Can 32bit hardware/software work in Win 7??

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Mesh
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2011/03/23 10:34:15 (permalink)

Can 32bit hardware/software work in Win 7??

I currently use a machine with XP Pro and all my software/hardware is 32bit compatible. Before installing X1 for the 1st time, I'm planning on reformatting just the OS drive (I also have 3 other HD's already installed). I'd like to re-install XP and also install Win 7 (on seperate drives? as one of the 3 HD's is empty) .
 
My questions are:
 
1) Will all my 32bit hardware/software work in Win 7? (especially my sound card.....which only has 32 bit drivers and don't have support for the 64 bit variety).
 
2) How do I designate which OS when booting up? (I'd like to have Sonar 8.5.3 on one drive using XP and have X1 running on another drive with Win 7). 
 
3) Is there a more elegant/effective way to do this?
 
Any suggestions/tips/advice will be greatly appreciated.

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    codamedia
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    Re:Can 32bit hardware/software work in Win 7?? 2011/03/23 10:43:50 (permalink)
    1: 32 Bit software will usually work in a 64 bit environment. If in doubt, check compatibility with the software vendor. As for hardware, I think you need 64 bit drivers. If the hardware does not support it, it likely won't work. (hopefully someone will correct me on the hardware if I am wrong)

    2: I'm not familiar with current dual boot solutions. Hopefully someone else can help with this.

    3: Buy a new machine for Windows 7?  My lack of knowledge (stated in #2) prohibits me from giving anything other than a smart a** answer - sorry!

    In regards to Hardware/Software compatibility Microsoft has tools to help you with this.
    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/default.aspx 

    Good luck. 

    Don't fix it in the mix ... Fix it in the take! 
     
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    Mesh
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    Re:Can 32bit hardware/software work in Win 7?? 2011/03/23 11:07:45 (permalink)
    Thanks Coda for the reply...

    I actually ran Microsofts compatibilty program last night and the 3 things that showed up (unable to find drivers) on the report were:

    1) Gadget Labs sound card
    2) TonePort DI (Line 6)
    3) UAD 1E

    Not sure if #1 will work (the other 2 should have 64bit drivers), but I saved the report in case I need it. If needed, I can buy a new sound card, but can't buy a new machine yet....(will be saving $$ to get a powerful 64bit system.)

    It's the 32bit hardware working in Win 7 issue that I'm really concerned about...

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    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:Can 32bit hardware/software work in Win 7?? 2011/03/23 11:37:15 (permalink)
    It's the 32bit hardware working in Win 7 issue that I'm really concerned about...

     
    The Wave824 won't work under Win7x64 (hardware needs x64 drivers to work).
    As was mentioned, most 32Bit apps run well under x64 Windows.

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
    jim@studiocat.com
    www.studiocat.com
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    Mesh
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    Re:Can 32bit hardware/software work in Win 7?? 2011/03/23 12:07:14 (permalink)
    Thanks Jim!!
     I just checked the GL Waves824 forum and there's a x64 driver (user developed), but it may have bugs/issues. I suppose I'll have to test the waters....

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    slartabartfast
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    Re:Can 32bit hardware/software work in Win 7?? 2011/03/23 14:12:44 (permalink)
    If you plan to put your OS's on separate drives, you should look into using a drive drawer and just physically swapping out the drive to boot the new system. 
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