which version vista 32 64 bit

Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

Well, you need a 64-bit processor to run a 64-bit OS. And your 800MHz chip isn't. Also, if I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend about six hours reading all the posts about how people have messed up their only computer before you even think of trying Vista out on yours.
Tip: for backing up stuff, buy a nice 200GB external hard drive (around $150) and use it. You'll be so happy!
"IBIZA618" wrote in message

Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

and to add to that, the chances that you will be able to "revert" back to your current XP setup is <5% unless you buy some imagine tools...

"Mark D. VandenBerg" wrote in message

Well, you need a 64-bit processor to run a 64-bit OS. And your 800MHz chip isn't. Also, if I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend about six hours reading all the posts about how people have messed up their only computer before you even think of trying Vista out on yours.
Tip: for backing up stuff, buy a nice 200GB external hard drive (around $150) and use it. You'll be so happy!
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

32-bit.
"IBIZA618" wrote in message

Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

I prefer pixie dust, myself, actually. Much faster application and has a broad reach of uses.
"Zapper" wrote in message

and to add to that, the chances that you will be able to "revert" back to your current XP setup is <5% unless you buy some imagine tools...

"Mark D. VandenBerg" wrote in message Well, you need a 64-bit processor to run a 64-bit OS. And your 800MHz chip isn't. Also, if I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend about six hours reading all the posts about how people have messed up their only computer before you even think of trying Vista out on yours.
Tip: for backing up stuff, buy a nice 200GB external hard drive (around $150) and use it. You'll be so happy!
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

Thanks for the tips..i actually just got off Sony's website for support (cuz im at work and not at home with my laptop) but i found the actual specs on my laptop...do these work with the 64bit or 32bit OS? You know, i downloaded the program from Microsoft that analyzed my PC last night and apparantly "checked" for compatibility and while it said it was good to install, it neglected to tell me which CD to do , hence why i am asking.. and I will now go to BestBuy and buy an external hard drive to back up everything before doing this thing..
Here are the specs in detail: Processor-Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73 GHz, 2MB L2 cache) Front Side Bus Speed - 533 MHz Chipset - Intel 915 PM Memory - 512MB PC-3200 400MHz DDR2
"Mark D. VandenBerg" wrote:

Well, you need a 64-bit processor to run a 64-bit OS. And your 800MHz chip isn't. Also, if I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend about six hours reading all the posts about how people have messed up their only computer before you even think of trying Vista out on yours.
Tip: for backing up stuff, buy a nice 200GB external hard drive (around $150) and use it. You'll be so happy!
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

Thanks for the tips..i actually just got off Sony's website for support (cuz im at work and not at home with my laptop) but i found the actual specs on my laptop...do these work with the 64bit or 32bit OS? You know, i downloaded the program from Microsoft that analyzed my PC last night and apparantly "checked" for compatibility and while it said it was good to install, it neglected to tell me which CD to do , hence why i am asking.. and I will now go to BestBuy and buy an external hard drive to back up everything before doing this thing..
Here are the specs in detail: Processor-Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73 GHz, 2MB L2 cache) Front Side Bus Speed - 533 MHz Chipset - Intel 915 PM Memory - 512MB PC-3200 400MHz DDR2
"Mark D. VandenBerg" wrote:

Well, you need a 64-bit processor to run a 64-bit OS. And your 800MHz chip isn't. Also, if I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend about six hours reading all the posts about how people have messed up their only computer before you even think of trying Vista out on yours.
Tip: for backing up stuff, buy a nice 200GB external hard drive (around $150) and use it. You'll be so happy!
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

"IBIZA618" wrote in message Now is the time to work on "What If" scenarios. If this is your only computer, at a minimum you need to partition your hard drive and install Vista on the 2nd partition.

Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

Colin.... thanks.. you think with those specs on my laptop, ill be okay? Of course, ill backup everything i cant live without on an external hard drive...

