I just realised I have Producer 8.5.8.5.3.282 64 bit on my laptop, which is too feeble to run it. I've worked on
32 bit version on a desktop PC. I only found one version of the 852 and 853 patches in my Download folder.
There's no mention of the bit depth in the properties of those. I assume the DVD I have includes both versions of 8.5. I wonder if those patch files work for both 32 and 64 bit versions? Does anyone remember things that old? Should I start looking in order to be able to install the 64 bit version on a new computer in the future? IIRC 8.5 doesn't need on line registering, just the same original registration code should do, independent of hardware, right?

I think you execute the patch and then gives you the option of 32 or 64. 

pwalpwal

Serious. I think I would have squeezed the money for an upgrade somewhere now  if it had been a doable option.
But, as it seems, (even if the store was still open) theres no way to save the version somewhere and install it
on a PC in the future.
Producer 8.5 has everything I need and is very stable. So, if I'm able to use it for my remaining years, I'm OK.
There are disturbingly many ifs and buts about it, though. I'd hate to learn a new DAW. Most likely, anything I could afford now, would be a biggish step backward from 8.5.

timidi
I think you execute the patch and then gives you the option of 32 or 64. 

Yes. There's only 1 installer that does both.