Installing x64 can cause more problems than it solves

It seems many Good Booters have been ill-advised by uninformed retailers that because their new computer has a 64-bit processor they should install the 64-bit version of Vista.

This advise may sound reasonable as the x64 version of Vista has increased security and programs written for 64-bit processors will likely run faster. 

Unfortunately however, if you’re a novice installing Vista x64 on a 64-bit system can cause more problem than it’ll solve.

And here’s why.

1. Most existing hardware do not have 64-bit drivers e.g., networking devices, DVD burners, audio cards and card readers.   

2. Vista x64 requires that all drivers be properly “signed”. If they’re not they’ll probably fail to load even if when booting you attempt to use the F8 option to “Disable Driver Signatures”.

3. Vista x64 currently does not backward support most x86 (32-bit) drivers.

Note: Most 64-bit systems will run most Vista 32-bit applications. However, Vista x64 currently does not run x86 (32 bit) drivers.

4. Vista x64 doesn’t support 16-bit software.

5. Currently there are very few Vista x64 bit software programs.

If you’re able to achieve the perfect mix and match (x64 software on a x64 system with a Vista x64 operating system) you’ll experience a significant performance boost. But because there are so few x64 software programs, I suggest to novices that attempting to achieve the perfect mix and match should not be a high priority.

If all this 32-bit, 64-bit stuff is a “bit” confusing, my advice for the time being is to stay away from a x64-bit hardware computer or if you do purchase a x64-bit computer, install the 32-bit (x86) version of Vista.

I’m sure however I’ll not confuse anyone if I suggest they consider a software program that determines the health of their hard drive(s).

Hard Drive Inspector (www.altrixsoft.com) is a novice friendly program that monitors hard drive health. It’s appropriate for Windows XP and Vista and costs only $29.95 for Desktops and $39.95 for Laptops. 

Most modern hard drives support S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology). It detects potential hard drive failure. Hard Drive Inspector accesses this technology to monitor the current state of various life- critical parameters e.g., reliability and performance. It provides timely alerts allowing you to perform an expeditious backup of your data and hard drive replacement. 

You can download a 15-day trial.

Here’s wishing you a Good boot.