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I have been thinking about purchasing a new computer. All my current software is 32 bit stuff, and I would like to contiune to use most of it for a while ,but still provide for the future use of 64 bit software as it comes onto the market. I understand from Microsoft’s product statements that it is possible to download a plug-in from its web site for the Microsoft 7 Pro OS (I think they call it a virtual XP Mode.) that would give my new PC a 32 bit capablity in addition to the “standard” 64 bit capabilty. QUESTION: Has anyone tried downloading and using the XP mode? IF SO, What do you think of it, and what issues must I be concerned about?

Respectfully,

Chuck

Chuck,

I’m doing exactly that. Most everything works in 64 bit mode. For those few “old” programs that I refuse to give up I use in XP mode. Not the most convenient solution but the virtual mode stays up until you shut it down and you keep using Win 7 in 64 bit mode.

I have been thinking about purchasing a new computer. All my current software is 32 bit stuff, and I would like to contiune to use most of it for a while ,but still provide for the future use of 64 bit software as it comes onto the market. I understand from Microsoft’s product statements that it is possible to download a plug-in from its web site for the Microsoft 7 Pro OS (I think they call it a virtual XP Mode.) that would give my new PC a 32 bit capablity in addition to the “standard” 64 bit capabilty. QUESTION: Has anyone tried downloading and using the XP mode? IF SO, What do you think of it, and what issues must I be concerned about?

Respectfully,

Chuck

Chuck,

I’m doing exactly that. Most everything works in 64 bit mode. For those few “old” programs that I refuse to give up I use in XP mode. Not the most convenient solution but the virtual mode stays up until you shut it down and you keep using Win 7 in 64 bit mode.

I have been thinking about purchasing a new computer. All my current software is 32 bit stuff, and I would like to contiune to use most of it for a while ,but still provide for the future use of 64 bit software as it comes onto the market. I understand from Microsoft’s product statements that it is possible to download a plug-in from its web site for the Microsoft 7 Pro OS (I think they call it a virtual XP Mode.) that would give my new PC a 32 bit capablity in addition to the “standard” 64 bit capabilty. QUESTION: Has anyone tried downloading and using the XP mode? IF SO, What do you think of it, and what issues must I be concerned about?

Respectfully,

Chuck

Chuck,

I’m doing exactly that. Most everything works in 64 bit mode. For those few “old” programs that I refuse to give up I use in XP mode. Not the most convenient solution but the virtual mode stays up until you shut it down and you keep using Win 7 in 64 bit mode.

I have been thinking about purchasing a new computer. All my current software is 32 bit stuff, and I would like to contiune to use most of it for a while ,but still provide for the future use of 64 bit software as it comes onto the market. I understand from Microsoft’s product statements that it is possible to download a plug-in from its web site for the Microsoft 7 Pro OS (I think they call it a virtual XP Mode.) that would give my new PC a 32 bit capablity in addition to the “standard” 64 bit capabilty. QUESTION: Has anyone tried downloading and using the XP mode? IF SO, What do you think of it, and what issues must I be concerned about?

Respectfully,

Chuck

Chuck,

I’m doing exactly that. Most everything works in 64 bit mode. For those few “old” programs that I refuse to give up I use in XP mode. Not the most convenient solution but the virtual mode stays up until you shut it down and you keep using Win 7 in 64 bit mode.

I have been thinking about purchasing a new computer. All my current software is 32 bit stuff, and I would like to contiune to use most of it for a while ,but still provide for the future use of 64 bit software as it comes onto the market. I understand from Microsoft’s product statements that it is possible to download a plug-in from its web site for the Microsoft 7 Pro OS (I think they call it a virtual XP Mode.) that would give my new PC a 32 bit capablity in addition to the “standard” 64 bit capabilty. QUESTION: Has anyone tried downloading and using the XP mode? IF SO, What do you think of it, and what issues must I be concerned about?

Respectfully,

Chuck

Chuck,

I’m doing exactly that. Most everything works in 64 bit mode. For those few “old” programs that I refuse to give up I use in XP mode. Not the most convenient solution but the virtual mode stays up until you shut it down and you keep using Win 7 in 64 bit mode.

