Convert Win7 64-bit to 32-bit

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I have a legacy app (5250 emulation) that would not run past WinXP. Hooray, they just updated their software but only to 32 bit Win7. So I’m looking to buy a Win7 PC to try out the updated version of the app. Just when I thought my problems were over, I find 32 bit is getting scarce.

Is it possible, to buy a new PC with Win7 64 bit and do a clean install to Win7 32 bit using the OEM dvds included with the PC?

Is it possible, to buy a new PC with Win7 64 bit and do a clean install to Win7 32 bit using Win7 dvds the manufacturer forces you to create after you get your computer?

Is it possible, to buy a new PC with Win7 64 bit and do a clean install to Win7 32 bit using a full retail version of Win7, but using the license keys that came with the computer? Could I possibly buy just one full retail version of Win7 and then use that dvd to replace a 64 bit win7 with the 32 bit Win7 on multiple PCs using the license key from each PC? I don’t see how this could possibly violate the licensing, but I sure would like to know it would work. We have 30 to 35 PCs in this situation, all still running XP. We need to move on down the road even if it is only to 32 Win7.

thanks –

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Probably not. Most OEM disks only have the installed version on them. In fact most PC’s don’t come with disks, only recovery partitions. You have to create a Rescue Disk yourself. Also in the OEM environment, the key only works on the bitness version it was originally created for and on the actual PC it was created for. In OEM the key follows the actual PC, sorry.

The retail versions of Win 7 include both a 32 Bit and 64 Bit disk, but only one or the other may be installed at any given time. You can move from 64 Bit to 32 Bit with a clean install. However the key will only work with one PC. You would need licenses for each PC. I believe MS has volume licensing discounts, but have never explored this.

If you have retail license keys for each PC, then you only need one installation disk to install Win 7 on however many PC’s you have keys for. Unless the DVD becomes damaged it should continue to work for all PC’s. You may be able to copy the DVD onto a blank DVD to have a backup copy of the original disk.

Many, if not all, 32 Bit apps work on 64 Bit PC’s with Win 7 64 Bit installed. There are 2 separate Program folders, a 32 Bit and a 64 Bit, and the app is placed in the correct folder upon installation. Have you checked on a 64 Bit PC/OS to see if your 32 Bit app will work? it might just work as expected without reinstalling all OS’es on each PC.

In summary: OEM licenses only work for the exact PC and OS they were produced for. Retail copies will allow installation of either 32 Bit or 64 Bit version, not both. The same disk can be used as long as you have enough keys for each PC. Youe 32 Bit program may actually work even with a 64 Bit version of Win 7 installed on a 64 Bit capable PC.

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As long as versions match (Pro to Pro or Ultimate to Ultimate, or Home Premium to Home Premium, etc.) it should work to use a retail version to install and the box key to activate unless the OEM has done something to tie the key to thier custom install (with all the junkware included).

Nothing wrong with 32-bit, most software is written in 32-bit and there is no need to or push to write 64-bit by and large since its easily accomadated in a 64-bit system (in fact, are you sure your software won’t run on a 64-bit system?). 3.5 gigs of RAM is more than enough for the vast majority of users…and using a boot drive that’s say 3 terabytes (limit is 2.19 for 32-bit), well, is that a good idea when a smalller SSD for the OS is just the ticket these days for a blazing fast booting system? And if XP is still a part of a working local network, 32-bit 7 is so much more compatible and easy to integrate and share with XP peripherals and a few other compatiblilty issues that many obstacles are avoided there, and for me, 64-bit 7 has to make asthetically displeasing accomodations for both 64-bit and 32-bit software that also adds to the complexity of an OS.
So for me, having a few extreme capabilities possible in the 64-bit version that I will never use isn’t useful to me in the least, and when they are not important, 32-bit is the definitely the sweet spot.

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As long as versions match (Pro to Pro or Ultimate to Ultimate, or Home Premium to Home Premium, etc.) it should work to use a retail version to install and the box key to activate unless the OEM has done something to tie the key to thier custom install (with all the junkware included).

