Windows XP64 goes gold

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by punky

If I was you mate, i'd get XP32 up and running properly first, and make sure there's no problems and you are happy. If you go in too far, and there is a problem, it doubles your trouble-shooting checklist that you have to go through to find the problem. Its best to do it in as small a steps as possible.

Good advice but doesn't the 64 bit install necessitate a re-format? In other words, I'll get my PC just the way I want it (software wise) and I'll have to start again.

[Richard M]

Yep, the downside that I can see is that you'll have to wait until the end of April until you can install.
Alternatively, I'd install XP 32 then use the Documents & Settings Transfer Wizard to backup your settings to a file on another partition/disk.

That's pretty much what I did to keep my documents - no problems here.

[punky]

Originally Posted by Ramrod

Good advice but doesn't the 64 bit install necessitate a re-format? In other words, I'll get my PC just the way I want it (software wise) and I'll have to start again.

Well, thats the best way to do it, but I am sure you can just do a straight XP upgrade and keep your settings, avoiding the reformat. Reformatting and backing up is a bit of agro, but its a lot less agro than setting up your system, having a vague problem, and having another whole set of issues that could be causing it.

You don't need to have XP32 running for that long to make sure its working, only a week or two. Make sure your favourite games work and stuff.

[Richard M]

Originally Posted by punky

Well, thats the best way to do it, but I am sure you can just do a straight XP upgrade and keep your settings.

Nope, the only way is to do a clean install which makes sense when you think about it - 32/64 bit kernels and all that.
The Settings Transfer wizard is the way to go.

Originally Posted by Richard M

You can't unless you have an MSDN subscription at the moment, it's only been released to people/companies who have one and system builders.

I think the general release will be closer to the end of April.

Thank you.

[Ramrod]

Originally Posted by Richard M

The Settings Transfer wizard is the way to go.

Doh! Of course!

[Richard M]

Well this sucks.
No video will play full screen which is a serious enough problem to reinstall Win XP 32 tomorrow.
When ATI have sorted out their drivers then I'll install 64 bit again but until then, the CD is going to sit on the shelf gathering dust.

inevitable there was gonna be problems,all drivers are still beta and there will problems for a while till theres full driver support

[Richard M]

Windows XP Pro x64 Edition is now available to the general public as a free upgrade:
http://microsoft.productorder.com/clientx64/

You still have to pay for shipping though, which is about £14.

[jtwn]

Hmm, i guess all the warezers will get the copy on the cheap then aswell, being that you can generate officially 'legitimate' ids/keys.

Originally Posted by microsoft website

In order to be eligible to receive Windows ® XP Professional x64 Edition, your computer must have been ordered between March 31, 2003 and July 31, 2005 with Microsoft Windows ® XP Pro (32 Bit) preinstalled.

There a bit tight with who can get it would have been nice for anyone with any xp32 on a 64 bit ready machine to get it,then some of em could pay me to install there new free upgrades