questions for xp 64-bit stuff

[link_451]

i recently built a computer using a 64-bit processor (amd athlon) and i would like to know what would be better to get a window xp 64 or to just stick with the 32-bit version. i plan on using this computer for mostly just gaming and high performance stuff like that

[Lespaul20]

Unless you have a lot of 64bit software or a need for more than 4GB of Ram, I'd stick with 32bit for now.

[Statica]

XP 64 is still a bit behind in terms of support than Vista 64. Your best bet would be to check XP64 driver support and stability for your system as well as game support & stability. Again, 64bit support has come a long way forward in the last year, even, so make sure you keep up on new drivers/support for your system.

[crsoto2008]

I have two partitions on my main HDD (80GB total) one for XP pro and the other for XP x64, and the associated hardware config. I'd like to know if I can install my larger programs (ex. AutoCAD, MS Office, Flight Sim & other games) on my secondary HDD (400 GB SATA I) and documents but having both operating systems access this drive (both My Documents and programs installed to this drive). I also read somewhere that if I want both OSes to access the same programs (ex. XP and XPx64 to both have access to MS Excel) I have to install these programs on from each OS. But again, the question is: Can I install these programs under one directory that is accessible to both operating systems. Any suggestions about how to do this are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Crsoto2008

[Statica]

a) If you have multiple OS' you need to install each program for each OS
b) If you install each program for each OS, you should not install them to the same directory, but a dedicated directory for each.
c) You can have both OS' access your documents and have them write to the same directory.

Consider which OS you will use primarily and which will be for "testing" and have your primary OS use the larger HDD.
Also consider using Virtual PC.

[crsoto2008]

Thanks Statica,

I think I figured out how to best setup my system. With regards to link_451's questions, I was also trying to figure out what would be the best OS to go with (XP pro or XP x64 mostly for games and 3D stuff). I found a very entertaining thread (http://www.microsoft.com/communities...=en-us&m=1&p=1) about XP x64. Read if you'd like.

The initial post requests people to share their opinions about Vista x64 and XP x64. Most seem to say that it is very stable and a good OS.

Thanks again.

crsoto2008

[crsoto2008]

Eh, I have another question about XP x64 again:

When you launch an application, how does it know whether it should run that 'emulator' that allows running 32 bit applications? Just because I'm wondering if the programs I want to run from XP x64 have to be installed in the folders 'Programs Files' and 'Program Files(x86)'. If this is true then can I simply move that folder to my largest HDD (which doesn't have XP x64 installed on it)? Or can I create a new set of folders named 'Program Files' and Program Files(x86) on this drive?

Thanks