That seems to be the majority opinion and thanks to all who replied. Seems like to me it should work.

Actually, I was in the middle of placing an order for 10 XP Pro/Win7 Pro downgraded boxes when I got the notice about the new 32 bit Win7 version of my app. So I’m thrilled to have 32 bit Win7. Another hour and I would have been stuck with 10 inferior boxes. The same Compaq with just Win7 Pro, no XP, is $30 cheaper, has more ram and more hd. Guess it’s cheaper without 2 OS licenses.

thanks –

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Also in the OEM environment, the key only works on the bitness version it was originally created for and on the actual PC it was created for.

I forgot about that part, I’m sure you could get by that wtih a “hardship” story to Microsoft to get activated but not with 30-35 PCs.

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I would try your app on a 64 bit system, as most 32 bit apps do run very well in the 64 bit OS. Just as most 16bit apps run well in a 32 bit environment.

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I would try your app on a 64 bit system, as most 32 bit apps do run very well in the 64 bit OS. Just as most 16bit apps run well in a 32 bit environment.

Hello –
I’m not clear – I have a Acer laptop using W7 Home 64 and a Acer desktop using W7 Home 64. My scanner cannot be detected by the 64 bit system – but there are drivers for W7 32 Bit. My printer works using a updated driver from HP but not all features are supported. The scanner (Epson) has no drivers for W7.

I bought W7 Home but both computers came preloaded with W7 64. My OE discs cover 32 bit & 64 bit. I’d like to downgrade W7 to 32 Bit from 64 Bit. I use Carbonite so having a backup is not a problem.

I assume I should remove everything from both computers and re-install the 32 bit OS on both machines.

Is that about it? Sounds like a pain but better than buying a new scanner —

Thanks!
LarryT

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LarryT, Welcome to the Lounge.

To change the bitness of Win 7 you must do a clean install, including reinstalling all apps. If the Epson scanner has no drivers available for Win 7, then neither 32 Bit or 64 Bit Win 7 will work. Your post is somewhat contradictory:

Hello –
My scanner cannot be detected by the 64 bit system – but there are drivers for W7 32 Bit. My printer works using a updated driver from HP but not all features are supported. The scanner (Epson) has no drivers for W7.

You state there are drivers for Win 7 32 Bit in one sentence, but then state the scanner has no drivers for Win 7. I guess I’m lost here.

If the printer updated driver from HP is installed, the extra features will not be supported whether you have 32 Bit or 64 Bit.

If you post the models of both the printer and the scanner perhaps some drivers might be found. Generally manufacturers either support 32 Bit and 64 Bit or neither, but who knows for sure. printer and scanner manufacturers are about the worst for updating anything for a new OS.

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Sorry I was unclear. I used a Win7 32 bit Laptop (which has since crashed) to scan when it became obvious my desktop would not detect the Scanner. I should have said – there IS a driver for W7 32 but not for 64. The scanner works perfectly with 32 bit OS but the machine will not even detect the scanner when using the computer with 64 bit W7.

So, i need to decide if I want to go through the work of doing a clean install using my store bought W7 CD’s which came with 64 & 32 bit CDs to reinstall my OS. Wish there were an alternative driver that would drive the Epson Perfection `1660….
Thanks —

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You should not have any difficulty whatsoever purchasing a 32 bit Windows 7 computer, all you need to do is visit Dell, HP, or Lenovo websites.
If your doing your shopping in person at a store then talk to the staff, if they will not accommodate you, then simply take your business elsewhere.
If your planning on purchasing online, then visit multiple sites. Many will alow you to pick and choose parts and operating system versions, and that include the bit rate as well.

If your planning on purchasing cheap ready made OEMs then you will be stuck with whatever they have to offer. Avoid these at all cost.

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You should not have any difficulty whatsoever purchasing a 32 bit Windows 7 computer, all you need to do is visit Dell, HP, or Lenovo websites.

