32-bit application compatibility

[francis.winsys]

Hi All,

I am planning to migrate to Windows XP 64-bit because of Windows XP 32-bit cannot address memory more than 2Gb. I am concern with existing applications with 64bit XP, can anyone tell me how compatible is existing applications and hardware on 64-bit XP?

Many thanks!

Regards,

Francis

[Adam87]

I would like to know more about the compatibility also. I recently(yesterday) built a new computer and installed windows x64 and I am having trouble installing alot of 32 bit applications(most of them). I am either doing something wrong or they need to make xp 64 a whole lot more backwards compatible(I hope its just me).

[cluberti]

First, XP can address 4GB of RAM (unless you're speaking about process address space, which is 2GB by default, 3GB with the /3GB switch in the boot.ini file).

Second, what kind of applications are not running on a 64bit machine? Most applications should run fine, but there are some apps that will not run or install on 64bit Windows - 16bit installers and programs will not run, and 32bit antivirus and antispyware programs will not install or run either, to start with some obvious x64 incompatibilities.

[Adam87]

I spoke before I had the chance to test it out fully, I've been real busy and the programs I did test just so happen to be antivirus and antispyware programs and some incompatible drivers. I tested a couple of other 32-bit applications and they worked just fine.

PS: can some one point me to a good 64-bit antivirus program (preferably free)

[cluberti]

Avast and NOD32 are good free clients, whereas the big players also provide non-free x64 versions of their A/V products as well. Note that AVG provides a free 32bit version, but the x64 version is not free.

Edited March 27, 2006 by cluberti

[r3incarnat0r]

The most incompatibility issues are caused by programs, which uses their own (32-bit) driver/service. These are usually for example: A/V software, firewalls, burning software, virtual devices, CD ripping software, device drivers of course, etc...

There is a list of some native x64 software:

http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/in...hp/t330290.html

Regarding a firewall for x64, I also found these:

http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/beta/index.html

http://www.ghostsecurity.com/index.php?page=ghostwall