32 bit vs 64 bit

My question is about the installation of a 32 bit operating system on a 64 bit PC.

System specs:
Dell XPS 9000 PC w/intel core i7-975 Processor extreme
6 Gigs DDR3 SDRAM. Nvidia GTX 260 64 bit graphics card
Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit.

I am a gamer who is having problems with some of the newer games. the problem is that the mouse cursor is offset from where it should be. I cannot click on the proper control in these games. After checking with the game manufacturer I have been told that these games are not really designed to run on a 64 bit system. All drivers etc. are up to date.

Therefore my question is: Can I install a second operating system such as Vista 32 bit on this PC, either to a second HD or on a second partition? If this is possible, could I access this second OS by going to the drive/partition from the Win 7 OS.

I would rather not get into a dual boot system if possible.

If additional info is needed I will gladly furnish it.

Thank you in advance for any help.

Joemonte

A 32 bit OS can certainly be installed on hardware that is capable of running a 64 bit OS.
Any details of how to accomplish this other than a complete install of Windows on the PC, simply using the 32 bit version and eliminating the 64 bit version is probably a topic for the Advanced Topic forums.
To answer your questions specifically:
Yes, you can install a 32 bit version of Vista on another drive. However, since the machine already has Windows 7 on it, you are not going to be able to do this simply and easily and it will result in a dual-boot system with a menu to select from when you boot the PC. To switch between operating systems, you will need to reboot.
The only other options would be:
1. A Virtual PC - which is probably out of the question, since you are going to be running games on the second OS. So, this isn't a good option. A virtual OS will not use the hardware directly and will be pretty useless for gaming.
2. A hardware solution involving a removable or switchable hard drive. Basically, you would be rebooting to switch operating systems, but you would not be dealing with a boot menu as the switching is done by changing the physical drive that will be used to boot from and the other will be disabled and not available.
Personally, if the game developers are not developing for the 64 bit OS, then I'd "downgrade" the PC to be using a 32 bit version of Windows 7. On the other hand, I'm not sure I believe the support people who advised you that their games are not designed for a 64 bit system. It sounds more like a cop-out response to me. It is supported or not. They should fix their game(s) or help you identify the specific compatibility issues with your hardware and/or drivers.
-steve

stephen boots
MVP-Windows Live
"Life's always an adventure with computers!" - anon.

Thank you Steve.
 I considered the virtual PC but assumed it would not work. If I install a second HD what would the procedure be to dual boot the system. Is there somewhere I can find this procedure?

I am not familiar with switchable hard drives, Again where could I get more info?

To downgrade the system would require a re-install of the OS, would it not? Since the 64 bit system is OEM is it even possible?

Is it possible to install Vista on an external HD and boot from it? I'm just throwing out possibilities.

Joemonte


Thank you Steve.
I considered the virtual PC but assumed it would not work. If I install a second HD what would the procedure be to dual boot the system. Is there somewhere I can find this procedure?

I am not familiar with switchable hard drives, Again where could I get more info?

To downgrade the system would require a re-install of the OS, would it not? Since the 64 bit system is OEM is it even possible?

Is it possible to install Vista on an external HD and boot from it? I'm just throwing out possibilities.

You could purchase a 32 bit version of Win 7 and perform a clean install over the existing 64 bit install.

Frank Golden
Acer Aspire 5672WLMi, 2 GHz Core 2 Duo, 500GB HDD, 4GB DDR2 ram, ATi X1400  [Win 7 Home  + XP-SP3 Pro + Ubuntu 10.04 LTS  + Ubuntu 8.10 + PCLinuxOS 2010  Gnome and PCLinuxOS 2010  KDE]

Before we get into the possibilities of a dual boot system try right clicking on the game icon and selecting Properties.  Go to Compatibility and set to run as XP Service Pack 2.

If you do end up installing a dual boot you will run in to minor issues as you will be installing an older OS after a newer.  That is not the correct order.  The issues are easy to deal with.

Jay
I have a photographic memory but no film...
My.Jaylach
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Thanks guys. I don't want to purchase the 32 bit Win 7. I already have all the necessary disks, etc. for the dual boot.

Jay, I am also aware of the problems of installing an older OS. I'm going to give it a try.

I like Jay's idea as a starting try to work through the issues.

As for the game issues - a mouse offset sounds like one of two possibilities:
1. Mouse driver
2. Display driver

I think #2 is more likely and it may mean that you need to try different certified drivers for your video card - older versions - or you may need to update the driver to a newer version that hasn't been certified and is available from the chip manufacturer.

Now, for the simple answers...
If you purchase a retail copy of Windows 7 anything is possible. :-)
Dual boot, different drive, or over the top of the current x64 version.

As for how to set up a dual boot or switched/removable drive, I'll hold off on that as that discussion most certainly belongs in the Advanced Topics forum.

-steve

stephen boots
MVP-Windows Live
"Life's always an adventure with computers!" - anon.

Steve, I do and do not agree with you.  Since there has been no mention of any other mouse position issues I must assume that the mouse issue is how the game deals with the mouse.

While different mouse drivers (I doubt video) might solve the issue I really think that comparability mode for the game is the way to go... Hmmm might try running the game in a different screen resolution.  While not likely it IS possible that the default screen resolution for the game might not be one that the monitor can properly handle.

Joe, I would do the comparability mode before trying anything else.  Since I am not against dual boots I consider that to be a viable solution but you said that you would rather not have a dual boot.

Don't just set the actual game icon to be combatable with XP Service Pack 2.  Go through the game folder and find ALL .exe files and set them to the same setting.  Does not hurt to do the same with .exe files on the disk if one is needed to be present for the game to run.

Jay
I have a photographic memory but no film...
My.Jaylach
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I'm in agreement on the compatibility mode idea to see if that works. 
Why I mention the possibility of video drivers is that 3D game rendering pushes the envelope for the video display and that would be closely related to positioning *only* in the affected games, even if it works perfectly in every day use in non-game programs.
-steve

stephen boots
MVP-Windows Live
"Life's always an adventure with computers!" - anon.

Thank you guys for all your suggestions.

I tried the compatibility fix, using several different settings. The problem remained.

I downloaded the latest drivers for the video card and mouse. again there was no change.

I finally installed a second hard drive and re-installed Vista as a dual boot. The games work beautifully in Vista. The problem must be somewhere in Win 7.
 Anyway thank you all again for tour help.

Something that should have been suggested right off...  Have you gone to the game maker's site to see if there is a game patch related to the issue?

What game is it anyway?

Jay
I have a photographic memory but no film...
My.Jaylach
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Beerme's GIF Gallery