XP 64-bit vs 32-bit

[GN85]

I'm gonna reformat my bro's computer pretty soon, and I'm just wondering if installing the 64 bit version of XP is recommended. He has an X2 3800+ with 4 gigs of ram.

It's not exactly the most popular OS, so I'm wondering what software/driver compatibility and support is like, or if there are any other problems that I may run into that are not present in the 32 bit edition.

[firebane]

I've been running XP x64 for a few months now and have had absolutely NO problems with it at all.

[Version_3]

I've been running XP x64 for a few months now and have had absolutely NO problems with it at all.

I'm in the same boat, just been floating longer than firebane.

[Grentz]

There are a few programs out there that still do not play nice, and some drivers will not work (so make sure all his hardware has 64bit drivers).

Overall it is not that bad though, just not something to put on a regular persons computer yet. There still are somethings that will not work with it and it would be confusing to a non-techie person to have to deal with.

[-Dragon-]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm fairly sure that XP doesn't have a permissive architecture license like Vista does, i.e. your 32-bit XP key won't work in 64-bit XP. If part of your requirement for this is to be "legal" and you don't want to pony up the extra cash for XP-64 then you're stuck with 32. If you are ponying up the cash, Vista might be another option as MS is pushing (mandating?) 64-bit support for it, and is probably the main reason XP-64 doesn't suck like it used to (3rd party support wise).

[Grentz]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm fairly sure that XP doesn't have a permissive architecture license like Vista does, i.e. your 32-bit XP key won't work in 64-bit XP. If part of your requirement for this is to be "legal" and you don't want to pony up the extra cash for XP-64 then you're stuck with 32. If you are ponying up the cash, Vista might be another option as MS is pushing (mandating?) 64-bit support for it, and is probably the main reason XP-64 doesn't suck like it used to (3rd party support wise).

Very correct and very true. If you are buying a new copy (aka dont already have a 64bit copy) you should just go to Vista. Vista X64 is much better with support for things than XP 64bit in my findings...

[OldPueblo]

If you have to support it and you can't help him regularly for some reason, be safe and go 32-bit. Something as simple as a printer or scanner or webcam not working because there are no 64-bit drivers or they buy some odd program from the store that still uses a 16-bit installer and it doesn't work, that can seal the deal for some users.

[DeaconFrost]

X2 3800+ with 4 gigs of ram.
There's your answer. Go with an x64 OS.
If you have to support it and you can't help him regularly for some reason, be safe and go 32-bit. Something as simple as a printer or scanner or webcam not working because there are no 64-bit drivers or they buy some odd program from the store that still uses a 16-bit installer and it doesn't work, that can seal the deal for some users.
Good advice, but as with any new OS, do your homework first to make sure drivers are available for all his hardware, and check on any compatibility issues with his software.

[OldPueblo]

There's your answer. Go with an x64 OS.

Good advice, but as with any new OS, do your homework first to make sure drivers are available for all his hardware, and check on any compatibility issues with his software.

Yeah but hopefully his brother continues to do his homework even after the initial build, and doesn't just buy the cheap deal stuff off the store shelf at Fry's that won't work. :p Otherwise the OP is in for a regular headache. :D