I bought a new computer and it came with Windows Vista 64-bit. I tried to run some programs but an error popped up saying it only runs in a 32-bit operating system. Other programs ran just fine. Is there some way i can switch between 32-bit mode and 64-bit mode?

Hi there joe2006,

Firstly, welcome to CompuForums. I hope that you can visit our forum often in the future and post - rather than just receiving our help and advice, and then never visiting again. We provide our help for free, and all we ask in return is that you participate in our forum and refer your friends, or consider a premium membership. Not giving back to the community once we have helped you is stealing and if you do not intend on staying, then we not intend on helping you. And be sure to read the rules if you have not already done so: http://www.compuforums.org/announcem...post_message_1

Welcome to the world of Windows Vista - you can either switch to Vista 32bit if a copy came with your computer, or purchase it [or I'd suggest a copy of XP instead].

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yes the world of vista it is great if you know how to strip certian things Out of the operatign system so that you can run ANY program on the face of the earth that is capible of windows XP professonal x64 but since that would eb illegal you are ..... in blatant terms , screwed i would get xp pro x 64 its around 139.00

What program are you having issues with, anyway?

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Is there a way to Install both XP and Vista on the computer and then select wich version I want to switch to? I've got Windows Media Center Edition but every time I've tried to install it it won't install because Vista is a newer system. The program that won't install is After Dark. It worked just fine on my other computer that had Windows Media Center installed.

Yes, as long as you brought the copy seperatley [as opposed to with it coming with another computer], we will be able to assist you - if you will be posting in other threads, as well as your own.

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I do have my Install CD that came with my old computer but everytime I try to install it a blue screen pops up and restarts my computer.

I know you can install xp after vista, but I don't know how. All I can say is format your drive, install xp, and then install vista. You could google instructions on how to install xp after vista for a dual-boot because I'm pretty sure it can be done.

Did the install CD from your old computer come with it?

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Yes it came in the box the computer was shipped in.

You will not be able to use this disk with any computer other than the one it shipped with.
However - what program are you having issues with anyway? We may be able to help you get it running on Vista x64.

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I was trying to install this screen saver called After Dark.

Hmm... I'm not sure if it'd be possible to obtain a 64bit version, but it isn't an esstensial application to have. Would you be able to post in more other threads, or purchase a premium membership to keep the site online?

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It is possible, if you have two full versions of the software, as apposed to OEM software that came with the computer. These are usually recovery disks and do one thing, recover the software to factory settings. Meaning exactly the way it arrived at your door.

If you have a retail copy of vista and a retail copy of windows xp, you can create a dual boot system, where you can boot into each copy of the OS. Keep in mind you have to install the XP before the Vista, otherwise Vista will not boot.

Creating a multi-boot configuration that includes Windows Vista:

To create a working multi-boot configuration, install the oldest version of the Windows operating system first. Then, install each newer version in order. Every new Windows version preserves backward compatibility for starting earlier Windows versions.

To create a multi-boot configuration that includes Windows Vista, you must have at least one partition for each earlier Windows version that you install. Follow these general guidelines:
• Create at least two partitions. Use one partition for the Windows Vista installation.

Note If the partition for Windows Vista is already formatted, make sure that it is formatted by using the NTFS file system. However, we recommend that you use one of the following methods:
• Create the second unformatted partition.
• Do not create the second partition and leave the space as free space. Instead, create the second partition during the Windows Vista installation.
• If the computer does not have an operating system installed, install the oldest Windows version first.

• Run the Windows Vista Setup program. Install Windows Vista in the free space or in the existing partition. You can run this Setup program in the earlier Windows version, or you can start the computer when the Windows Vista disc is in the CD or DVD drive.

After Windows Vista Setup finishes, you will have a correctly-configured, multi-boot environment that includes Windows Vista and the earlier versions of Windows. The Bootmgr boot menu that appears resembles the following menu:
Microsoft Windows Earlier Windows Operating System

Hope this helps.