Comments on: Vista x64 vs. Vista x86? Is software compatibility still an issue?

By: Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:07:01 +0000

Software compatibility is only one issue. Hardware compatibility is also a real problem. I had to get a new printer and new voice recorder to work with Vista-64. I found no scanner that would work, even after speaking with tech support for companies that insisted their scanner worked with Vista-64. Advertising was deceptive. Vista-64 claimed it was a better operating system, but mentioned nothing about the programs and devices that would not run on it. Programs would advertise that they run with “Vista” without ever distinguishing between 32-bit and 64-bit. // This approach seemed quite wrong.

By: Nathan L.

Nathan L. — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:34:47 +0000

Solution: Simple. Run Windows XP 32-bit until it is retired in August 2014. That way we can use ThreatFire, Google Desktop, OneNote Print Driver, and a slew of other things that STILL do not work on 64-bit. I will gladly sacrifice 1GB of RAM and live with greater compatibility with a HUGE library of old games, etc.

By: Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:38:35 +0000

Vista 64 software compatibility.
Even prgrms by Intuit’s Quicken won’t run on Vista 64. Qucken admits it with no advise as to a solution for me sitting there with a broken XP cpu and new Vista 64 bit system that can’t run programs I need. MS is no help either. I would wait and buy Win 7 but how do I know prgrms will be compatible with that? I need direction.
Gary J.

By: NapoleonAG.TSS@Gmail.com

NapoleonAG.TSS@Gmail.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:38:40 +0000

You guys should read this then…

Dragon Naturally Speaking 9 can be installed on Vista 64 – because I’m.

http://techsidestories.com/2008/10/18/because-nuance-wont-how-to-install-dragon-naturally-speaking-9-on-vista-64/

How ’bout this; Truth – Common sense is no match for natural stupidity.

Regards,
NapoleonAG
Email/IM: NapoleonAG.TSS@Gmail.com
Website: http://www.TechSideStories.com

By: Michel

Michel — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:34:32 +0000

I use x64 because I can benefit from my 8GB to host Virtual Instruments. I ‘ve never had an issue with any sort of application.

By: Stephen Yavorsky

Stephen Yavorsky — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:21:58 +0000

Dragon Naturally Speaking does not work on Vista 64-bit. Neither version 9 nor version 10. When trying to install, a message appears that the operating system is incompatible with the program. The website, as of September 2008, verifies this, and says that though the company is working on it, there is no promise as to when a Vista 64 compatible version will actually appear.

By: EDocTooR

EDocTooR — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:43:17 +0000

I installed Vista Ultimate 64 bit and it seems as though it still a Vista 32 machine; since, most programs to run on 2 GB of memory; why, use 64 bit OS?

Secondly, Since I can’t return my Vista Ultimate 64 bit, and since I have XP,, how hard is it to tripple boot into Vista, XP, and “UBUNTU”?

By: Alejandro

Alejandro — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:35:44 +0000

Secway simp lite-MSN 2.2.11 settles in Vista Ultimate x64 but it does not encripta the conversations of messenger service, i’m to know to me if it is because x64 is not compatible with Vista, thanks.

By: Freddie

Freddie — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:55:49 +0000

Thanks! Great articals!
Now I can upgrade to VISTA Ultimate 64bit.

By: Singh

Singh — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:12:52 +0000

Hiya, great articals.

“Taskbar Shuffle” is not x64 compatible (yet…) because the developer has used Delphi with restrictions to x86. He will need to learn a new lauguage/system to re-write the entire software for x64!

It’s so far been the ONLY application to keep me using Vista x86, but now that I’ve got 4 GB of RAM, I have no choice but to reinstall the system to x64.

*_*

By: Boomer

Boomer — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:04:49 +0000

I built my own system mostly for imaging & gaming, I installed ultimate x64 with 4GB of RAM all working fine and very happy with Vista. Due to the vast amount of files I have acquired over the years I decided to invest in a proper backup solution and decided to wait for the HP MediaSmart server to arrive running MS home server. It turns out that this is not compatible with x64! Nowhere on the site does it say its not compatible or even on the system requirements on the box so now my only option to keep this server was to purchase ultimate x86. I find it hard to believe that MS do not support their own x64 operating system. Now my only problem is that I cannot get 4GB of RAM working on my x86 OS.
PS. MS One care will not work with home server!
go figure

By: XFactorXXL

XFactorXXL — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:12:15 +0000

This was reposted from an earlier thread for updated answers =)

question for this topic:
Noting what was said about the whole WoW64 thing, it may have been answered int he topic but I am still unclear, is there a performance loss when 32 bit apps run in x64?

I’m beginning to think the only way to truly answer all my question is just to run and compare both OS’s. =P

Hey all,

I have a couple questions I’m finding hard to get definitive answers to on the Vista Ultimate x86 to the x64 Ed migration. My question is this:

I do have a system that I believe to be fully x64 ready (I’ll add a breakdown at the end of the post). My only concern is what I have been hearing about this “digitally signed driver” issue. The reason for this is I run gobs of software that has it’s own “unsigned drivers” ie Virtual CD/DVD rom mounting software like MagicDisc/MagicISO as well as some other titles. Am I still going to have issues running these apps or has this been fixed by Microsoft / software developers since some of the earlier 2007 threads and posts?
Second, as a “part-time gamer” and “media encoder/enthusiast”, how significant of a performance increase can I expect by moving to x64?

Any insight or additional information would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a breakdown of the system I currently use (although not the fastest is does the job =P)

Asus M2N-E SLI mobo w/ X2 4200+
-Cmedia CM6501 onboard audio
2 GB Corsair Dom. 667 DDR2 (willing to upgrade)
2 160 GB WD SATA2’s in raid Array
2 BFG 8600GT OC’s in SLI
2x 500GB SATA2’s for storage (addicted to ripping movies)

here is a questionable hardware piece i run as audio IO for recording studio:
-Creative EMU 1212M PCI pro sound card

Thanks again and look forward to hearing from you all!

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:18:36 +0000

Did you ever try Vista’s speech recognition? I played a little with it, but gave up after a while. This thing does not even understand “Windows Vista”. But it is quite possible that this poor thing is just confused by my German accent. Is Dragon Naturally Speaking better?

By: Beau

Beau — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:35:55 +0000

The only software I have found that doesn’t work on Vista x64 is Dragon Naturally Speaking. It is a shame because DNS would actually benefit from the additional RAM…