Scott, where is the Advisor for Vista 64? 

Please, see the message I posted with this information in the IE Win-Windows 7... section

CarmenK

I cannot find one for 64 bit Vista. In fact, when I tried, I received an error message with something like; "this program was design for another Operating System".

CarmenK

Hi Carmen,

  This Windows 7 Advisor seems to be the same as the one I had posted information about.

  I do not see anything that mentions for use when checking for the install of Windows 7- 64-bit version.  This would be very helpful

  As I see it a person has to have a 64-bit Windows XP SP1 or higher (Vista 64-bit) installed, to upgrade to Windows 7- 64-bit.  Is this true?

  Most modern computers can have either a 32-bit or a 64-bit Windows version installed.  A person can buy a Windows 7 - 32-bit version to install or a Windows 64-bit version to install.  I don't believe I have seen any Windows 7 install DVD's that had both 32-bit and 64-bit versions on the same DVD.  The same would be for an upgrade DVD, with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7, to upgrade to.

Scott Evans
MS-Internet Explorer forum
Microsoft MVP - IE

Hi Carmen,

  I would think that a person with a 32-bit Windows XP SP1 would not want to upgrade to a 64-bit Windows 7 version.  If this can be done?  I forget what an upgrade offers, and what a true install of Windows 7 (clean) offers.  What I remember is the mention of the creation of a folder with Win XP files in it.  A folder with 32-bit files, on a Windows 7 -  64-bit operating system?

  I wish I had a spare computer to do things on.  I have the 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate (RTM) DVD's.  I have WinXP Pro 32-bit full install DVD.  So I could experiment on another computer and really not lose anything.

  I assume Windows 7 offers the ability to revert to WinXP mode to play something?  Or maybe a lower version of Windows.  But if this has to be a 64-bit on a 64-bit Win7, or if it can revert to playing a 32-bit program or game, on a 64-bit Win7?

  I have never used a 64-bit Windows version of any kind.  As I believe they are made for business use, as this is much more secure.  But most new computers offered come with 64-bit Windows 7 pre-installed.  If I can install and play 32-bit programs, games, etc.,  on a 64-bit Windows 7 computer, this would be nice.
  If I could not play 32-bit games, etc., on a 64-bit Windows 7 computer that was just bought, I would uninstall the 64-bit version and install a 32-bit version.  I am a home user of the computer not a business

  Maybe I should read lots more about the Windows 7 - 64-bit version and what it can and can not do.

""I do not know what you mean in your second statement""
  Could you tell me what sentence this is.

  Spell checker is down at this moment. 2:23pm central time.  Now it is working at 2:25pm

  I downloaded the Upgrade advisor from the web site you mentioned.  I have the Update advisor from the web site I mentioned.  But both are the same version number .

32 bit  version  6.0.6000.16386
64 bit  version  6.0.6000.16386

Scott Evans
MS-Internet Explorer forum
Microsoft MVP - IE

Hi Carmen,

>>  I do not see anything that mentions for use when checking for the install of Windows 7- 64-bit version.  This would be very helpful

  As I see it a person has to have a 64-bit Windows XP SP1 or higher (Vista 64-bit) installed, to upgrade to Windows 7- 64-bit.  Is this true?<< 

  I downloaded what you mention in the link which I thought was for  a check up concerning Win7 64-bit.  This file is the same size, and same version, of the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor that I had mentioned and is available from many places.  So as far as I know there is no specific Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor that is made for use on a 64-bit system.
  Since I do not have a 64-bit system WinXP SP1 installed, I suppose that a different file could be downloaded?  The 64-bit version of this file if one is available would downloaded if you are connecting with a 64-bit Windows XP. 

  There is no title which says for a 64-bit.  Such as,
Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor (64-bit). 
  I assume the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will check both Windows XP SP1 or higher such as Vista,  32-bit and 64-bit versions.  When checking for fitness to upgrade to Windows 7.

  As far as I believe, it is up to the manufacturers to update their drivers.  It is not up to Microsoft to do this.  Microsoft did not make the software.  The manufacturer could submit their updated drivers to Microsoft, whom could include them in their software.  But Microsoft does not have to do this.  It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to update their own software and drivers.  Yes program manufasturers are very slow at offering updated drivers and or software.

  From what I see I would not install a 64-bit Windows version.  Maybe in 5 years, if and or when everyone is using the 64-bit Windows.

Scott Evans
MS-Internet Explorer forum
Microsoft MVP - IE

Hi Carmen,

  I agree.  I would think the manufacturer of what ever device has to make the drivers for 64-bit. 

  I found this information is an Excellent source for information on upgrading/updating to Windows 7.  It really answered a lot of my questions.

Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

  I have also read that Windows7 comes with the 32-bit and 64-bit versions on the same DVD.  And the same Product ID is used for each.

Scott Evans
MS-Internet Explorer forum
Microsoft MVP - IE

Hi Carmen,

  I don't know about upgrading Windows, lets say WinXP SP1 32-bit, to Windows 7 64-bit. But I guess there are ways around this as mentioned below.  I womder why they first say NO.  But then say that you can.

Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows or a 64-bit version of Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows?

No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows.

If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows or vice versa, you'll need to back up your files and then perform a Custom installation of the version of Windows you want to install. For more information, see  Installing and reinstalling Windows.

Scott Evans
MS-Internet Explorer forum
Microsoft MVP - IE

I have actually upgraded Windows many times, from 64 to 32 bit and viciversa. But I had to install clean.

CarmenK

A warning, you can say goodbye to Winmail, as it'll will get uninstalled in the Windows 7 Installation process. There is also the need to consider the Newsgroups. Up to now, most people used Outlook Express for managing newsgroups.

Unfortunately for those using MS Office Outlook, the OL connector does not quite run smoothly yet, and causes my OL installation to crash quite often.

There is a patch you can use to get Winmail to continue to work, but I do not recommend it, as this method will overwrite W7 program files with Vista program files. At the long run, patching program files could damage W7.

But not all is lost. You can install LiveMail from Windows Live Essentials, and get used to the existing mail client alternatives. Or any other mail program, free or not.

CarmenK

I understand from non-Microsoft sources that this may be done to accommodate the European market. Most likely not the reason, but disappointing.

I do not like live Mail as much as I liked OE, but I will have to install it and get used to it. Perhaps I will get more options as some people are saying.

CarmenK