Using Vista 32bit and want to add 64bit version

damocles

damocles

virtue & horse hair
Vista Pro
Hi everyone,

Great forum.

I am currently using a vista ultimate 32bit machine for Photoshop drawings. As these images can become very large (up to 4gb in size) I am using my second drive as a scratch disk which slows thing down. My system has 4 gb ram but 32 bit only sees 3gb and I would like to utilize the extra gig and maybe add a further 2 or 4 gigs in the future - hence the upgrade to vista 64bit.

Before I do, I have a few issues/queries.

1. I will buy a new hard drive to install the 64bit OS as a clean install and leave my 32bit OS on it's original disk incase it all goes horribly wrong. As I will now have three hard drives installed will this affect the installation of vista 64 bit?

Will it interfere with the 32 bit versions boot sector?.... as I may need to swap back


2. I've read that vista 64bit has problems installing with 4gb ram installed. Is this true? Seems really odd if this is the case.

3. How do I install the sata drivers for the installation to recognize the hard drives?

4. Has anyone got any important tips for installation to save me problems before I start?


Cheers in advances

Chris

System. Asus P5B deluxe, Intel 6700 processor O/C to 3ghz, 4 gb Ram, 74gb Raptor (windows vista32), 320gb HD(Storage), Nvidia 8800gts 640mb, A3 Wacom Tablet

I will add another Raptor X 150gb for Vista64
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    system1 (system2)
    CPU
    q9650 3ghz (i7 920)
    Motherboard
    Asus p5q deluxe (p6t deluxe)
    Memory
    16gb ddr2 (12gb ddr3)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 8800GTS 640mb (285gtx 1gb)
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG301w, Dell 2407
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600 + 1920 x1200
    Hard Drives
    Raptor 74gb,
    Raptor 150gb,
    500gb x2,
    320gb,
    750gb
    (raptor 150gb, 2x 500gb)
    PSU
    ocz 600w (ocz750w)
    Case
    coolermaster stacker (coolermaster 690)
    Cooling
    many fans
    Keyboard
    apple slim aluminum jobbie
    Mouse
    intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    2mb
    Other Info
    Wacom A3 tablet, Epson 3800
Is there no one that can help me with these queries?

Thanks

Chris
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    system1 (system2)
    CPU
    q9650 3ghz (i7 920)
    Motherboard
    Asus p5q deluxe (p6t deluxe)
    Memory
    16gb ddr2 (12gb ddr3)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 8800GTS 640mb (285gtx 1gb)
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG301w, Dell 2407
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600 + 1920 x1200
    Hard Drives
    Raptor 74gb,
    Raptor 150gb,
    500gb x2,
    320gb,
    750gb
    (raptor 150gb, 2x 500gb)
    PSU
    ocz 600w (ocz750w)
    Case
    coolermaster stacker (coolermaster 690)
    Cooling
    many fans
    Keyboard
    apple slim aluminum jobbie
    Mouse
    intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    2mb
    Other Info
    Wacom A3 tablet, Epson 3800
damocles said:
Hi everyone,

Great forum.

I am currently using a vista ultimate 32bit machine for Photoshop drawings. As these images can become very large (up to 4gb in size) I am using my second drive as a scratch disk which slows thing down. My system has 4 gb ram but 32 bit only sees 3gb and I would like to utilize the extra gig and maybe add a further 2 or 4 gigs in the future - hence the upgrade to vista 64bit.

Before I do, I have a few issues/queries.
Click to expand...

Is, it's not that Vista sees only 3GB RAM, it's the hardware. If you do the math (((2^32) / 1024) / 1024) / 1024 = 4GB. The so-called 3GB limit is because some devices on your motherboard (either on-board, or add-on cards), maps some of that 4GB for their own use. This is why you only appear to see 3GB in Vista.

Now, on to yourt questions...

damocles said:
1. I will buy a new hard drive to install the 64bit OS as a clean install and leave my 32bit OS on it's original disk incase it all goes horribly wrong. As I will now have three hard drives installed will this affect the installation of vista 64 bit?

