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Changing from Win 8.1 64 bit, to 32 bit version.

  • 14-08-2014 09:37PM
    #1
    TAPlank
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 130 ✭✭


    I have the Win 8 Pro 64 bit & 32 bit update discs. I am presently running the updated 64 bit version, updated to 8.1 but would now like to change to the 32 bit version so that I can then run some of my older software.
    What is the easiest way to do this changeover? Is there an 8.1 version of this also?


Comments

  • #2
    Fysh
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators, Paid Member Posts: 11,197 Mod ✭✭✭✭Fysh


    Any particular reason you want the 32-bit version? If you've got >4GB of RAM you won't be able to use it under 32-bit Windows.

    There's no migration path, really - if you've got a Win8 key and media, you'll need to do a clean 32-bit Windows 8 install, then upgrade to 8.1 through the store. (You could try doing a clean install with 8.1 media, but there's no guarantee your product key would work correctly...)


  • #3
    beauf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 22,461 ✭✭✭✭beauf


    TAPlank wrote: »
    I...would now like to change to the 32 bit version so that I can then run some of my older software....

    Perhaps changing the compatibility settings might get them working. Or even a VM?


  • #4
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 95,754 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    even in the Linux / BSD world it's hard to upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit.

    going the other way just ain't going to happen , at best you are exporting some settings that would be used during a clean install to get something like you started with

    VM is probably the best option for older SW if you can't get it running in compatibility

    dual boot is messy , if you have to ask re 32/64 you probably aren't ready for that


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