installed XP 64bit, and now I'm screwed

[Aerozord]

Since I was reformatting, figured I'd move from 32bit to 64bit. Unfortunatly it turns out, ironically, many windows programs aren't compatible with it. Like MSN messenger and IE8, any suggestions?

[Grimpond]

Well, I'd suggest just dropping those two for some better stuff. Like firefox and yahoo.

[Viridis]

Since I was reformatting, figured I'd move from 32bit to 64bit. Unfortunatly it turns out, ironically, many windows programs aren't compatible with it. Like MSN messenger and IE8, any suggestions?

There's a compatibility mode, isn't there? Tell Windows to pretend, for those programs, that it's 32-bit.

[bluestarultor]

There's a compatibility mode, isn't there? Tell Windows to pretend, for those programs, that it's 32-bit.

VVV

Well, I'd suggest just dropping those two for some better stuff. Like firefox and yahoo.

I think this is the better suggestion. Firefox is a helluva lot more secure and has plugins to make it even more so. And I'm pretty sure the first time you boot up YIM, it offers to import all your MSN contacts.

[Grimpond]

Oh yeah, I guess you could do C-Mode.

[synkr0nized]

Or, you know, get the correct version of the software if they make them.

Select XP 64-bit here for IE8 (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/worldwide-sites.aspx). (here's the direct link to the installer (http://download.microsoft.com/download/7/5/4/754D6601-662D-4E39-9788-6F90D8E5C097/IE8-WindowsServer2003-x64-ENU.exe))

Unfortunately for MSN Messenger [Windows Live messenger now] it does not have a 64-bit version for XP. This you can just use the compatibility mode on [right-click the program icon, head to properties, and then run it as a 32-bit program] or look for alternative clients that are compatible with your system.


I get the impression you have other programs that are in a similar boat. Head to their websites and look for x64 versions, run them in compatibility mode if there are none, or find alternative applications. In any case, you should be able to move forward and not regret your switch to 64-bit.

[Aerozord]

well windows media player is giving me trouble too. Not sure why, might be unrelated. If anyone knows of a good alternative, preferably one I dont have to download and install codecs for, I'd appreciate it.

For messenger, it wont even let me install the latest version. but I got yahoo to work so I'll just deal with compatibility issues if they come up. Main reason I use the different main ones is to avoid issues when I do stuff like data transfers, group chats, ect.

[edit] no idea if I did it right, but right now its not like I have a choice

[bluestarultor]

well windows media player is giving me trouble too. Not sure why, might be unrelated. If anyone knows of a good alternative, preferably one I dont have to download and install codecs for, I'd appreciate it.

For messenger, it wont even let me install the latest version. but I got yahoo to work so I'll just deal with compatibility issues if they come up. Main reason I use the different main ones is to avoid issues when I do stuff like data transfers, group chats, ect.

Download the K-Lite CODEC Pack. It comes with Media Player Classic and, well, gives you a ton of CODECs. They even have a set of 64-bit specific ones you can install after you get the 32-bit load.

[akaSM]

64bit OSes...I've been there, I went from 32bit WinXP to 64bit Vista (and Win7 now, Vista sucks IMO). I have a couple questions for you:

Do you have more than 2GB of RAM? 64 bit OSes are great with 4+, with 2GB or less you won't get any noticeable benefit

Do you really need a 64bit OS? Sometimes you'll get more trouble than it's worth, specially when trying to find 64bit drivers and programs

Why WinXP? The 32bit version is great but, the 64bit one isn't as supported, if you really want a 64bit OS, IMHO you should use Win7

You should analyze the benefits that you'll get from a 64bit OS, specially before you add stuff to your HD or install things, so making a backup of your files reformatting is easier.

[Aerozord]

in order
4gb RAM
probably not, but I was reformating anyways and I know my system can handle it. Never used it before.
I didn't buy this, way back in the day I bought XP and it came with a 32 and 64 bit versions. This is just the first time my hardware supported it.

I really dont want to reformat if I dont have to, I did it just yesturday and whole thing takes forever

[akaSM]

Well, since you don't really need it, I suggest you to keep using the 32bit version, not many programs get any benefit from 64bit anyways, and there are some that won't work as nicely in a 64bit system. Also, last time I checked, it was a PITA to get 64bit drivers for WinXP.

[synkr0nized]

While that's all well and good, he's already installed the 64-bit version and, as posted, not looking to reformat and install -- again -- for the 32-bit at this point.

[Aerozord]

ok I cant install iTunes either it seems. the 32 bit installer wont work on a 64 bit OS, and the 64 bit installer wont work on XP

[akaSM]

ok I cant install iTunes either it seems. the 32 bit installer wont work on a 64 bit OS, and the 64 bit installer wont work on XP

You should be ready for more stuff like that, many of the 64bit things that you'll find were made for Vista and 7. As I said, you should see if XP 64bit is really worth the trouble before adding new stuff. Try to install other programs you use and drivers for things you have e.g. a printer

[bluestarultor]

I'm just going to echo what other people are saying, but be more blunt about it. XP-64 has next to no support compared to other 64-bit systems and if you're going to be sticking with it, it's probably going to be more trouble than it's worth as you fight with it for next to no benefit due to the fact that most programs can't utilize it. XP-64 is an afterthought to the XP OS and was kind of made just because the technology was emerging, but the technology didn't have nearly the market share as it did by the time Vista came out, so it didn't get the attention that would have made it a successful system.

Basically, you know how the first one of anything starts out the race by getting shot in the leg by the starting gun? XP-64 is just like that. It served as a base for later systems to build from, but on its own, well, I have to say you're either going to need to be dedicated to keeping it or just test it a bit to see if it's worth it before actually putting all your important stuff on, because the more you put back, the longer it's going to take to wipe the slate clean again.

[Aerozord]

got a potentially major problem. Checked website for my motherboard's drivers (http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/driver.php?S_ID=458) and there is nothing for x32 bit version and I'm not sure where the disc is. Is this a big deal or should the XP 64/86 bit ones work just fine?

edit: its all up and running