Difficult Question for me to pose

I want to have a wired network using the 2 machines in my signature. The problem may lie with the 64bit processor in the Compaq and the 32bit in the other PC. I have now bought the 32bit/64bit Upgrade for $50 for the Win7 Home Premium. The Upgrade has a 32bit and a 64bit install CD. My question is: I 'think' the 32bit processor will run as a 64bit but but if it won't, should I anticipate a problem, what should I do? I recall reading somewhere about both computers should be running the same bit to have an effective home networking relationship. If I really did read that, I can't find it now. The M7NCG 400 passes the MS test for running Win7 with a few "changes". As usual, TIA.

You can't run 64bit software/OS's on 32bit systems.

But that doesn't mean you can't network two different bit systems to each other. I'm sure Train does and probably others do too.

Many thanks PL. Your last line is really all that I am truly interested in--just so I can network the 2 computers. Am sure I'll be doing a clean install 'when' I install Win7 on the 32bit machine. UGH, I don't look forward to re-installing the apps; etc. The biggest plus that I can see is I will be getting rid of all the accumulated junk on the machine. :D We are 'forced' to do this but we are the ones to really gain from it. :p

There is no problem at all with networking 32-bit and 64-bit machines. Or 16-bit machines either if it comes to that.

I'm not able to find a "3300+" CPU in any of my lists :confused: If you could give some more details of it, I can probably tell you if it is 64-bit or not.

Nick, many thanks for your input also and further confirming the 32 vs. 64 bit and networking. Haven't the faintest idea where I got Sempron 3300+ in my signature. Guess I left my finger on the 3 key too long when I created that line in my signature---never had a question about it before. Thanks for your raising the question about it. My manual for the machine supports the AMD Socket462 processor up to XP 3200+ Running at 200/266/333/400MHz Front Side Bus. Hopefully this info will help you to help me.

Motherboard isn't 64bit Nick. It accepts Durons. Mobo specs:

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/...t.php?S_ID=264

Thanks for jumping back into this thread PL with the link and your analysis.

Ah yes. None of the Semprons were 64-bit, I'm afraid :(

I am satisfied---32bit it is then but your confirmation that both machines will network is good enough for me. I greatly appreciate your help in this matter PL and Nick. Curiosity has the better of me just now and I am wondering if the two Upgrade 32bit and 64bit CDs are full Win 7 installs. (Of course, I should know that answer when I begin the Upgrade.)

You will have to do a clean install, Setup won't give you the option of an in-place upgrade from WinXP. But I would always advise a clean install in any case.

Clean or Custom install was a part of my plans all along Nick but thanks again for your insight to this. I have also seriously considered using PCmover per the info in these links:
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT LINK: http://www.laplink.com/pcmover/pcmov...nt.html#buynow AND there is much more to read about the software.

http://www.laplink.com/documentation...7UA_QSG_EN.pdf

EDIT: You may notice that I have already corrected in info in my signature re. 3300 vs. 3000+

I may have marked this thread Resolved too soon because now I have another question. I have not opened the Windows 7 Upgrade I mentioned in my thread. I now learn that the 2 install CDs in the Upgrade package I bought can only be used just one(1) time. I have my wife's machine to upgrade also. I 'think' her machine is 32bit also and, if so, what can I do about updating her machine.
She had an emachine T3302. If she has the 64bit CPU, then I am OK because he second CD in software box is 64bit.
I was gearing up to run the Update but now will wait for your answer(s). As always, TIA.

I just checked her computer specs with a Google and to me, it appears that her processor is 64bit . I will appreciate someone verifying the accuracy of my discovery to be sure I haven't overlooked anything. IF this is true, then I am OK with my upgrade purchase. :)

T3302 Specifications
http://www.emachines.com/support/pro...es&model=T3302

Quote:

---

CPU : AMD Sempron™ 3300+ Processor (64-bit) (256KB L2 cache, 2.0GHz, 1600MHz FSB)
Memory : 512MB DDR SDRAM (1 × 512MB), 400MHz (PC3200) Expandable to 2GB
Video : S3 Graphics Unichrome™ Pro 64MB DDR Shared memory - AGP 8x slot available for upgrade
Chipset : VIA K8M800
Operating System : Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Home SP2
Hard Drive : 160GB (7200rpm, 2MB cache)
Optical Drive : 48x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
Media Reader : 8-in-1 digital media manager (Secure Digital™ (SD), Smart Media, Micro Drive, Memory Stick®, Memory Stick Pro®, Compact Flash, Mulitimedia Card, USB 2.0)
Sound : AC '97 Audio, Dolby 5.1 (6-channel)
Network : 10/100Mbps integrated Ethernet LAN
Modem : 56K ITU V.92-ready Fax/Modem
Peripherals : Standard Multifunction Keyboard, 2-Button Wheel Mouse, Amplified Stereo Speakers
Ports/Other : 5 USB 2.0 (4 in back, 1 in Media Reader), 1 VGA external connector, 1 serial, 1 parallel, 2 PS/2, 5 audio ports (2 in front, 3 in back)
Dimensions : 14.25"H x 7.25"W x 16"D
Weight : 22.5 lbs (PC only, no packaging)

---

My apologies, I was looking at the wrong list :o

It is indeed a 3300+, and it is indeed 64-bit :)

I didn't know a socket A could handle a 64 bit cpu, Nick?

