XP Pro 32 bit to XP Pro 64 bit

[markf]

I'm not very tech savvy but have struggled through allot of problem solving and actually assembled my own work station once.I'd like to upgrade my Dell XPS with Quad 6600 form XP 32 bit to XP 64 bit. My main concern is that if I uninstall my 32 bit windows and then install a new 64 bit windows I will be faced with a difficult bunch of driver upgrade issues. Even though I only keep my core apps on this machine I might need to update the BIOS and get new drivers for the SATA II hard drive, on board network, sound card, disc drive, Maxtor backup drive etc etc.

My fear is that an insurmountable quagmire of driver upgrades could make the change to 64 bit too difficult. Has anyone done this and was the process something an amateur tech person like myself might be able to handle? I'd sure like to be able to use the 64 bit power, but I'd hate to disable my system by trying this upgrade.

I'm using high end CAD-3D visualization software 3D Studio Max, Vray etc. that have been written to make use of 64 bit. I'm still on the 32 versions and others using the 64 bit versions are very happy with the performance boost.

Thanks for any advice!

[Force Flow]

Running XP 64 is not generally recommended, as there are driver and stability issues. You wil have to check the manufacturer websites for supported drivers.

You will also have to check to see whether or not the version(s) of the applications you have will run under XP 64. Some do, some don't.

Vista 64 is, however, perfectly suitable for use from what I understand, comparted to its 32-bit variant

[EzyStvy]

You must do a Clean install to get 64 bit loaded...So all programs will have to be reinstallled.

[357mag]

My understanding is that most 32 bit software runs fine on a 64 bit system. There is no software that is written in 64 bits yet as far as I'm aware. As long as there are 64 bit drivers for the hardware it should work.

[Statica]

Another vote for not using XP 64 .. its been a bit of an orphaned / experimental 64bit implementation under most circumstances. Most mfgers, when going for 64bit drivers, spent more resources on development for Vista64 than for XP.

If you are essentially going to have a high end system (thru upgrades) and are going to spend money on a new OS .. I'd recommend going with Vista 64 and leaving your current OS installation as a dual boot.

[glc]

Whatever you choose to do, you need to go to support.dell.com and research drivers for your particular model.

[Valdeam]

I've heard of printer driver issues with the 64-bit systems. Why not go to Vista 64-bit?

[glc]

Let's not push Vista in the XP forum, please.

[glc]

XP 64 works *VERY* well as long as you can get all the drivers you need and they work correctly.