Yeah, that’s what one would think. But I also must have a full height PCI slot. That’s the original PCI slot, not the new mods. Compaq and Lenovo are about the only places to find those. I went to Compaq Business, that’s where all I saw was 64 bit Win7. I’be been a long time supporter of Lenovo as I’ve always bought IBM brand PCs, but have you seen the latest keyboard they ship with their computers? Awful. And IBM always had the best keyboards.

But mainly I was worried about a couple of years down the road when I get around to replacing PC number 30. I’m a one man IT dept and it takes me a while to handle day to day operations and implement changes.

thanks for the reply

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I second RussB’s suggestion. I have yet to find a 32 bit app that won’t run properly on my Win7 x64 machine.

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I second RussB’s suggestion. I have yet to find a 32 bit app that won’t run properly on my Win7 x64 machine.

Without trying it out, I’d be willing to wager that this is one. Why else would the manufacturer explicitly state in their documentation that “this is for 32 bit Windows only”?

When and if I do have to buy a 64 bit Win7 computer, then I will certainly try it out before doing a clean install to 32 bit. And maybe by then the manufacturer will have upgraded to 64 bit. Who knows?

thanks for the reply –

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Maybe. Just saying that trying it wouldn’t be bad. Sometimes manufacturers say that because they actually haven’t tested the app thoroughly on other systems. That may also mean they won’t support it, unless it is used in the recommended OS, and if that is the case, it’s up to you to make a decision on how to use it.

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Hello Old Timer from another old timer,

I didn’t see anyone here mention XP Mode in Windows 7 Pro. Like you, I’m also the sole IT guy for 35 computers at a local non-profit organization. I recently upgraded 15 computers to Win 7. The director uses a donor database report generator that only runs in XP, so I installed XP Mode on her system, and she can still access her application directly through a shortcut on the Windows Desktop that I set up for her. XP Mode is a virtual PC running under Win 7 Pro/Ultimate, and is a free download from Microsoft. More info is at: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-xp-mode. For what *I* needed, it works the berries!

Cheers,
Phil Heberer

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My PC runs WIN7 Pro 64bit. I set-up Virtual XP mode and use it to scan pictures and documents on my 1999-era Epson 1200U scanner which doesn’t have (nor will ever have) a WIN7 64bit driver. I also loaded the Palm desktop software for my Palm M501 palm pilot which also doesn’t and won’t ever have WIN7 64bit compatability, which works just fine.

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It also seems from everything I have read that apps that do not work on Win 7 64 Bit were actually 16 Bit apps that worked on 32 Bit XP PC’s. I have yet to find a 32 Bit app that does not work on my 64 Bit PC, but then again I have not tried all apps. I do not use XP Mode, but have heard from many that this app works very well on Win 7 64 Bit to allow many 16 Bit apps to run. XP Mpde was originally designed for business becaue it is very cost prohibitive to change all older apps in addition to the OS.

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I have a new Win7 64-bit computer and an old HP ScanJet 4970. HP does not have a driver available for Win7 for this scanner, but I installed their Windows Vista 64-bit driver, based on a comment I read somewhere in this or another thread. It installed into the (x86) program folder. I clicked the “this installed successfully” option in the window warning that it might not have installed properly. I successfully scanned a photo using Irfanview acquire TWAIN image. I have not yet tried to install HP Photo director which I used on my XP machine, but am pleased that I don’t have to trash my vertical see-thru scanner.

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I have a new Win7 64-bit computer and an old HP ScanJet 4970. HP does not have a driver available for Win7 for this scanner, but I installed their Windows Vista 64-bit driver, based on a comment I read somewhere in this or another thread. It installed into the (x86) program folder. I clicked the “this installed successfully” option in the window warning that it might not have installed properly. I successfully scanned a photo using Irfanview acquire TWAIN image. I have not yet tried to install HP Photo director which I used on my XP machine, but am pleased that I don’t have to trash my vertical see-thru scanner.

Yes, it’s surprising indeed. Something similar happened with my Scanjet 3500C. Was quite surprised when it just worked under Windows 7 x64.