Will it interfere with the 32 bit versions boot sector?.... as I may need to swap back
Click to expand...

If you keep the old hard disk in when you install Vista x64, it will modify the boot sector so that you get a choice of which Vista you want to start whenever you boot up. It's perfectly safe to do this.

If you're still not sure, then your safest chance would be to physically remove the old hard disk BEFORE you install Vista x64. When the installation is done, plug the old hard disk back in, then use your BIOS Boot Order to specify which drive to boot from, depending on which Vista you want.

The first option of allowing Vista to setup dual-boot boot is an easier way of doing things.

damocles said:
2. I've read that vista 64bit has problems installing with 4gb ram installed. Is this true? Seems really odd if this is the case.
Click to expand...

That depends on many factors, not the least of which are rubbish motherboards, or poor memory controllers. I installed Vista x64 onto my system with 4GB ram installed, and experienced no problems. Seing as you're also using an ASUS Motherboard, you should also be able to install Vista x64 with the full complement of memory installed.

damocles said:
3. How do I install the sata drivers for the installation to recognize the hard drives?
Click to expand...

When you start the installation, and you get to the point where you choose which drive to install to, choose the advance option, then install drivers.

damocles said:
4. Has anyone got any important tips for installation to save me problems before I start?
Click to expand...

Yes, and this is the most important. Make sure that you have all the Vista x64 Driver for all your important hardware first, before you even open the Vista x64 package. Too many people leave this for the last, and end up having problems.

damocles said:
Cheers in advances

Chris

System. Asus P5B deluxe, Intel 6700 processor O/C to 3ghz, 4 gb Ram, 74gb Raptor (windows vista32), 320gb HD(Storage), Nvidia 8800gts 640mb, A3 Wacom Tablet

I will add another Raptor X 150gb for Vista64
Click to expand...

Nice system, except for the Intel CPU... ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9600 Quad
    Motherboard
    ASUS MB-M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi
    Memory
    2 x A-Data 2GB DDR2-800
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ATI Radeon HD 2400PRO
    Monitor(s) Displays
    SAHARA 21"
    Screen Resolution
    1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    2 x 80GB Seagate (I)
    2 x 120GB Seagate (I/S)
    2 x 200GB Seagate (I/S)
    2 x 250GB Seagate (I/S)
    PSU
    800W
    Case
    Thermaltake Tai-Chi
    Cooling
    Tai-Chi Water Cooler
    Keyboard
    Genius
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Internet Speed
    384kbps
    Other Info
    Currently dual booting between Vista x64 Ultimate Windows 7 BETA x64
Many thanks for your help dzomlija! It has cleared a few things up.

I was aware of the 32 bit issue and I thinks it's a real pain as I will need to upgrade the memory later down the line as the artwork is becoming more complex and demanding on the system resources. I should have done more research into this before I bought the x86 system - I have realised since that 64 bit is the only way forward for my kind of work.

I have downloaded all my x64 drivers for my hardware and they all look like they're signed.

For the sata drivers, do you think they will be on the Asus Install CD or is it better to download them? The system has no floppy drive so I might need to use my SD/CF/memory sticks or DVD drive (rewritable disk).....

Cheers
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    system1 (system2)
    CPU
    q9650 3ghz (i7 920)
    Motherboard
    Asus p5q deluxe (p6t deluxe)
    Memory
    16gb ddr2 (12gb ddr3)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 8800GTS 640mb (285gtx 1gb)
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG301w, Dell 2407
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600 + 1920 x1200
    Hard Drives
    Raptor 74gb,
    Raptor 150gb,
    500gb x2,
    320gb,
    750gb
    (raptor 150gb, 2x 500gb)
    PSU
    ocz 600w (ocz750w)
    Case
    coolermaster stacker (coolermaster 690)
    Cooling
    many fans
    Keyboard
    apple slim aluminum jobbie
    Mouse
    intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    2mb
    Other Info
    Wacom A3 tablet, Epson 3800
damocles said:
Many thanks for your help dzomlija! It has cleared a few things up.
Click to expand...

