Question About Windows XP Pro 64-bit

[CraigSca]

I'm currently in the planning stages of upgrading my PC. It's been two years since I've updated anything, and unfortunately, this upgrade is going to be bigger than most because of the massive shift in computer architecture the past couple of years.

I'll be swapping out an old motherboard with an Athlon 3200 CPU and upgrading to an Intel-based dual core E6600. It's my understanding the new Intel chips are 64-bit. Therefore, do I need to run Windows XP 64-bit edition if I upgrade?

Really, I was looking to re-install Windows on a new hard drive and use my old license key. Are there caveats to running "old" Windows XP? Is it possible at all? What's the recommendation?

[jeff061]

You can run 32 bit still, and I would. I still don't trust the driver and software support in 64.

[Arles]

I also know that elicense has had some issues with x64 in the past. Although, they are working on a fix (and may have already gotten some users going).

[Tekneek]

I bet elicense will have some problems with 64-bit Vista then. I keep reading that it will be the most locked down Windows OS to date, which means it will be secure and these sorts of things may be harder to implement than previously. So far the hardware vendors are balking at the driver requirements, apparently.

[Daimyo]

You can run the 32-bit version and should. I run the 64-bit version and it is not nearly as user friendly due mostly to driver issues and some software incompatibilities (elicense is the big one). You'll also need to purchase new AV software if you go 64-bit, but other than that almost all 32-bit software will run just fine.

[Daimyo]

DOLA, the only reason I know of for running the 64-bit OS is if you have applications that need more than 4GB of memory... that's the only advantage right now.

[CraigSca]

Thanks for the help guys. Looks like I'll just transfer the license to the new PC.