vista x32 or x64 how do i find out.

indream · Oct 22, 2010

my vista has crashed and wont boot and i dont know if i have vista x32 or x64. is there any way of finding out.

ilikefree · Oct 22, 2010

Click on the start right click on computer,select properties. its about half way down the page.

Ex_Brit · Oct 22, 2010

It wont boot so that wont help. Check the installation disk or wherever you obtained the system and/or OS from.

I'm surprised that you hadn't noticed that when it was working.

Will it boot in Safe Mode? (Tap F8 repeatedly while booting up). If so then you can check as ilikefree suggested.

Can't you remember from when it was working - things such as the Start Menu having 2 entries for Internet Explorer - one for the regular default 32-bit and one for 64-bit?

What kind of CPU does your motherboard have?

Lorien · Oct 22, 2010

One option is to see if you can find a serial number on the computer case (underneath if a laptop, on the sides or back if a desktop). Then contact the computer manufacturer and ask them what was installed on the computer when you purchased it (assuming you haven't upgraded or changed operating systems since then).

Here's another option. If you don't have a genuine Vista Installlation Disk, you can make a bootable Recovery Disk using http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/ along with burning software like: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/active-isoburner.html and, of course, a blank CD (perhaps made on a different computer if you can't boot normally or into safe mode on this one). To boot to the CD you may need to change the BIOS to make the CD-drive first in the boot sequence. To do that, wait for the screen that tells you the F key to push to access the boot menu or boot setup. Push it quickly. Make the changes, save your work, and exit. Put the CD in the drive and reboot. When prompted, push any key to boot from the CD.

Go to Recovery Environment and/or you will see a list of about 6 options. Select Command Prompt. Type cd C:\Windows\servicing\version and enter. type dir and enter. It should list a folder name that is a number which is the version number of the system. Type cd and then that directory name exactly as it reads and enter. Type dir and enter. It should list a file (mine, for example says .x86_installed which means I have a 32-bit system - and so would you if it says that). If it says .x64_installed it means you have a 64-bit system. I haven't tested this procedure on a 64-bit system to confirm the filepath is the same as on my 32-bit system, but I suspect it is. If it isn't, then chances are you have a 64-bit system, but to confirm it you'd need someone with a 64-bit system to give you the correct filepath so you can verify it.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

chaosrealm93 · Oct 22, 2010

if you bought your computer from a brand name like HP, gateway, check the windows label stuck on your case, either on the side or back. it should say there

Patonb · Oct 22, 2010

Or even simpler..... how much ram? 4Gigs is mostly 64 bit, and less than 4 is usually 32bit.

Lorien · Oct 22, 2010

I've seen 32-bit systems with 4GB (even if it can only really use about 3.2-3.4GB realistically); however, the methodology and suggestion is quite practical and can help you make an educated guess (but not prove with guaranteed certainty). If it has MORE than 4GB, then it is almost certainly 64-bit (since 32-bit systems can't use more even if the hardware allows more to be installed and many if not most 32-bit hardware doesn't support more than 4GB - but there are some rare people who have the right hardware (maybe it was designed for 64-bit but the owner decided he preferred 32-bit instead) and do so anyway even if it serves no purpose). 4GB is sort of a toss-up, leaning towards 64-bit (but not proof). If it has less than 4GB it is most likely to be 32-bit (but again, that isn't positive proof even if I find it hard to imagine anyone with a 64-bit system bothering with that unless they were using at the very least 4GB and probably more RAM).

Why are you asking the question? Obviously, you can't boot so you need help getting that resolved. Perhaps if you explain your problem more clearly and in greater detail (including the manufacturer, make, and model of computer and version of Vista and what exactly has happened and what you've tried so far to resolve the problem and what you have in terms of methods to re-install Vista or repair Vista) we can help you more than just suggesting ways to determine whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit. We'll be happy to assist any way we can, but we need much more information before we can do that. The decision is yours.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

Patonb · Oct 22, 2010

^Like usual, you are correct Lorien... And i thought about it too as i wrote, but 90% chance that as he bought a prebuilt, and the 4Gig -> 64bit and 3Gig -> 32bit is the way they go...

He's probably trying to find a disk to do a reinstall/repair.

Lorien · Oct 22, 2010

Patonb said:
^Like usual, you are correct Lorien... And i thought about it too as i wrote, but 90% chance that as he bought a prebuilt, and the 4Gig -> 64bit and 3Gig -> 32bit is the way they go...

He's probably trying to find a disk to do a reinstall/repair.

I think that's probably the case as well. Still, such a radical solution may not be necessary and I wanted to make sure he knew we would try our best to help him resolve the problem - perhaps there's an easier way though maybe a re-install is the right or only solution. In any case, without a whole lot more information from indream, there isn't anything more we can do.

Have a good one!

ilikefree · Oct 23, 2010

Ex_Brit said:
It wont boot so that wont help. Check the installation disk or wherever you obtained the system and/or OS from.

I'm surprised that you hadn't noticed that when it was working.

Will it boot in Safe Mode? (Tap F8 repeatedly while booting up). If so then you can check as ilikefree suggested.

Can't you remember from when it was working - things such as the Start Menu having 2 entries for Internet Explorer on for the regular default 32-bit and one for 64-bit?

What kind of CPU does your motherboard have?

I don't know how I missed that, must be the drugs I'm on.

Lorien · Oct 23, 2010

ilikefree said:
I don't know how I missed that, must be the drugs I'm on.

It's your old college days catching up to you. :D. Hey, we've all done that. In any case, there are MANY different potential solutions provided in this thread so I'm sure at least one will answer the question. I've even offered our assistance with whatever problem is causing indream to ask this question.

Indream,

I once again extend our offer to assist with whatever problems you are having as re-installing the operating system (which is what we suspect you are trying to do) is a last resort and we may be able to find a simpler answer - or if by chance you still haven't figured out what bit-size you have installed.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

vista x32 or x64 how do i find out.

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