Vista - windows vista 64 bit (Digidesign protools 8.0)

hello all,
Im new to this site and would appreciate any feedback possible. I know this question has prolly been brought up alot but here i go.
I bought mbox 2 8.0 le version, but didnt do enough research and bought a gatewayDX4200-09 whitch comes with vista 64 bit pre-installed. After having trouble trying to install i realized pro tools requires 32 bit vista or xp 32. Luckily my school supplied me with vista 32 bit but im wanting to know is it possible to re-format and wipe my computer clean, then install vista 32 bit to be able to run pro tools? How complicated is it and has anyone done this before?
Thanks again for your Time reading this

If u are going to change your os (from 32 to 64) for only running that tool, I'm not gonna appreciate that. Because 64 bit is better than 32 bit.

U can use virtual pc to run that tool. In virtual pc u can install 32 bit vista or xp.

Download virtual pc 2007 64 bit. and install 32 bit vista in that. Then u can run that tool... Also u can work on 32 & 64 at the same time.(like two computers)



If u have any problem in configuring virtual pc u can post here or pm me

Hi icebelowfreeze,

Seeing that you already have Vista x64 installed, you've found that one of your programs doesn't work under x64. I would suggest your weigh the pros and cons of using a 64-bit OS vs a 32-bit OS. While for example 64-bit OS can handle more memory and is more secure, as you've found out, it could be problematic with some programs, or programs may not be available for 64-bit OS.

These are the things you need to think about when deciding to go with a 64-bit OS. You could read this to get more of a feel for what a 64-bit OS can offer - 64-bit: More than just the RAM

Now, the purpose of my post isn't to convince you to stay with 64-bit or not, but to make you think about what's best for "your" usage, not what someone else says.

When I first made the switch to Vista 64, I immediately switched back to 32 because I had programs that were essential to my photography needs which 64 didn’t support, and since I was making money, I needed to stay with a 32-bit OS. However I've since moved back to Vista 64 for the security and memory capacity.

However, I've also made the decision that if I want to keep certain programs (Nikon Scan software for Nikon film scanner) I was going to have to keep a 32-bit OS around until I found a replacement or no longer needed the program.

In the end, I've learned to adapt to just using Vista x64, though I use XP for my Nikon scan needs, but that's by choice, as opposed to being forced - VueScan now allows me to use my Nikon scanner under Vista x64, but I don't like it, so I keep a copy Windows XP on one of my drives.

Bottom line is you need to decide what’s important to you and make the decision from there. Yes x64 has its benefits and is the future, but there are still certain programs that will never see the light of day for x64, and thus you either have to switch, find a suitable sub, go without, or stick with/keep a 32bit OS around.

Just my two cents

And to answer your question With regards to switching the OS, read this - Clean Install From Upgrade Vista or this - Clean Install with a Full Version of Vista. Since you're switching from Vista 64 - 32 you'll have to use one of those methods.

Good luck

Yeah you're outta luck until DigiDesign decides to develop 64bit drivers, so if you still haven't reinstalled windows yet its fairly simple if you just follow the prompts and don't click anything you're unsure what it does (a standard windows install is pretty self explanatory once you pop in the disk). Just make sure you backup all important files to a external hard-drive or something cus the reformat wile wipe everything.

Personally I'm a little shocked and upset DD hasn't made the jump to 64bit yet especially since a DAW (digital audio workstation not some simple tool) could certainly benefit from the increased system performace.

Need any more help feel free to ask.