Installed 32 bit on 64 bit (should I reinstall?)

[lake54]

OK, so just to make clear that this it isn't a business I run, it's a serious 'hobby' right now, but I am definitely looking into making a business out of it in the future. I do work in a repair shop on a Saturday as a tech, for three years now, and I have been doing home repairs for longer for friends/family.

I have had a deceivingly easy job recently where the hard drive had gone in a Sony Vaio. Simple, order hard drive, fit hard drive, install OS and drivers etc. Done deal (except for the fiddly case and screws, I abhor Sony Vaios, Compaq CQ70s, and Sony all-in-ones.)

Anyway, I'd got right to the end, put software on and everything, then I noticed there was still an Unknown Device in Device Manager. After an hour or so of searching, I discovered what it was, and by chance happened to note that it was for use when downgrading from Vista 64 bit to Vista 32 bit. "Huh?" I thought to myself.

Bit more research, turns out that the laptop is 64-bit , even though it's a couple of years old (back when it wasn't as common). I've installed Vista 32-bit onto it. "Darn" I said to myself. Well, something similar...

My question is, should I reload again? The end user wouldn't notice the difference, and they are unlikely to use any 64-bit only software (is there any apart from some of the latest Adobe Creative Suite?).

Thanks,

James

 

[TimJacobs]

Did it have x64 on it when you got it??

If it did, I would install Vista x64........

 

[DCGPX]

If you want to do this full time then I personally would as a tech you need to give the customer what they had ie a x64 system, you made the error so need to correct it

I've been there so I understand it very annoying to say the least but I gave back a 64 bit system and swallowed the time myself


www.tornadopc.com

 

[lake54]

I wish I could have checked but it wouldn't even boot up. My machine didn't want to boot at all with the drive attached. The optical drive is also not working in the laptop.

I suspect it would have been x64 though I can't see any label or other info on the chassis that mentions x64 (I thought the COA had this on? I might be imagining that though).

Edit: just saw DCGPX's message.

OK I'll reinstall 64 bit. I'll have to find a disc somewhere though, as I don't have one to hand.

Usually I would have just reinstalled straight away, but it's because it'll take me a while to get a disc.

Thanks for the help guys.

PS I just want to clarify and note that if this was a normal customer I would without hesitation install 64 bit. It's only because I'm not going to be making much/any money out of this job. Cheers again.

 

[gikstar]

Just because it's a 64-bit system doesn't mean it came with Vista 64-bit O/S on it.
Fortunately I don't work on Sony's much (yes, I hate those suckers also), but is there a way you can look up what version of the O/S came with the system?

Love the Dell computers only for the reason that you can use the service tag to find info on the system (not a perfect system but better than most).

 

[DCGPX]

Not sure what you mean by ' normal customer' ( I've yet to meet one !)

Ask if they specifically need 64 bit explaining whats happened and possible delay getting right disc they maybe be happy to take it, that way it's a compromise customer in decision loop. Not ideal but its an option


www.tornadopc.com

 

[lake54]

@gikstar I can't find a way of determining the previous architecture, there's nowhere on the Sony site that I can immediately see (or even with some digging) that will tell me the specs of that machine. I do agree though, Dell are very good at things like that!

@DCGPX because this is my mum's colleagues' son, they're not expecting to pay too much, and so I'm not spending as much time as I normally would at, say, my Saturday job, or for a customer who is paying that I don't know as such. I know what you mean though!

I've asked him if he has any restore or recovery discs that came with the computer, and that they might be with his manual if he kept that too. The reply (via text) was "I'm not sure". Tis a great help, that...

I'll let him know the predicament tomorrow, and hopefully I'll have it sorted out soonish!

Cheers for the help again fellas, I'm really loving this site now!

James

 

[Paul Rodgers]

I would call Sony and ask if they can run the service tag and tell you how the laptop was configured from the factory.

 

[harpy1976]

I would definitely reinstall the x64. I know it's kind of a time eater but it is the right thing to do.

 

[PR Tech]

I guess for me a determining factor would be if it has more than 4GB of RAM installed. If so, the customer benefits from the bump to 64bit OS. Always go with what is best for the customer. Even when they don't know any better.

 

[lake54]

@Paul - do you have a (UK) phone number to hand? I don't fancy trawling through the support area again for an elusive contact page.

@harpy will do, assuming it came with x64 originally.

@pr tech - only has 2GB RAM I think. I'll check again but iirc it's just 2.

Appreciate the help.

James

 

[TLE]

Will a 64bit key activate a on a 32bit install of Windows? I have never tried it to be honest?

 

[Martyn]

Will a 64bit key activate a on a 32bit install of Windows? I have never tried it to be honest?

I think so. When I bought Windows 7 I got both cd versions and one key to install either from memory.

 

[TLE]

I think so. When I bought Windows 7 I got both cd versions and one key to install either from memory.

Doh!! You do get both disc's so it must do. Don't know why that didn't occur to me

 

[lake54]

I've just asked the client and he can't remember if it's x32 or x64 and he also doesn't have any restore/recovery discs.

I guess I'll have to continue hunting for a place to enter the service tag on Sony's site, unless someone has a phone number that I could use?

James

 

[lake54]

I just tried emailing Sony via an online form. When I try to submit, a generic "There was an error with your submission" comes up. No way to get past it, and I cannot find a direct email address.

I then tried phoning the support line (freephone). I was then told that it was out of the warranty period, and to use the online form, or the extortionate premium rate phoneline. Sigh.

Cheers for the help, I think I'll leave this as 32 bit for now, but if he does for whatever reason need 64 bit in the future I'll install it for him no questions asked.

James

 

[Robert]

@pr tech - only has 2GB RAM I think. I'll check again but iirc it's just 2.

Then I'd install 32 bit. No point installing x64 unless it's got 4+ GB RAM (or the customer specifically needs x64).

 

[lake54]

OK cheers Robert (your software is great from what I've seen, by the way!)

I confirmed that it does indeed only have 2GB.

 

[CITSFixed]

I agree with the previous statement "go with what’s best for the customer". However, the customer doesn't always understand what's best and this is what can make our jobs so difficult.

In this case, my first question is, are supported x64 drivers available for the OS you've decided to install? I have seen and worked on several laptops/notebooks that have x64 processors only to find the manufacturer does not support/supply x64 drivers for it. To find out if the drivers are available I would find the model number of this particular Sony PC and search their site for the system specs and optional OSes it was released with, as well as if they offer x64 drivers for XP, Vista, and 7. If they do, then I would go ahead and nuke and pave it with the x64 OS.

Now, back to my comment about how customers do not always know what’s best for them. If the drivers are not available and the customer still wants the system upgraded it's our job to explain how this could be detrimental to the stability of the system if install a faulty driver that is not supplied or supported by the manufacturer. Plus installing an incorrect or faulty driver by trying to install an OS not intended or supported by the manufacturer could be detrimental to your business.

* It has been my experience with Sony that they usually display their model numbers on a molded tag/label near the top right of the keyboard or the bottom right of the LCD screen.

 

[lake54]

I have just been onto the Sony site again to see if there were any knowledgebase articles or anything like that, and happened to go to the driver download page. All along the right-hand side next to each driver was "32-bit". So, I can assume that this was the default on the laptop originally. Can't believe I missed that first time round.

On the 64-bit driver list, the only drivers available for the model I'm working on are graphics, memory card, and two wireless chipsets. There's also the SFEP driver but that appears to be available for both anyway.

Cheers for the help everyone,

James