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I have a new Win7 64-bit computer and an old HP ScanJet 4970. HP does not have a driver available for Win7 for this scanner, but I installed their Windows Vista 64-bit driver, based on a comment I read somewhere in this or another thread. It installed into the (x86) program folder. I clicked the “this installed successfully” option in the window warning that it might not have installed properly. I successfully scanned a photo using Irfanview acquire TWAIN image. I have not yet tried to install HP Photo director which I used on my XP machine, but am pleased that I don’t have to trash my vertical see-thru scanner.

I have an older HP photosmart scanjet scanner (5530) that has the HP Director suite. The director suite doesn’t seem to work right with the Win7 32bit install on my desktop. I can’t remember exaactly what it did but it barfed when I tried to launch it and of course HP has no plans on rewriting it for Vista/ Windows 7. Another annoying thing is that the default Windows 7 GUI for the scanner doesn’t let you scan to the printer. I use this function all of the time with PDF creator to make pdf scans of documents and receipts. My solution to it was to connect the scanner to a Thinkpad notebook we have that has XP Pro on it. More of a hassle than running XP Mode but it works for now. A tip that some might find useful is running virtual PC 2007 instead of the recommended Virtual PC for XP mode. You can read a small blog post about it here:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/virtual_pc_guy/archive/2009/08/19/running-virtual-pc-2007-on-windows-7.aspx

The main difference is that VPC 2007 doesn’t require a Virtualization Technology capable CPU and can also run on older hardware easier. The Windows Virtual PC needs newer hardware and is why it’s recommended by MS for use with XP Mode. The “stare and compare” chart from MS is kinda laughable since all of the features of Windows Virtual PC aren’t covered in 2007 version. Here is the link:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/features/compare.aspx

Here is the page from MS on Virtual PC 2007 if someone needs it:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/virtual-pc-2007.aspx

HTH
DOS_equis

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This is for Lee, Not to get off topic, but I have a Scanjet 3500c that has no Win7 driver, I am about to try the VIsta driver myself, glad someone found that it works before me! Also please post back as to your experience with the HP Director software. I have not installed that on 7 yet either, but I intend to. Much better option than getting a new scanner and new software to work with the 64bit Win7!!

Thanks!
Joel

Joel

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This is for Lee, Not to get off topic, but I have a Scanjet 3500c that has no Win7 driver, I am about to try the VIsta driver myself, glad someone found that it works before me! Also please post back as to your experience with the HP Director software. I have not installed that on 7 yet either, but I intend to. Much better option than getting a new scanner and new software to work with the 64bit Win7!!

Thanks!
Joel

I have the Scanjet 3500c running on Windows 7×64. I didn’t use any drivers, Windows found the scanner, added the drivers for it. I tried it, basically by pressing the scan button on the scanner and Windows just opened the app. It’s not as full featured as the original HP app, but is is good enough for me. You can always start a scan by going into Devices and Printers and right click the scanner, though I find pressing the scan button is easier. The only thing I miss, in the few times that it may be needed, is support for the button that would allow you to create a direct copy of the document to scan on the printer, but that is not something that cannot be overcome through the normal scanning procedure, even if with more work and not as good quick results.

Regards

Rui

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Ok, all of you XP Mode users have convinced me to give it a try. Could take me a couple of weeks so watch for a thread that has 64bit, 32bit and XPmode in the topic.

In case someone wants to save me the trouble, here’s my full situation and why I never believed xp mode would work.

Application includes a 16 bit add-in board. Well it fits in the original PCI slot, wasn’t that 16bit? Board grabs a memory range in the old UMB area. Software communicates with board through that umb memory area. Seems rather iffy to me, but certainly worth a try while I’m still setting up and testing this new Win7 system.

I live in rural America. No dsl. No cable. I have a cell modem, but it only runs at 50 to 60k on a good day. So I can’t download xpmode with out taking this new pc to the city. Which is why it may be a couple of weeks before I report back. If this app works in xp mode, then anything ought to.

thanks for all of the replies and information –

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Ok, all of you XP Mode users have convinced me to give it a try. Could take me a couple of weeks so watch for a thread that has 64bit, 32bit and XPmode in the topic.