Glad to be of service.

damocles said:
I was aware of the 32 bit issue and I thinks it's a real pain as I will need to upgrade the memory later down the line as the artwork is becoming more complex and demanding on the system resources. I should have done more research into this before I bought the x86 system - I have realised since that 64 bit is the only way forward for my kind of work.
Click to expand...

Most (if not all) new computers these days use x64 processors. What determines the difference is the operating system you use. I specifically built my rig with the intention of installing Vista x64.

For the record, you should check whether your motherboard can support more than 4GB memory, and also don't be too surprised if even if you do go to Vista x64, that you have less than 4GB available, even with 4GB installed.

The limitation I mentioned in an earlier post is because of the 32-bit addressed hardware peripherals attached to the motherboard.

A portion of memory will always be reserved for hardware use, and will thus be unavailable to the system, regardless of whether you have 4GB or 128GB installed. Untill all hardware manufactuers go to pure 64 bit addressing, this will always be the case.

damocles said:
I have downloaded all my x64 drivers for my hardware and they all look like they're signed.
Click to expand...

Always a good thing.

If you are using market leader hardware (ASUS is one of them), then you shouldn't have a problem, as most market leaders provide signed drivers.

damocles said:
For the sata drivers, do you think they will be on the Asus Install CD or is it better to download them? The system has no floppy drive so I might need to use my SD/CF/memory sticks or DVD drive (rewritable disk).....

Cheers
Click to expand...

If the Asus install CD includes Vista drivers, then yes, the SATA drivers should be ther too, but it's almost a given that those you an download will be newer than those on the cd.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9600 Quad
    Motherboard
    ASUS MB-M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi
    Memory
    2 x A-Data 2GB DDR2-800
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ATI Radeon HD 2400PRO
    Monitor(s) Displays
    SAHARA 21"
    Screen Resolution
    1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    2 x 80GB Seagate (I)
    2 x 120GB Seagate (I/S)
    2 x 200GB Seagate (I/S)
    2 x 250GB Seagate (I/S)
    PSU
    800W
    Case
    Thermaltake Tai-Chi
    Cooling
    Tai-Chi Water Cooler
    Keyboard
    Genius
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Internet Speed
    384kbps
    Other Info
    Currently dual booting between Vista x64 Ultimate Windows 7 BETA x64
Great!

Thanks again
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    system1 (system2)
    CPU
    q9650 3ghz (i7 920)
    Motherboard
    Asus p5q deluxe (p6t deluxe)
    Memory
    16gb ddr2 (12gb ddr3)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 8800GTS 640mb (285gtx 1gb)
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG301w, Dell 2407
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600 + 1920 x1200
    Hard Drives
    Raptor 74gb,
    Raptor 150gb,
    500gb x2,
    320gb,
    750gb
    (raptor 150gb, 2x 500gb)
    PSU
    ocz 600w (ocz750w)
    Case
    coolermaster stacker (coolermaster 690)
    Cooling
    many fans
    Keyboard
    apple slim aluminum jobbie
    Mouse
    intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    2mb
    Other Info
    Wacom A3 tablet, Epson 3800
Sorry to be a hassle again.

I have had a look for the newer sata drivers on the Asus website and I'm not sure which ones to download. Do I use the vista 64bit Intel Chipset installation utility or are they located somewhere else?

Also...my processor is overclocked ( by the system builder via the bios ) will this affect the installation. Just need to cover and prepare for most situations.

Cheers

chris
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    system1 (system2)
    CPU
    q9650 3ghz (i7 920)
    Motherboard
    Asus p5q deluxe (p6t deluxe)
    Memory
    16gb ddr2 (12gb ddr3)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 8800GTS 640mb (285gtx 1gb)
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG301w, Dell 2407
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600 + 1920 x1200
    Hard Drives
    Raptor 74gb,
    Raptor 150gb,
    500gb x2,
    320gb,
    750gb
    (raptor 150gb, 2x 500gb)
    PSU
    ocz 600w (ocz750w)
    Case
    coolermaster stacker (coolermaster 690)
    Cooling
    many fans
    Keyboard
    apple slim aluminum jobbie
    Mouse
    intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    2mb
    Other Info
    Wacom A3 tablet, Epson 3800
damocles said:
Sorry to be a hassle again.