"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:

32-bit.
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

The Intel Pentium M series is not a 64-bit processor.
So use the 32-bit, also called x86, edition.
And make sure you have your Windows XP restoration CD, plenty of doughnuts and some Advil handy.
"IBIZA618" wrote in message

Thanks for the tips..i actually just got off Sony's website for support (cuz im at work and not at home with my laptop) but i found the actual specs on my laptop...do these work with the 64bit or 32bit OS? You know, i downloaded the program from Microsoft that analyzed my PC last night and apparantly "checked" for compatibility and while it said it was good to install, it neglected to tell me which CD to do , hence why i am asking.. and I will now go to BestBuy and buy an external hard drive to back up everything before doing this thing..
Here are the specs in detail: Processor-Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73 GHz, 2MB L2 cache) Front Side Bus Speed - 533 MHz Chipset - Intel 915 PM Memory - 512MB PC-3200 400MHz DDR2
"Mark D. VandenBerg" wrote:
Well, you need a 64-bit processor to run a 64-bit OS. And your 800MHz chip isn't. Also, if I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend about six hours reading all the posts about how people have messed up their only computer before you even think of trying Vista out on yours.
Tip: for backing up stuff, buy a nice 200GB external hard drive (around $150) and use it. You'll be so happy!
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

....as opposed to "What the..." scenarios sure to come...
wrote in message

"IBIZA618" wrote in message Now is the time to work on "What If" scenarios. If this is your only computer, at a minimum you need to partition your hard drive and install Vista on the 2nd partition.

okay... well, this is my newest PC..my other PC is a desktop VAIO that is only 256 MB RAM and is about 2 yrs old, if that tells you a lot.. :)
It sounds like i have to start reading up on how to partition my hard drive, because i am not aware of how to do that.. unfortunately. Im a web developer but not too hardware savvy...as you can tell.. sorry..
"mrstyles_@hotmail.com" wrote:

"IBIZA618" wrote in message Now is the time to work on "What If" scenarios. If this is your only computer, at a minimum you need to partition your hard drive and install Vista on the 2nd partition.
Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

okay... well, this is my newest PC..my other PC is a desktop VAIO that is only 256 MB RAM and is about 2 yrs old, if that tells you a lot.. :)
It sounds like i have to start reading up on how to partition my hard drive, because i am not aware of how to do that.. unfortunately. Im a web developer but not too hardware savvy...as you can tell.. sorry..
"mrstyles_@hotmail.com" wrote:

"IBIZA618" wrote in message Now is the time to work on "What If" scenarios. If this is your only computer, at a minimum you need to partition your hard drive and install Vista on the 2nd partition.
Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

hahaha... thanks Mark.. ill keep that in mind and swing by the Krispy Kreme after BestBuy for an external HD..
"Mark D. VandenBerg" wrote:

The Intel Pentium M series is not a 64-bit processor.
So use the 32-bit, also called x86, edition.
And make sure you have your Windows XP restoration CD, plenty of doughnuts and some Advil handy.
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Thanks for the tips..i actually just got off Sony's website for support (cuz im at work and not at home with my laptop) but i found the actual specs on my laptop...do these work with the 64bit or 32bit OS? You know, i downloaded the program from Microsoft that analyzed my PC last night and apparantly "checked" for compatibility and while it said it was good to install, it neglected to tell me which CD to do , hence why i am asking.. and I will now go to BestBuy and buy an external hard drive to back up everything before doing this thing..
Here are the specs in detail: Processor-Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73 GHz, 2MB L2 cache) Front Side Bus Speed - 533 MHz Chipset - Intel 915 PM Memory - 512MB PC-3200 400MHz DDR2
"Mark D. VandenBerg" wrote:
Well, you need a 64-bit processor to run a 64-bit OS. And your 800MHz chip isn't. Also, if I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend about six hours reading all the posts about how people have messed up their only computer before you even think of trying Vista out on yours.
Tip: for backing up stuff, buy a nice 200GB external hard drive (around $150) and use it. You'll be so happy!
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

hahaha... thanks Mark.. ill keep that in mind and swing by the Krispy Kreme after BestBuy for an external HD..
"Mark D. VandenBerg" wrote:

The Intel Pentium M series is not a 64-bit processor.
So use the 32-bit, also called x86, edition.
And make sure you have your Windows XP restoration CD, plenty of doughnuts and some Advil handy.
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Thanks for the tips..i actually just got off Sony's website for support (cuz im at work and not at home with my laptop) but i found the actual specs on my laptop...do these work with the 64bit or 32bit OS? You know, i downloaded the program from Microsoft that analyzed my PC last night and apparantly "checked" for compatibility and while it said it was good to install, it neglected to tell me which CD to do , hence why i am asking.. and I will now go to BestBuy and buy an external hard drive to back up everything before doing this thing..
Here are the specs in detail: Processor-Intel Pentium M 740 (1.73 GHz, 2MB L2 cache) Front Side Bus Speed - 533 MHz Chipset - Intel 915 PM Memory - 512MB PC-3200 400MHz DDR2
"Mark D. VandenBerg" wrote:
Well, you need a 64-bit processor to run a 64-bit OS. And your 800MHz chip isn't. Also, if I were you, and I'm not, I'd spend about six hours reading all the posts about how people have messed up their only computer before you even think of trying Vista out on yours.
Tip: for backing up stuff, buy a nice 200GB external hard drive (around $150) and use it. You'll be so happy!
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

