Windows 7 Resource Center » Windows 7 – Hardware Requirements http://windows7resource.com Everything about Windows 7 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:31:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Windows 7:32-Bit and 64-Bit Frequently Asked Questions http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/windows-732-bit-and-64-bit-frequently-asked-questions/. http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/windows-732-bit-and-64-bit-frequently-asked-questions/.#comments Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:18:51 +0000 MasterAdmin http://windows7resource.com/?p=1057

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer’s processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.



To see if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows, do the following:

  1. Open System by clicking the Start buttonWindows, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Security, and then clicking System.

  2. Under System, you can view the system type.



To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor. If you are unsure whether your processor is 64-bit-capable, do the following:

  1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start buttonWindows, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.

  2. Click View and print detailed performance and system information.




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, you’ll need to back up your files and then perform a Custom installation of the 64-bit version of Windows. For more information, see Installing and reinstalling Windows.



Most programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs, and some hardware drivers.

Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows don’t work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you’re trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won’t work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. For information about updating drivers and troubleshooting issues with device drivers for 64-bit versions of Windows, contact the manufacturer of the device or program.



The benefits are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. In such cases, because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system can, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently.

Yes. All hardware devices need 64-bit drivers to work on a 64-bit version of Windows. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows don’t work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows.

To learn how to check for drivers, see Update a driver for hardware that isn’t working properly or go to the device manufacturer’s website. You can also get information about drivers by going to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor website.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
Share/Bookmark]]> http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/windows-732-bit-and-64-bit-frequently-asked-questions/./feed 0 Windows 7 Beta Problem or Hardware Problem With My Comp? http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/windows-7-beta-problem-or-hardware-problem-with-my-comp/. http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/windows-7-beta-problem-or-hardware-problem-with-my-comp/.#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:04:07 +0000 MasterAdmin http://windows7resource.com/?p=242 windows 7
M2V asked:


I just recently bought a brand new computer build. I didnt have an OS so i used windows 7 beta as an OS and it works great, but after i installed it it worked perfectly. The next day when i tried to boot it up, it takes several tries to show up on my monitor. It seems to be working fine, but Im wondering why is it taking several tries? its like its starting up but not showing on my monitor. Could this be a vga issue?
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
Share/Bookmark]]> http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/windows-7-beta-problem-or-hardware-problem-with-my-comp/./feed 2 I Need an Audio Driver for Windows 7? http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/i-need-an-audio-driver-for-windows-7/. http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/i-need-an-audio-driver-for-windows-7/.#comments Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:00:33 +0000 MasterAdmin http://windows7resource.com/?p=256 windows 7
threektl asked:


To be specific the Conexant High-Definition SmartAudio 221 Driver which doesnt work in windows 7 so how can i get it to work on my hp pavillion dv2810us. And also it worked at first then after installing updates it said that the driver doesnt work help.

I’m going on a road trip to North Carolina and i’m testing windows 7 on a dualboot between that and vista but sound doesnt work in 7.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
Share/Bookmark]]> http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/i-need-an-audio-driver-for-windows-7/./feed 1 Can You Format Your Drive When Installing Windows 7? http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/can-you-format-your-drive-when-installing-windows-7/. http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/can-you-format-your-drive-when-installing-windows-7/.#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:03:44 +0000 MasterAdmin http://windows7resource.com/?p=74 windows 7
gangsta00013 asked:


While installing Windows 7,does it ask you if you want to format your drive.
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
Share/Bookmark]]> http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/can-you-format-your-drive-when-installing-windows-7/./feed 5 Buy Computer Now or Wait Until Windows 7 Comes Out? http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/buy-computer-now-or-wait-until-windows-7-comes-out/. http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/buy-computer-now-or-wait-until-windows-7-comes-out/.#comments Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:48:11 +0000 MasterAdmin http://windows7resource.com/?p=188 windows 7
Daisy Z asked:


I would like to buy a new desktop computer in the next few months but I know that Windows 7 is coming out late 2009 or early 2010. Do you think it is worth the wait or buy new computer with Vista now?
Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
Share/Bookmark]]> http://windows7resource.com/windows-7-hardware-requirements/buy-computer-now-or-wait-until-windows-7-comes-out/./feed 5