64-bit architecture only: After Effects CS5 and Premier Pro CS5 that is. These two programs need quite some punch and better RAM handling.
So, here I am, frustrated and wondering how to deal with the situation, knowing that not all my programs will run on 32-bit Win7.
Run 2 Windows OS on the same Machine
For years I have been running multiple Operating systems on the same machine. The main reason was to be able to access files and folders in case of a failure of my main Windows OS. There was never a problem with multiple installs, be it on different hard-drives or on separate partitions on the same hard-drive.
The Question now is: is it possible to run Win7 64-bit on the same machine where there is a Win7 32-bit installed.
Googling my way through the question, I found, that under certain circumstances there is no reason why this idea should not work.
I will share my experience here on my blog in two or three posts.
Can my computer run Win7 64-bit?
This is the first important question. 64-bit operating systems require a processor with a 64-bit architecture. Most recent machines should be equipped with a compatible processor. Also, 64-bit is efficient as from 4 GB RAM installed.
Windows7 64-bit can make use of up to 192 GB RAM; now that’s what I call speed!
During my research I learned surprisingly that a 32-bit system cannot use use more than 3 GB of RAM: why the heck to manufacturers and shops sell 4 GB RAM with 32-bit Operating Systems?
To figure out whether your System is 64-bit capable, go:
1. Start and type into the search field: ”Performance Information and Tools”
2. There click on: ”View and Print Detailed Performance and System Information”
3. Under ‘System’, check if your System is 64-bit capable.
Here my screenshot with a mark for easy reading:
Performance Information and Tools
My computer is 2 years old; at that time I bought about the fastest gaming features available here in Greece, namely a good graphics card and 4 GB RAM. I like gaming computers since their layout is speed oriented, namely for graphics and other media.
As you can see from the above, my PC is 64-bit capable.
Are my installed Programs Win7 64-bit Compatible?
To find out I download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Microsoft.
Here is what it returns under the 64-bit tab:
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
The main info is: I need to do a clean new Windows installation (Custom) and reinstall all my programs.
As I am already running Win 7 32-bit, there should not be a major problem with programs, but the Windows Compatibility Center will give more in depth information if needed.
Install Windows 7 64-bit
To make my life easier, I will back-up my documents and files on another hard-drive. Then I will reformat the hard-drive and install Windows 7 64-bit in a clean environment.
Join tonight’s call at yorGOtalk where we will run corresponding tests and advise on upgrading.
Look forward to the next episode of this journey.
If you enjoyed reading the above, please consider following future tips and strategies by RSS reader, Email delivery, or Kindle subscription.
Author: Yorgo Nestoridis, Media Marketing & Publishing, Founder of YORGOO Publishing, YORGOO Press and Semiomantics.
