I'm running Windows 7 32 bit OS. I have 8MB of memory and have been told that I need to upgrade to the 64 bit version. Any ideas where I can find a cheap 64 bit Windows OS?
Thanks
Thanks
64 bit windows
- Thread starter santiago
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You only need to upgrade if you want to utilize all 8GB of your ram. If there's no noticeable performance issues just keep what Iyou have.
You might want to web search "Windows 7 PAE" and look at the MSDN and MS technet articles. A common misconception is 32-bit operating systems can only address 4Gb memory; It is true that the amount of memory a 'single process' can address is limited, the full address space can be more than 4Gb.
PAE stands for Physical Address Extention; and it appears MS provides a method for invoking it.
Full disclosure:I don't use windows but have used linux-pae based kernels (which work) so read carefully to see if the method MS provides is still supported and if anyone has had issues with it; I can 'easily see' MS revoking support for it, since it enabled people to avoid buying new versions of Windows; their entire business seems to be revenue based.
Needless to say, backup your data and have restore disks ready.
This would be a $0 solution for your issue and would maintain application compatibility.
Regards,
-T
PAE stands for Physical Address Extention; and it appears MS provides a method for invoking it.
Full disclosure:I don't use windows but have used linux-pae based kernels (which work) so read carefully to see if the method MS provides is still supported and if anyone has had issues with it; I can 'easily see' MS revoking support for it, since it enabled people to avoid buying new versions of Windows; their entire business seems to be revenue based.
Needless to say, backup your data and have restore disks ready.
This would be a $0 solution for your issue and would maintain application compatibility.
Regards,
-T
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I am pretty sure the processor needs to be a 64 bit processor to take advantage of more than 4 GB of memory. There are certainly ways for an operating system to use more than 4GB of memory assuming the processor and operating system both capable.
A 64 bot version of Win7 or Win10 would be better however.
A 64 bot version of Win7 or Win10 would be better however.
Upgrade to Windows 10 is free.
Unless you have a specific reason why not to, always go with the 64 bit version.
I don't know if your key will work for the 64 bit version, but it's worth a try. Worse case, you can get a 64 bit version of Windows 7 for around $50 on Amazon
I don't know if your key will work for the 64 bit version, but it's worth a try. Worse case, you can get a 64 bit version of Windows 7 for around $50 on Amazon
Originally Posted By: santiago
I have 8MB of memory....
Are you sure about that?
I have 8MB of memory....
Are you sure about that?
Originally Posted By: simple_gifts
You might want to web search "Windows 7 PAE" and look at the MSDN and MS technet articles. A common misconception is 32-bit operating systems can only address 4Gb memory; It is true that the amount of memory a 'single process' can address is limited, the full address space can be more than 4Gb.
PAE stands for Physical Address Extention; and it appears MS provides a method for invoking it.
Full disclosure:I don't use windows but have used linux-pae based kernels (which work) so read carefully to see if the method MS provides is still supported and if anyone has had issues with it; I can 'easily see' MS revoking support for it, since it enabled people to avoid buying new versions of Windows; their entire business seems to be revenue based.
Needless to say, backup your data and have restore disks ready.
This would be a $0 solution for your issue and would maintain application compatibility.
Regards,
-T
PAE switch won't do anything in a desktop OS...even with PAE enabled Windows will not address anything past 0xFFFFFFFF (4GB). You need a PAE enabled server OS to address more.
Really the best option is to download the Windows 7 64-bit ISO and use the current key to install it. Your current key allows for 32- or 64-bit install.
There is NO UPGRADE PATH from 32-bit to 64-bit. Which means you have to backup your data, wipe the drive, and install fresh.
You might want to web search "Windows 7 PAE" and look at the MSDN and MS technet articles. A common misconception is 32-bit operating systems can only address 4Gb memory; It is true that the amount of memory a 'single process' can address is limited, the full address space can be more than 4Gb.
PAE stands for Physical Address Extention; and it appears MS provides a method for invoking it.
Full disclosure:I don't use windows but have used linux-pae based kernels (which work) so read carefully to see if the method MS provides is still supported and if anyone has had issues with it; I can 'easily see' MS revoking support for it, since it enabled people to avoid buying new versions of Windows; their entire business seems to be revenue based.
Needless to say, backup your data and have restore disks ready.
This would be a $0 solution for your issue and would maintain application compatibility.
Regards,
-T
PAE switch won't do anything in a desktop OS...even with PAE enabled Windows will not address anything past 0xFFFFFFFF (4GB). You need a PAE enabled server OS to address more.
Really the best option is to download the Windows 7 64-bit ISO and use the current key to install it. Your current key allows for 32- or 64-bit install.
There is NO UPGRADE PATH from 32-bit to 64-bit. Which means you have to backup your data, wipe the drive, and install fresh.
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
You only need to upgrade if you want to utilize all 8GB of your ram. If there's no noticeable performance issues just keep what Iyou have.
Agree, are you sure about the assumption that "you need to upgrade"?
If it works, just keep it. What are your reasons on why you need to upgrade. What are you missing out on, and are you sure the upgrade to 64-bit is going to solve that issue?
Before you go through the trouble to upgrade, consider just getting a completely new computer rather then spending time and money on your current one.
You only need to upgrade if you want to utilize all 8GB of your ram. If there's no noticeable performance issues just keep what Iyou have.
Agree, are you sure about the assumption that "you need to upgrade"?
If it works, just keep it. What are your reasons on why you need to upgrade. What are you missing out on, and are you sure the upgrade to 64-bit is going to solve that issue?
Before you go through the trouble to upgrade, consider just getting a completely new computer rather then spending time and money on your current one.
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missing out on half his RAM is a pretty big reason to go 64-bit
Originally Posted By: Rand
you should be able to reinstall with 64bit with your current key. I'd do a backup first.
You can download a w7 64bit iso for free.
Correct, the license will work on 32-bit or 64-bit installs.
These days, there is literally no reason not to use the 64-bit version of Windows. There are benefits beyond just being able to address more than 4GB of RAM.
you should be able to reinstall with 64bit with your current key. I'd do a backup first.
You can download a w7 64bit iso for free.
Correct, the license will work on 32-bit or 64-bit installs.
These days, there is literally no reason not to use the 64-bit version of Windows. There are benefits beyond just being able to address more than 4GB of RAM.
There is always this gem from M$ TechNet
If I install 32 bit Windows twice, would that make it 64 bit?
If I install 32 bit Windows twice, would that make it 64 bit?
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