XP not Vista

probably not, why do you want that, vista isn't that bad

because I can't wait til October to get the Vista w/ XP capability plus Vista at 64 bit and Xp at 32 bit the programs i will be using are only 32 bit and will not work on vista...unless vistas run 32 bit programs???

Don't know why you would want to still use Xp, and your going to need to use Vista/Win7 eventually unless you want your computer to have lack of compatibility with anything new.

In any case, you can still get Xp if your purchase a business class computer such as a Vostro, although you pay an additional $99 over the Vista price.

Do more reading. First, most 32bit programs will run just fine on 64bit windows, as long as no special drivers are needed. Second, not all copies of Vista are 64bit. There are several 32bit copies. I believe Win7 is going to be the first (windows) OS that is 64bit only, and that has yet to be 100% confirmed.

What programs exactly are you talking about? I run Vista 64, Win 7 64, and Vista 32. My programs work fine in all of them. A 64bit OS can run 32bit applications, there are few compatibility problems. You can also stick with a 32bit version of Vista if your still worried about compatibility of 64bit.

I'm also not sure what you mean by Vista w/ XP capability in October, are you referring to the "Xp mode" in Windows 7? If so that is just a virtual machine, any one could run one now if they wanted to.

Win 7 Beta and RC have 32bit versions, from what I've read Win 7 will be the last OS Microsoft will offer in 32bit.

The program I am trying to run is a downloadable diagnostic program recommended for XP only and 32 bit only

You would just have to right click the program and put it in XP compatible mode.

Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders: $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Occasionally it will show up on an Egg eBlast with a slight discount

Can someone help me. Just came back from Best Buy, talk to a member from the Geek Squad and he was the one that recommended I by a Dell and get it customized with the windows Xp and 32 bit for the business programs I needed to download. Some of you are saying I can run the 32 bit programs on Vista? Help?

Dude don't buy a dell buy an asus

Post a link to this program, and I am sure that there are several members that would be able to test it for you. (I hope that email notifications are fixed soon...)

A "downloadable diagnostic program" is a business program? Rather then give us the details spread throughout this thread, just tell us what your trying to do. Don't listen to the BB dude, he's just trying to sell stuff.

XP, XP64, Vista and Vista64 will all run most any 32 bit app out there.

Any computer you buy from Dell will have limited upgradability. Find a custom PC builder and you can get exactly what hardware and software you want.

Contact the maker of your program and confirm with THEM the computer and OS version you should be using. The maker of your program is the best source for this information, period, end of discussion.

The kid at Best Buy just wants to sell you a computer and couldnt' care less if it works for you. Just as long as he gets his commission.