[justenhansen]

When you're looking at buying a computer with Vista, how are you suppose to know if it is 32 or 64 bit Vista? They never advertise that.

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If the PC doesn't have a 64-bit processor (CPU) you can be sure it doesn't have 64-bit Windows Vista installed, since 64-bit Windows can't be installed on a system which has a 32-bit CPU.

However, do bear in mind that even if the CPU is 64-bit, that doesn't necessarily mean it's got 64-bit Windows, since a 64-bit CPU is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit Vista. The vendor may have installed 32-bit Vista leaving you with the option of being able to upgrade to 64-bit at some later stage. Where there is any doubt you should contact the vendor and get confirmation from them on what is installed.

Edited by pip22, 25 November 2007 - 03:13 AM.

[pip22]

If the PC doesn't have a 64-bit processor (CPU) you can be sure it doesn't have 64-bit Windows Vista installed, since 64-bit Windows can't be installed on a system which has a 32-bit CPU.

However, do bear in mind that even if the CPU is 64-bit, that doesn't necessarily mean it's got 64-bit Windows, since a 64-bit CPU is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit Vista. The vendor may have installed 32-bit Vista leaving you with the option of being able to upgrade to 64-bit at some later stage. Where there is any doubt you should contact the vendor and get confirmation from them on what is installed.

Edited by pip22, 25 November 2007 - 03:13 AM.

[justenhansen]

Ah thanks for the response. I'll check with the vendor.

[Troy]

32-bit is the most common version. Unless it specifically says "64-bit", it would be safe to assume that you're getting the 32-bit version. Of course, it's always good to double-check.