Vista scales to hardware very well. You will not get Glass (takes a special driver from Sony for Vista for your adaptor, which they probably will not do), but that is just special effects.
If your laptop requires the use of a hidden recovery partition or recovery cd's to reinstall XP then stop now and prepare.
Even if you back up your system drive to an external hard drive the backup program may not work in Vista and you might not be able to restore that way. The problem is getting XP back on your machine so you can do the restore.
Installing Vista seems to disable the function key used on a lot of computers to start the recovery process. Please post back on how you plan to proceed and whether or not you have an XP cd or just recovery cd's or just a hidden partition.
"IBIZA618" wrote in message

Colin.... thanks.. you think with those specs on my laptop, ill be okay? Of course, ill backup everything i cant live without on an external hard drive...

"Colin Barnhorst" wrote:
32-bit.
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

The two-year old desktop may be the better bet because ram is cheap (take it up to 1GB) and the second hard drive should be perfect. I don't like fooling around with my laptops because of proprietary hardware and drivers.
"IBIZA618" wrote in message

okay... well, this is my newest PC..my other PC is a desktop VAIO that is only 256 MB RAM and is about 2 yrs old, if that tells you a lot.. :)
It sounds like i have to start reading up on how to partition my hard drive, because i am not aware of how to do that.. unfortunately. Im a web developer but not too hardware savvy...as you can tell.. sorry..
"mrstyles_@hotmail.com" wrote:
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Now is the time to work on "What If" scenarios. If this is your only computer, at a minimum you need to partition your hard drive and install Vista on the 2nd partition.
Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

It would probably also be easier to upgrade a video card if necessary to get Aero Glass if Aero Glass was important to you... "IBIZA618" wrote in message

okay... well, this is my newest PC..my other PC is a desktop VAIO that is only 256 MB RAM and is about 2 yrs old, if that tells you a lot.. :)
It sounds like i have to start reading up on how to partition my hard drive, because i am not aware of how to do that.. unfortunately. Im a web developer but not too hardware savvy...as you can tell.. sorry..
"mrstyles_@hotmail.com" wrote:
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Now is the time to work on "What If" scenarios. If this is your only computer, at a minimum you need to partition your hard drive and install Vista on the 2nd partition.
Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..

Purchase PartitionMagic by Norton. It seems to be the industry standard, and I am hesitant to try freeware when performing such actions. About $70.00 but I find it absolutely invaluable.
If you would like, I can write out a detailed, step-by-step on how to install Vista on a system with one hard-drive and several partitions and email it to you. My way prevented such things as boot file overwrites and the like.
Mark
"IBIZA618" wrote in message

okay... well, this is my newest PC..my other PC is a desktop VAIO that is only 256 MB RAM and is about 2 yrs old, if that tells you a lot.. :)
It sounds like i have to start reading up on how to partition my hard drive, because i am not aware of how to do that.. unfortunately. Im a web developer but not too hardware savvy...as you can tell.. sorry..
"mrstyles_@hotmail.com" wrote:
"IBIZA618" wrote in message Now is the time to work on "What If" scenarios. If this is your only computer, at a minimum you need to partition your hard drive and install Vista on the 2nd partition.
Okay, pardon me if i am ignorant of this answer, but i received my CDs from MS in the mail just yesterday and i dont know which CD to install for Vista.. the 32bit or the 64bit and does it make a difference?
Im planning on installing it on a Sony VAIO 800 Mhz 512 RAM 80GB laptop... just off the top of my head.. thanks...
Im also backing up my files, pics, docs, etc...just in case, but im not really sure if something terribly wrong occurs, how i'll revert back to the existing Windows XP version that originally came on my laptop when i bought it.. hmmm.. ill have to work on that one..