In case someone wants to save me the trouble, here’s my full situation and why I never believed xp mode would work.

Application includes a 16 bit add-in board. Well it fits in the original PCI slot, wasn’t that 16bit? Board grabs a memory range in the old UMB area. Software communicates with board through that umb memory area. Seems rather iffy to me, but certainly worth a try while I’m still setting up and testing this new Win7 system.

I live in rural America. No dsl. No cable. I have a cell modem, but it only runs at 50 to 60k on a good day. So I can’t download xpmode with out taking this new pc to the city. Which is why it may be a couple of weeks before I report back. If this app works in xp mode, then anything ought to.

thanks for all of the replies and information –

Hey I just noticed that you live in Chipley. I know someone that lives in Bonifay which is not too far from you. Small world I guess. Anyway, if you want I could burn a disc of the 32bit XP mode download and the Windows Virtual PC stuff on a CD and flip it in the mail for you. It would save you from having to make a special trip into town for a download. Let me know on this thread or via PM and we will get it arranged.

DOS_equis

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Hey I just noticed that you live in Chipley. I know someone that lives in Bonifay which is not too far from you. Small world I guess. Anyway, if you want I could burn a disc of the 32bit XP mode download and the Windows Virtual PC stuff on a CD and flip it in the mail for you.

Mighty kind offer there, XX. However, I always have to take new PCs to an office to update windows, load antivirus and now download Windows Mail. So it’s a must do anyway. I have one client that plays golf every Wed afternoon so that’s when I do my thing on his connection only it’s been too cold for him to go the last couple of weeks.

I live between Chipley and Bonifay actually. DSL in both those towns, but not out here where I live.

thanks again for the offer –

SAM-adams

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Mighty kind offer there, XX. However, I always have to take new PCs to an office to update windows, load antivirus and now download Windows Mail. So it’s a must do anyway. I have one client that plays golf every Wed afternoon so that’s when I do my thing on his connection only it’s been too cold for him to go the last couple of weeks.

I live between Chipley and Bonifay actually. DSL in both those towns, but not out here where I live.

thanks again for the offer –

SAM-adams

Yeah no problem Ol’ Timer. I think by the time most of the US has FIOS you will get DSL. That seems to be the way things work in our country. Good Luck with your project.

DOS_equis

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Application includes a 16 bit add-in board. Well it fits in the original PCI slot, wasn’t that 16bit? Board grabs a memory range in the old UMB area. Software communicates with board through that umb memory area. Seems rather iffy to me, but certainly worth a try while I’m still setting up and testing this new Win7 system.

It wouldn’t be a 16-bit board, pretty sure, but, I don’t know how you are going to bridge to that board in emulation mode. USB connection, floppy, DVD drive yes but addon board…I don’t see how to capture a PCI slot in XP Mode.

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I don’t know how you are going to bridge to that board in emulation mode. USB connection, floppy, DVD drive yes but addon board…I don’t see how to capture a PCI slot in XP Mode.

Thanks for the headsup Byron. So I can’t get xp mode running, go into XP control panel and load a driver just for xp mode? I’ve never seen xp mode. Barely seen Win7. I was planning on leaving pci board disabled (uninstalled) on the Win7 side and try and install it just in XP Mode. But if you or anyone knows that is not going to work, then I’d just as soon not waste my time.

thanks –

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Someone claims to have found a vista 64 driver that can be used with Windows 7 64 bit. Have a look: http://windows7forums.com/windows-7-hardware/18622-windows-7-64-bit-epson-perfection-1660-scanner-driver-needed.html

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Larry, This is a conumdrum. In my case I would get a new scanner, and would probably opt for a Multifunction Printer/Copier/Scanner. These seem to function fine for most cases. Mine is also wireless which is nice. These devices can be had for less than a new Win 7 DVD. I realize you already have the DVDs, but since a clean install would be necessary, what is your time worth? Good luck in whatever you decide.

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