64 bit XP/Vista

mishima · 14 Jan 2009 at 19:46

Hi there,

Very soon I will be upgrading to 64 bit. Having no experience of this - do most games work on a 64 bit OS? All I want to know really is what problems I will face with the current games and software I have so that I can prepare myself and get the correct tools I need. Is most software geared up for 64 bit?

Any help would be appreciated thanks!

something daft already!! · 14 Jan 2009 at 19:50

For drivers and compatibility, go for Vista. Difficult to know what to suggest really, without your list of programs. I have not found any program myself which does not run, although I know of some people who have had problems with Photoshop in Vista.

mishima · 14 Jan 2009 at 19:55

With Vista, isn't there a limitation on how many times you can install it - as in if I change my hardware (motherboard)?

Burnsy2023 · 14 Jan 2009 at 19:55

mishima said:
With Vista, isn't there a limitation on how many times you can install it - as in if I change my hardware (motherboard)?

Same restrictions as XP. Read the sticky for more info.

mishima · 14 Jan 2009 at 20:06

Says in the sticky:

What is the Windows Activation Process and how does it affect the licence?

Activation is mandatory for all versions of Vista. Activation is a process in where a hardware signature is sent to MS to prevent software piracy. On OEM versions, if the hardware hash is substantially different (a motherboard has been replaced for example), MS shouldn’t allow activation unless you have a sufficient reason, such as a warranty replacement. It is important to note that just because you have activated does NOT mean that you are fully licensed and legal.

Does this mean then, as someone who changes their software regular I am going to be stuffed?

something daft already!! · 14 Jan 2009 at 21:12

1 Activation is the process by which your Windows seriel is checked and validated on-line or via phone. The same as WGA in XP.

2 No, this is for hardware not software, such as an upgraded mobo/processor.

mishima · 14 Jan 2009 at 21:47

Sorry I meant hardware not software. Doh! I upgrade frequently, so if I'm changing motherboard will this affect me and how will it?

Glaucus · 14 Jan 2009 at 21:55

mishima said:
Does this mean then, as someone who changes their software regular I am going to be stuffed?

Not if you buy retail = as many changes as you want
OEm = change motherboard, legally you need to buy new os.

Look 2nd hand on auction site and 1 comes up most weeks for £100 for a 2nd hand retail. It's how I got my copy.

Or you could buy xp retail and then get vista uupgrade.

mishima · 14 Jan 2009 at 22:04

AcidHell2 said:
Not if you buy retail = as many changes as you want
OEm = change motherboard, legally you need to buy new os.

Look 2nd hand on auction site and 1 comes up most weeks for £100 for a 2nd hand retail. It's how I got my copy.

Or you could buy xp retail and then get vista uupgrade.

Good idea, worth considering. Thanks for that!