Partition 64-bit W8 for 32-bit Vista

twhefferon · Jun 10, 2013

I have old 32-bit programs that will run in XP and Vista, but not install or run in 64-bit W7 or W8. Can I partition a new 64-bit W7 or W8 laptop HD, install 32-bit XP or Vista and install and run my old 32-bit programs?

USAFRet · Jun 10, 2013

Yes. Dual boot should be no problem. Another solution would be running a Virtual Machine. Microsoft's Hyper-V, or Oracles VirtualBox would do the trick.

Rogue77777 · Jun 10, 2013

If your OS is Pro, you can just install XP Mode (Free) and run your old apps.

twhefferon · Jun 10, 2013

USAFRet :

twhefferon · Jun 10, 2013

Thanks for that good response. Most encouraging. Hey! I was USAF, too, out in 1970 after 4+, in TAC at Spangdahlem and Bitburg, West Germany. My old program is Quattro Pro v. 5 (1993). It has all my old (continuing on my Vista machine) business records, so I need to use it daily (old machine is going squirrely). My other old program is Office's Word 97, which installs, loads and works in W7, at least. What I want to do is get a new W7 or W8 laptop, partition it and install either XP or Vista, then add both my old programs. I know that can be done, but the problem I fear is then accessing old 32-bit programs in a new partition on a W7 or W8 64-bit machine. Is that a problem? Are you suggesting I won't have one? Or, might I need to zap the newer OS on a new machine, format the entire HD, then install XP or Vista? Assuming, though I don't know, there'll be no new problem regarding 64-bit? Its the 64-bit thing that's bugging me.

USAFRet · Jun 10, 2013

twhefferon :

Having XP on the other partition will work just fine. The two partitions don't talk to each other at all.
Or, as mentioned, a Virtual Machine. Functionally, a whole other PC, running whatever OS you want. It lives in a single file on the host Windows 7 or 8. But acts almost 100% like a standalone PC. I use this often, sometimes running 2 or 3 at the same time. Full access to the Windows 8 host, and full access to an XP virtual machine.

Ramstein, 87-91 (among other places)

twhefferon · Jun 10, 2013

USAFRet :

twhefferon :

Having XP on the other partition will work just fine. The two partitions don't talk to each other at all.
Or, as mentioned, a Virtual Machine. Functionally, a whole other PC, running whatever OS you want. It lives in a single file on the host Windows 7 or 8. But acts almost 100% like a standalone PC. I use this often, sometimes running 2 or 3 at the same time. Full access to the Windows 8 host, and full access to an XP virtual machine.

Ramstein, 87-91 (among other places)

twhefferon · Jun 10, 2013

Thank you again! I was at Spang and Bitburg in TAC 67 to 70. Well before you were at Ramstein, I guess. Got out in 70. You certainly seem to know what you're talking about on these issues. I liked the part about how the partitioned OS's "don't talk to each other at all". Sounds good, but virtual machines are still a bit beyond my ken. Still like hearing your take on the 32-bit v. 64-bit business. Would the new 64-bit machine somehow interfere with a 32-bit OS? Does it matter? Is the 32 v. 64 thing inherent in the machine or obviated by a new OS? If I do it, would I need insure I'd be able to load a 32-bit version of XP or Vista? Are those OS's not already all 32-bit? I only ask because I've got a guy who could do it all for me. Just don't know if his versions of XP or Vista would be 32's or 64's or, if the latter, compatible with my old applications. This is all necessitated by the squirrely activity on my old machine. A good one, an HP G60-441 US Notebook PC. Its been very trusty, but getting on. Its running Vista 32-bit and its screen goes inexplicably black on me. So, I'm worried.

USAFRet · Jun 10, 2013

There will be zero problem running the 32bit XP or Vista in one partition, and the 64bit Win7 or 8 in another. Since you're only running one at a time, one does not know or care about the other.

As far as the actual hardware being 64bit, that is of no concern either. I've run all sorts of combinations. Dualboot 64bit Win7 and 32bit Linux. Or Win7 dualboot with 32bit Server2003.

It will run just fine.

USAFRet · Jun 10, 2013

One more thing: Windows XP goes off support in April 2014. No more updates, security or otherwise. Vista's extended support ends in 2017. Mainstream support ended last year. Same with Office 2007.

So you might want to look at replacements for those old applications.

twhefferon · Jun 10, 2013

USAFRet :

twhefferon · Jun 10, 2013

You're a good man, Charlie Brown. Thanks for all your help.

twhefferon · Jun 25, 2013

Rogue77777 :

twhefferon · Jun 25, 2013

My Windows 7 OS is not Pro. Must I have it, or can I download and use it in W7 basic/home?

twhefferon · Jun 25, 2013

Rogue77777 :

twhefferon · Jun 25, 2013

Sorry. I meant can I download and use XP Mode in basic/home W7?

USAFRet · Jun 25, 2013

twhefferon :

Sorry. Only Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/windows-xp-mode

Partition 64-bit W8 for 32-bit Vista

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