I have had a look for the newer sata drivers on the Asus website and I'm not sure which ones to download. Do I use the vista 64bit Intel Chipset installation utility or are they located somewhere else?
Click to expand...

The drivers you want to use the allow the Vista installer to use your SATA drives are on the disk, and at that stage of the game, you can't use the Intel Driver Install Utility, because you busy installing Vista.

You can always just browse to the correct location on the CD when required.

damocles said:
Also...my processor is overclocked ( by the system builder via the bios ) will this affect the installation. Just need to cover and prepare for most situations.

Cheers

chris
Click to expand...

It could. But this begs the question: Why on Earth would you buy a computer that has already been overclocked?

I suggest you make a note of the appropriate settings in the BIOS, and then reset them to the defaults before starting the installation if Vista. When you are done, you can then set them back.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9600 Quad
    Motherboard
    ASUS MB-M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi
    Memory
    2 x A-Data 2GB DDR2-800
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ATI Radeon HD 2400PRO
    Monitor(s) Displays
    SAHARA 21"
    Screen Resolution
    1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    2 x 80GB Seagate (I)
    2 x 120GB Seagate (I/S)
    2 x 200GB Seagate (I/S)
    2 x 250GB Seagate (I/S)
    PSU
    800W
    Case
    Thermaltake Tai-Chi
    Cooling
    Tai-Chi Water Cooler
    Keyboard
    Genius
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Internet Speed
    384kbps
    Other Info
    Currently dual booting between Vista x64 Ultimate Windows 7 BETA x64
It could. But this begs the question: Why on Earth would you buy a computer that has already been overclocked?

I suggest you make a note of the appropriate settings in the BIOS, and then reset them to the defaults before starting the installation if Vista. When you are done, you can then set them back.
Click to expand...

I thought it would be faster.....which it is.

I will do exactly that...many thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    system1 (system2)
    CPU
    q9650 3ghz (i7 920)
    Motherboard
    Asus p5q deluxe (p6t deluxe)
    Memory
    16gb ddr2 (12gb ddr3)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 8800GTS 640mb (285gtx 1gb)
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG301w, Dell 2407
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600 + 1920 x1200
    Hard Drives
    Raptor 74gb,
    Raptor 150gb,
    500gb x2,
    320gb,
    750gb
    (raptor 150gb, 2x 500gb)
    PSU
    ocz 600w (ocz750w)
    Case
    coolermaster stacker (coolermaster 690)
    Cooling
    many fans
    Keyboard
    apple slim aluminum jobbie
    Mouse
    intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    2mb
    Other Info
    Wacom A3 tablet, Epson 3800
Ok...OS and Hard drive arriving today. I'm very much looking forward to the install ( even with the potential problems ).

One small question. As I have 4 gb (4 x 1gb) installed, is it compulsory to take out 2gb to install O/S - add KB929777 patch - shut down - replace the 2gb (enable remapping) - start up ?

....or will the install work without the above faffing around.

Cheers


Chris
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    system1 (system2)
    CPU
    q9650 3ghz (i7 920)
    Motherboard
    Asus p5q deluxe (p6t deluxe)
    Memory
    16gb ddr2 (12gb ddr3)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 8800GTS 640mb (285gtx 1gb)
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG301w, Dell 2407
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600 + 1920 x1200
    Hard Drives
    Raptor 74gb,
    Raptor 150gb,
    500gb x2,
    320gb,
    750gb
    (raptor 150gb, 2x 500gb)
    PSU
    ocz 600w (ocz750w)
    Case
    coolermaster stacker (coolermaster 690)
    Cooling
    many fans
    Keyboard
    apple slim aluminum jobbie
    Mouse
    intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    2mb
    Other Info
    Wacom A3 tablet, Epson 3800
damocles said:
Ok...OS and Hard drive arriving today. I'm very much looking forward to the install ( even with the potential problems ).

