Upgrading To Windows XP 64 (Issues?)

[jrphoenix]

Hi,

I am seriously looking at converting my Windows XP Pro to XP 64 before time runs out (I think we have until the end of May?)... I know that all my 32 bit software (I've dumped really old software) will run on 64. The only issue I have seen are drivers listed in topics on this forum. You can see my hardware in my sig (click the link)....

6800 Ultra (no problem)
DVD Dual Layer writer (I'm assuming their should be a driver in XP 64?)
Gigabyte Mobo Drivers: Link

It looks like everything is covered by XP 64 drivers except the Silicon Image SATA drivers??? My hard drive is a SATA Barracuda.

Am I up the creek as far as XP 64 goes? I want to jump in because the more people use 64 bit windows the more software & support we will all see.

Thanks

 

[MajorPayne]

Originally posted by: jrphoenix
Hi,

I am seriously looking at converting my Windows XP Pro to XP 64 before time runs out (I think we have until the end of May?)... I know that all my 32 bit software (I've dumped really old software) will run on 64. The only issue I have seen are drivers listed in topics on this forum. You can see my hardware in my sig (click the link)....

6800 Ultra (no problem)
DVD Dual Layer writer (I'm assuming their should be a driver in XP 64?)
Gigabyte Mobo Drivers: Link

It looks like everything is covered by XP 64 drivers except the Silicon Image SATA drivers??? My hard drive is a SATA Barracuda.

Am I up the creek as far as XP 64 goes? I want to jump in because the more people use 64 bit windows the more software & support we will all see.

Thanks

Hi jrphoenix, I have been running Xp X64 for a couple of weeks, and it IS great. I have noticed a decent speed increase in almost all uses, and it seems more stable than Xp-32 (it should be, since it is supposedly based on Windows Server 2003 tech). For drivers, I would check on Planet AMD64 who specialize in 64-bit drivers. Check both the forums there, and the downloads section (forums may link to full or beta drivers that work for you, and downloads may have the ready for download). I believe that all Nforce motherboards can use the 64-bit Nforce drivers on the Nvidia site. I do not believe that there is a driver for the Silicon Image SATA yet, but I would go either to thier website, or PlanetAMD64's site to check.

 

[jrphoenix]

Hi MajorPayne,

Thanks for the info.... I am definately going to upgrade!!! I just hope I can use my hard drive & soundcard (just emailed Creative for lack of Audigy drivers)... Thank you for the link too!

 

[jrphoenix]

Another quick question.... can you install over the top of Windows XP or do you have to wipe your hard drive?

Thanks!

 

[MajorPayne]

Originally posted by: jrphoenix
Another quick question.... can you install over the top of Windows XP or do you have to wipe your hard drive?

Thanks!

No, Windows XP X64 is a clean install only. There is no option to upgrade from Windows 32 (or any other version of Windows) to the new one, so you will have to back up programs and data, wipe the hard drive, and install clean. On the upside, I do not think I would WANT to upgrade from 32-bit, and drag old junk along into a new 64-bit OS.

 

[AristoV300]

Yeah you need to do a fresh install xp 64 edition.

 

[duke2106]

There are SB drivers for x64. I believe there's a link in a sticky at the top of the forum with that info.

 

[jrphoenix]

Originally posted by: duke2106
There are SB drivers for x64. I believe there's a link in a sticky at the top of the forum with that info.

Thanks for the info Duke.... I'll check it out. I went to the creative web site and it said they would be available Quarter 2 of 2005.... They have a 1 1/2 months, I hope they hurry

 

[jrphoenix]

Talk about quick service Creative release official Audigy 2 ZS 64 bit drivers today! Now I need SATA drivers and I'm switching


EDIT....... I'm good to go now....... those SATA drivers are for RAID only and I don't don RAID.

As soon as I go for XP64 does my current Windows work, just not able to update on Windows update, etc...?

 

[Capitalist]

Major Payne-

Any problem with the chaintech mobo and its included drivers?