64-bit system: how to move from a 32-bit version and vice versa

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Today, more and more users of modern PCs are faced with the concept of 64-bit systems.In particular, since the operating system Windows 7 and above, "OSes" supports 64-bit architecture.Looking at the details of the operation and engineering principles, try to find a solution that is available to install a 64-bit system.How to move it to the 32-bit version of the operating system?

little history

before asking solution to this problem, it is necessary to highlight some historic moments associated with the emergence of what we now call systems with 64-bit architecture.

As you know, it all depends on the capabilities of processors.Initially, they were used as an 8-bit, then 16-bit, and finally, a 32-bit application support is made possible, with the release of the latest generation of processors in the form of the first-born of the series i486.

For a long time it was considered the most modern design, while Microsoft has not introduced the world to a new "OSes".She was the 64-bit Windows (although there was an option, and the 32-bit version).

when tested, it became clear that the processors oriented architecture, 32-bit, just not physically able to address the needs of more than 4 GB of memory (actually, this figure is even lower - 3.5 GB).It is considered an absolute limit of 32-bit platform.But in the world of computer technology made many innovations such as multimedia instruction MMX, which require more and more resources.So it happened that on the one hand went 64-discharge operating system, and on the other - there are new, 2-wire and 4-core processors capable of working with her.

Incidentally, the invention is for Windows 64-bit architecture of Microsoft's own development is not.The fact that the first 64-bit system came back in 1985 and was called UNICOS.But at the time it remained unclaimed.

64-bit system: benefits

With regard to the main features and benefits of 64-bit systems, obviously, with the appropriate equipment, they can process data flows twice as fast.With their appearance, it became possible to increase the memory up to inconceivable limits.Today it is 192 GB.

course, very serious doubts is the fact that some of the users will be able to reach this ceiling.Wait!Computer games that use complex graphics, are developing very rapidly, so that an increase in the use of strips of "RAM" is not far off.

As for 32-bit systems, they do not allow to install more than 4 GB (as mentioned above).On older machines still need to think about the feasibility of such a transition (even if there is support for 64-bit architectures), as does the new operating system will be much slower, if only because very load the system resources.

problems with outdated equipment

If we are wondering how to make the transition to 64-bit system, it is worth noting the time associated with the equipment installed on the computer or laptop.

First of all, it concerns the processor.First you need to find a modification (for example, using the utility Everest), and then on the manufacturer's website to see whether it supports 64-bit word length.

The same applies to other equipment such as hard drives, scanners, printers, etc.It may well be that after the installation of a 64-bit system, they will not work at all.The fact that such equipment is not in the driver's own database of Windows 7, 8, or 10, and the developers new drivers for old equipment simply does not produce.

64-bit system: how to proceed?

Now consider the basic question of the transition to 64-bit version of the operating system Windows.Many users purchase or download the distribution, in which there is a 64-bit system.How to move on it without reinstalling?The question that can be given an unequivocal answer: no.Let us explain why.

This is due not so much with file systems, as with the system architecture.It simply does not provide updated versions of 32-bit to 64-bit version, but can be the same file systems (eg, NTFS).For system drives and FAT32 partitions are not supported.

But in 64-bit systems to run 32-bit applications and programs can be easily (but not vice versa).

As for installation, you must use the original installation disc and acts as the primary format the hard drive and logical partitions on the proposed scheme.It goes without saying that the valuable information you need to keep the pre-removable media, and previously installed Apps have to be reinstalled.As mentioned above, no trouble in that they are designed for 32-bit systems, no.

reverse action

the installation is complete, and we have the computer has a 64-bit system.How to move to 32-bit operating system, if something does not suit you?Again, nothing.You need to perform a full reinstallation.Note that in both cases it is not only the most "OSes", but absolutely all the drivers, as they are also suitable for use in systems with a certain bit (x86 or x64).

In this case it will be possible to leave the NTFS file system, or to format in FAT32.

Total

That's all on the theme "64-bit system: how to go to the 32-bit versions."In principle, nothing complicated about it.The only thing that every user must understand: in this case, the mandatory format and reinstall your operating system.Common tools for upgrading or something different to do this just does not happen.

Also important is the pre-testing of the "iron" hardware for compatibility with the new version of the operating system, as well as the expediency of installing 64-bit Windows on low-power machines.Because you can only achieve the opposite effect when performance will be weakened due to the utilization of the "OSes".