One small question. As I have 4 gb (4 x 1gb) installed, is it compulsory to take out 2gb to install O/S - add KB929777 patch - shut down - replace the 2gb (enable remapping) - start up ?

....or will the install work without the above faffing around.

Cheers


Chris
Click to expand...

This particular subject has been debated to death. There are those who have had endless problems installing with more than 2GB memory installed, and there are those who had no problems (like me).

There are just too many factors to single out one issue in particular that causes this. I suppose from one point of view, the acid test as to whether you have purchased good hardware or not is to install Vista with the full compliment of 4GB memory.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 9600 Quad
    Motherboard
    ASUS MB-M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi
    Memory
    2 x A-Data 2GB DDR2-800
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ATI Radeon HD 2400PRO
    Monitor(s) Displays
    SAHARA 21"
    Screen Resolution
    1600x1200
    Hard Drives
    2 x 80GB Seagate (I)
    2 x 120GB Seagate (I/S)
    2 x 200GB Seagate (I/S)
    2 x 250GB Seagate (I/S)
    PSU
    800W
    Case
    Thermaltake Tai-Chi
    Cooling
    Tai-Chi Water Cooler
    Keyboard
    Genius
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Internet Speed
    384kbps
    Other Info
    Currently dual booting between Vista x64 Ultimate Windows 7 BETA x64
Oooops, sorry about bringing up the 4gb issue - there is alot of forums talking about it and it may be an issue. I'm aware of it and know what to do if I blue screen.

It's good and reassuring to know you had no problems - I will try with 4gb and reduce if necessary. As always, I just want to be sure.

Thanks for your reply........swift as ever :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    system1 (system2)
    CPU
    q9650 3ghz (i7 920)
    Motherboard
    Asus p5q deluxe (p6t deluxe)
    Memory
    16gb ddr2 (12gb ddr3)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 8800GTS 640mb (285gtx 1gb)
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG301w, Dell 2407
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600 + 1920 x1200
    Hard Drives
    Raptor 74gb,
    Raptor 150gb,
    500gb x2,
    320gb,
    750gb
    (raptor 150gb, 2x 500gb)
    PSU
    ocz 600w (ocz750w)
    Case
    coolermaster stacker (coolermaster 690)
    Cooling
    many fans
    Keyboard
    apple slim aluminum jobbie
    Mouse
    intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    2mb
    Other Info
    Wacom A3 tablet, Epson 3800
First off, it has nothing to do with the motherboard with the BSOD you get when trying to install w/ 4gb. I had the problem with my asus board and my current abit board. So if you have that issue, then yes, you would have to do what you stated to take out the 2gb, install patch, then reinstall the other 2gb. PITA, but it worked.
 

My Computer

System One

Well....What can I say. It took 1hr 30mins to do.

Not a single problem installing vista 64 bit and Photoshop sees over 3gb ram - perfect.

All drivers are installed and fully functional - all updates...eerrrr updated and it's flying. Awesome.

Thanks guy's for your help in my preparation.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    system1 (system2)
    CPU
    q9650 3ghz (i7 920)
    Motherboard
    Asus p5q deluxe (p6t deluxe)
    Memory
    16gb ddr2 (12gb ddr3)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 8800GTS 640mb (285gtx 1gb)
    Sound Card
    on board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Eizo CG301w, Dell 2407
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600 + 1920 x1200
    Hard Drives
    Raptor 74gb,
    Raptor 150gb,
    500gb x2,
    320gb,
    750gb
    (raptor 150gb, 2x 500gb)
    PSU
    ocz 600w (ocz750w)
    Case
    coolermaster stacker (coolermaster 690)
    Cooling
    many fans
    Keyboard
    apple slim aluminum jobbie
    Mouse
    intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    2mb
    Other Info
    Wacom A3 tablet, Epson 3800
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