I have been thinking about purchasing a new computer. All my current software is 32 bit stuff, and I would like to contiune to use most of it for a while ,but still provide for the future use of 64 bit software as it comes onto the market. I understand from Microsoft’s product statements that it is possible to download a plug-in from its web site for the Microsoft 7 Pro OS (I think they call it a virtual XP Mode.) that would give my new PC a 32 bit capablity in addition to the “standard” 64 bit capabilty. QUESTION: Has anyone tried downloading and using the XP mode? IF SO, What do you think of it, and what issues must I be concerned about?

Respectfully,

Chuck

Chuck,

I’m doing exactly that. Most everything works in 64 bit mode. For those few “old” programs that I refuse to give up I use in XP mode. Not the most convenient solution but the virtual mode stays up until you shut it down and you keep using Win 7 in 64 bit mode.

After trial and error I discovered how to fix the spontaneous rebooting problem on my Dell OptiPlex 755 minitower PC. It’s running Windows 7 Professional 32-bit. I changed the default sleep setting in the Dell BIOS from “S3” to “S1”. The S3 setting puts the computer into a deeper sleep than the S1 setting. The S1 setting fixed the problem. This problem did not happen when running Windows XP Professional 32-bit.

Good catch, Pete. Most people don’t realize that the BIOS can cause and resolve many problems. I just wish the BIOS developers would give a better explanation of how and why a particular switch effects the system. The little instructions on the right side does not cut it if you’re only a newbie or intermediate user. By the way, how is a deep sleep different from a light sleep? I bet they don’t really clarify it.

It’s been doing it too long to roll back, so I think I’ll just live without gadgets, no big deal. The only other glitch in my system is an occasional Explorer crash I’ve never been able to pin down. Otherwise it works perfectly so I think I should just leave it alone.

Thanks for the replies.

Rusty,
Let me try one more time to persuade you to do a install / repair. The procedure will not remove your existing profile and will only repair any bad files. Gadgets are one of those fun things that make Win 7 “rich”. Until I read your original comment I never explored the Gadget application. It’s really wild. Besides the repair will most likely fix that Explorer problem. I suspect as time goes on you’ll experience more glitches and will eventually force you to re-install.

Norm

I wasn’t questioning the ‘legality’ of your actions but I was trying to understand why you did it that way. Your concerns may be unfounded, however. I’ve clean installed Windows 7 at least 3 times on one computer using an upgrade disk just trying to get it right! No problems.

Paul,

I may be mistaken about this but I thought you only have three chances to re-install Win 7 before it can’t be done again! I’m not sure how they do it but I think that may be one of many EULA interpretations. I also think that this was discussed in one of the Newsletters from this past summer. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Norm

That’s kind of like killing an ant with dynamite isn’t it? I could do that for every glitch, but I’d rather to fix the problem and maybe learn something in the process.
Thanks for the quick reply though.

Well, if you had this problem from the get-go then I suspect there is a glitch in the original install. I do intend to agree with you for the most part. Can you go to a previous restore point and try it?

are u using 64 bit?. by default 64 bit will stop u downloading files that are not digitaly signed. u can usually alter this in your bios screen

Not true. I’m using 64 bit and have no problem downloading and using gadgets.

I would suggest you do a repair install.

Well, I found an activation crack on the web. I wasn’t actively looking for one but found it by accident. I didn’t intend to bypass the install procedure of the OS, but I was building a new computer from scratch and was not sure how I wanted to partition the hard drive or even if I was going to add another hard drive. I was even mixing IDE with SATA, so I wanted to try it out first and see what went down. That way I could re-install without a hassle after I decided how I wanted to set up my system. However, the install went so smooth and perfect, and the activation crack work flawlessly that I decided to leave well enough alone. This will give me anther opportunity to re-do my system down the road when and if the need arises. The important thing for me was that I have a legal install and the ability to re-install at a future date.

Which begs the question: Why?

And what is the ‘loop hole’?

Two different key codes. They were bought as separate discs but as a single deal for $7 from the book store. (And yes they are absolutely legal and pass all MICROSOFT Genuine test). I’m not using the 32 bit disk but I found a loop hole to activate the 64 bit without putting in the key code. Illegal? Yes and no! It’s installed on one machine, one time and will not be used again! Method might be questionable but intent and use is not. It’s legally paid for and used according to the EULA. I’m sure I’ll hear all kinds of “talk” about this!

But how many key codes, as you can use ONLY one bit version at a time per key code?

Wow, I guess I made out very well. My daughter attends University of Buffalo and she bought me the Win 7 Ultimate for $7 (both 32 & 64 bit on separate CD’s).