[shawnstrauss]

IF I wanted to upgrade to Windows 7 from XP, Microsoft advised me to remove my files and programs off my PC to an external hardrive using Windows Easy Transfer before I install Windows 7. Microsoft further advised that I would need the original discs or set up files for the programs I want to use with Windows 7 and manually reinstall them. Some programs, like Photoshop CS3 for example I downloaded and paid for from Adobe's website. Since I don't have discs or set up files for programs I have downloaded, am I going to have difficulty reinstalling after Windows 7?
Second Question: I have a hand built computer so it wouldn't be a problem to change components in it; what would I have to do to go from 32 bit to 64 bit version? From what I understand, the 64 bit version offers better use of a larger amount of RAM and is somewhat faster. I have 2 GB now upgradable to 4 GB and a 2.66 Ghz Pentium IV CPU. Any excuse for more, better, faster is a good thing. If one needs any more info about my system to answer the second question I will post back. Thanks in advance.

[bbearren]

To go from 32-bit to 64-bit you need both a CPU and a motherboard that supports 64-bit, which will more than likely also involve new RAM if you have to make such a change.

Check the manufacturer's web site for your model motherboard to see if it supports 64-bit processors. I don't recall any Pentium 4 processor models that support 64-bit.

If you're buying Windows 7 retail, the DVD has both 32-bit and 64-bit on it, so there's no real rush for you to have to upgrade hardware (if necessary). I think the licensing terms will allow you to switch from one version to the other on the same machine, although that issue can be a bit murky these days.

[TerryNet]

For programs that you downloaded from the web you can probably download them again. You can check on that now. The two questions are--is there a Windows 7 version and do you have the product key or license info or whatever you need to run the paid programs.

If you haven't already run it see if the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor has any more useful info for you.

I think that if your CPU has "64" somewhere in the name it is 64-bit. But, ya' better wait for a better answer than that. If you don't have a 64-bit processor you need to replace the CPU, and surely you know better than I do what that might entail.

I think, not positive, that a 32-bit system will use a little more than 3 GB if 4 GB is available, so if I'm correct a 64-bit system won't do you a lot of good with a max. of 4 GB memory.

[TerryNet]

I think the licensing terms will allow you to switch from one version to the other on the same machine, although that issue can be a bit murky these days.

That's my understanding also. On both parts.

[LauraMJ]

When you buy something and download it from the internet, they give you an activation key. If you still have that key, you simply need to re-enter that when you re-install the program. If you don't have it, then contact the vendor and ask for them to send it to you again.

[TerryNet]

Now that Laura jogged my memory, you can often retrieve a product key through the program's Help menu - About <product name>.

[shawnstrauss]

Thanks to all who offered advice. Looks like I have quite a few options and a fairly easy install. Thanks again.

[TheOutcaste]

According to Wikipedia, there were a few P4s that were 64 bit, some Prescott cores, and the Ceder Mill core. The Extreme Edition models were 64 bit
Another article:

All 9xx, 8xx, 6xx, 5x9, 5x6, 5x1, 3x6, and 3x1 series CPUs have Intel 64 enabled

You can always look up the model number on Intel's site and see if they support EM64T, now known as Intel64

[DoubleHelix]

Run Securable to see if your system supports a 64-bit operating system.