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CHALLENGE

32-bit software on 64-bit system?

Asked by Michael, Nelson County, Virginia - March 8, 2010

I own a small structural engineering consulting firm. We do a lot of CAD work and structural analysis. My CAD software is old (AutoCad 2000) but it's working fine for us now (running Windows XP Pro 32 bit). We also use the RISA suite of structural analysis software and keep that up to date. I am also an amateur videographer, using the Adobe Creative Suite CS4 (includes After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Flash, etc.).

I'd like to build a new PC, very similar to this. It's a 64-bit system with an Intel i7 processor. I'm also looking at using a 64-bit Vista operating system, but may just go ahead with Windows 7. And of course, I want all my existing CAD, engineering, and video editing software to run on the same box. My problem that needs solving is how to save my investment in my old and newer 32-bit programs when I build a new system. Will my old software work? Are there work-arounds for Vista and Windows 7? I've heard something about a 'virtual machine' included with Windows 7 that will emulate older operating systems. Could that work?

Topics: Applications , Performance , Virtualization

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  • In most cases the only obstical you will have running legacy apps on a 64-bit machine is if the software is 16-bit. From what I understand the installation program for Autocad 2000 is 16-bit even though the software once installed runs on 32-bit. With that said you WILL NOT be able to run the autodesk software on your 64-bit machine (unless there is some 32-bit installer I am unaware of or you create your own using repackager). The best option for running legacy apps on Windows 7 is going to be 'XP Mode' but performance will suffer.

    It sounds like you are desiring performance; if that's the case I would advise you upgrade to the 2010 version of Autodesk and roll 64-bit. If you are concerned about the cost of the software more than your overall system performance and your core application for your business is Autocad 2000 then I would advise you run a 32-bit OS and forget about the virtual machines. VM's will never perform as well as PM's (physical machines) as you are splitting your resouces.

    Oh.. and stay away from Vista. It is garbage.
  • Edward Sullivan
    i agree.
  • I agree as well
  • tariq96
    Hi,
    There is feature called Windows on Windows (WoW64) that supports running 32-bit application on 64-bit version of Windows. Anyhow, as a last resort you can use Windows XP Mode which is based on Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 or you can virtualize a 32-bit OS on the 64-bit. Please bear in mind that sometimes running 32-bit application on 64-bit OS version will have negative performance imapct comparing ruuning the 32-bit application on 32-bit OS version.
  • I am currently running 64 Bit Windows 7, and from my experience I have not had any issues running any 32 bit legacy apps. As others have suggested, if you do have any issues then you can use VirtualBox, which is free, Windows XP Mode, that is bundled with Windows 7 Professional and above, or VMware. Personally, I would skip Vista altogether and just do a clean install of Windows 7. In my opinion, this is the cleanest and safest way to install any new Windows version.

    If you do find that you need Windows XP Mode, we have a guide at BleepingComputer.com on how to install and use it.

    How to install and use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7
  • Almost every 32-bit application is going to work fine on 64-bit Windows 7, with the exception of applications that integrate into the Windows shell or utilize low-level drivers. In my experience, virtually every normal application works.

    In the rare instances that something doesn't work, you can simply use XP Mode, VirtualBox, or VMware to run XP in a virtual machine and use your software that way.

    Sometimes XP software just isn't compatible with Windows 7, in which case the compatibility mode is very useful - right-click the application shortcut, and access the options from there.
  • Hi Michael,
    As Andrew said, the Windows 7 XM-mode (XMP) under Virtual PC can help you run most legacy applications. However, it does require that you use a virtualization-capable CPU (Intel-VT or AMD-V), plus have enough memory to run the virtual machine. So as long as your host machine is powerful enough, you're ok.
    HTH
  • Michael

    Good question - my first piece of advice would be to go straight to WIndows 7 and skip Vista. I have nothing against Vista but if you are upgrading anyway you may as well get as much out of your investment as possible, and Windows is just that bit better than Vista.

    As for your 32 bit issue - there are a couple of different possibilities.

    Firstly, the software will work fine. I am currently running a number of 32 bit applications on my Windows 7 64 bit machine.

    Secondly, you could look at using the Windows Compatibility mode if they dont run correctly.

    And your other option, as you have mentioned, is XP mode.

    I would suggest trying them in that order.

    Andrew Edney
    UsingWindowsHomeServer.com
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