I have the required hardware to have a 64 bit OS. I am wondering if I bought the Windows 7 64 bit upgrade would it would considering I currently have a 32 bit version of Windows XP, even though I have the right hardware to run a 64 bit OS?
It'll work just fine. The best method would be to do a fresh install. Keep in mind that some programs, especially older ones may have issues working on W7, i.e. programs that you may depend on for work. If that is the case, go with either the Pro or Ultimate versions, as they come with XP mode (virtualization). Just make sure your processor supports it.
Remember that you must do a clean install when upgrading from XP, so all programs will have to be reinstalled.
You can use the W7 Easy Transfer Wizard to save files and settings to an external drive.
A tutorial on how to upgrade from XP and use the W7 ETW from XP here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us [...] radeFromXP
I've had a rethink, and since the 64 bit needs more RAM to run, and my motherboard can't take more than 4GB of RAM it would actually slow down my PC if I had a 64 bit OS.
Is there anything else I need to think about, before going to Windows 7?
According to benchmarks they are close enough that it's worth the newer system. I moved from xp64 to 7-64 and it's great. The upgrade will work and make sure you do a clean install. Check google for various benchmarks regarding gaming performance. If done right a 64-bit application will be faster due to the ability to load larger chucks of memory.
Your not going to do and upgrade from XP 32 to Windows 7 64 for couple reasons. One you can't go from 32 bit to 64 bit and two there is no upgrade path from XP, you can only do a clean install. So back up all your files and install. 4GB of memory will work fine and be enough to run W7 and it wont be slower than XP.
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