Oh boy! I'm getting more and more confused, there are so many different variants of Semprons. Do we know if this is Socket 754 or Socket 939?

If it's the socket 754 3300+, then that's 32-bit. If it's the Socket 939 3200+, then that's 64-bit (I think).

Best thing to do, download and run CPU-Z, let's see what that says:

CPU-Z

There are Semprons that are 64 bit but this motherboard he has, the BIOStar is a Socket A motherboard and I never saw a socket A mobo that would take a 754 cpu.

I think you're confusing his wife's emachine with his BIOStar computer.

With the 4 or 5 machines he has, it is easy to get balled up.,

:D Train says this: With the 4 or 5 machines he has, it is easy to get balled up.,
__________________
I suppose I goofed when I chose to post this question where I had already inquired about another of mine. Sorry if that is what is causing "the confusion". I don't necessarily need several computers to confuse an issue; I only need me. But in this case, I now only use 2 of the computers I own and those are the two in my signature. (I have given up on having an inventory like Train's stable of computers :))
Spyware Doctor pretty much summed up the picture. Thanks Doc. Suffice it to say, I can now feel better about the 32bit and the 64bit CDs that are included in the Upgrade I bought. I'll CAN USE the 64bit CD on her Emachine and the 32bit CD on my M7NCG 400

Thanks buf. :D
I too, was confused. :(

Thanks for clearing that up buf. I had already figured out the Biostar mobo was 32-bit only. I didn't clarify the Emachine though and should have done so. Now that we're all on the same path, Doc got you on the correct path for both editions of Windows 7.

Yeah, ain't that Doc something !!! Now knowing that I will need both the 32bit and the 64bit CDs that were in the update package I bought is comforting. I have my work cut out for me in a few days. Custom/Clean install and re-installing my software in not something I look upon as being fun.
Thanks good folks for your sticking with me on this and I'll try to never combine 2 subjects in one thread again.

I wonder though, does the package come with two keys or only one?

PL, you may have raised a good question; one that I had thought about.
Reading the description on the box, this upgrade is only for one machine or device and it has to be activated by phone or internet.
It appears at this time that my plan to use one CD on one computer
and the other CD on another computer may be out of the question. If that is true, then the upgrade is going back to Staples.
Now, I have some research to do. Should you see something, please please post.

You can only use the key on on either the 32-bit or the 64-bit, not both at the same time. If you can take it back, you may be able to exchange it for the Family Pack, then you can install on up to 3 machines, and mix and match x86 and x64 as you like.

Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack
Upgrade 3 PCs for $149.99 (USD)
http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft...oduct/87DFFF11

And this is what I have now found about the "2 keys question":
Since I Get a 32 Bit & 64 Bit CD, Can I Install It On Two Machines?
No. Since you are only given one CD key, you can only activate a single version at a time. The good news here is that your CD Key is interchangeable. This means that you can start out with the 32 bit edition if that’s all you need, knowing that you can easily format and change over to 64 bit later on if your requirements change.

Some home users coming from XP might be hoping to cheat the system by calling Microsoft for manual activations on additional machines, but I’m afraid it won’t work this time. Windows is constantly checking in with Microsoft for various reasons (most of which you agreed to in the EULA), and as with Vista, multiple activations are often caught, kicking both copies into non genuine mode. Even though this isn’t as serious as it used to be, it’s still not a good idea, and it’s defiantly illegal.

and the above info comes from here: http://www.maximumpc.com/article/fea...tions_answered

Well Nick and Doc have beaten me to it--in a way and I continue to thank all who have joined in on this discussion. I first thought about the family 3 pack--very seriously but then I decided to buy the Compaq described in my signature. And I like it. What I may just consider doing for her PC and my M7NCG 400 is nothing but instead just leave them alone and use them as they are--for now at least. :) (Did I just hear a clapping of hands !!!)

This thread may have more input if I could remove the resolved that I too quickly chose to mark as such. The upgrade software is going back to Staples Tuesday. Even if I used the 64bit CD on wife's machine, the machine would still as slow as it is now. Well, maybe 'something' here or there might speed up--booting and perhaps shut down, I suspect.

Your wish is my command. Resolved thread removed. :)

The Ancient Mariner :) Many thanks PL. Now I'll see if anyone else posts.

Actually, I believe that win 7 would run better than Vista. But why chance fixing what ain't broke. . . .

I totally agree with what you say Train. I think that is why I have
re-thought doing anything to her PC or my other one.
I asked for the Resolved to be removed so others may not hesitate to post whatever they chose to. I have since re-thought even that request because there may not be anything else anyone can post that hasn't already been adequately covered.

After all this, would you believe I found another of those Compaq machines, went out and bought it for her---same machine as mine with Win 7 installed.
Now I gotta figure out how I used Easy Transfer on my old XP machine to transfer my files; etc to the new Compaq because now I have to do hers also.
I do not look forward to installing her software though but if anyone does it, it will be me !! :rolleyes: