Vista 64bit OEM backcompatibility

[jer888]

alright well I was going to pick up a OEM version of vista ultimate because I don't want to pay almost 200$ more for the retail. my problem lies however with the 32/64 bit versions for the OEMs. I'm pretty sure with the retail, you can install either 32 or 64 depending on what you want. I would just get the 64 bit but from what I know there isn't much driver or application support for 64 bit yet so I would go with 32bit. but then when 64bit becomes more mainstream I would be stuck with 32bit. If I buy the 64bit OEM ultimate can i install the 32bit version from that disc or would I have to buy the 32 bit now and wait on the 64 bit to become mainstream or should i just forget the OEM altogether and get retail so I wouldn't have to worry about it?

[Strider]

I'll post my opinion.

I decided to get Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit Edition now, because of past experience with Windows XP 64-bit Edition and some other important factors. There's nothing more aggravating than not having a driver for a specific pc component (printer for example) and you find that happening a lot with 64-bit Operating Systems. Also a CEO at Adobe (publishers of Photoshop) blogged saying they don't have any plans in making a 64-bit version for Adobe Suite CS3 that is coming out this year, so that right there tells me something about this year's support for 64-bit OS's. In 2008 or 2009 it'll probably be a different story, but for right now I'm going to be happier with with 32-bit, because it'll have better support for devices than 64-bit will right now.

[Im New]

yeah...my advice on 64 bit is u prolly shouldnt even worry bout it for atleast a yeaer prolly more

[jer888]

so should I just get the retail so I can use 32bit now and in a year or 2 use 64 bit?

[Im New]

i would recamend it...

i dont think u would b very pleased with ur 64 biit prolly wouldnt beable to run 80% of ur programs/games or even have sound