Purchased and installed XP Pro x64 on a new build for my AARP member parents...they dont need x64. Furthermore, they are scared of it when i told them there might be issues with stuff they're familiar with not working and now they want it off their computer.

I have not moved anything from their old computer over, due to Laplink's "PCmover" not having a driver update compatible w/ x64. 1st sign of many potential problems.

How do i uninstall xp pro x64 and install xp pro sp2 or xp home? or would it be easier if I partition their harddrive even though they will never boot with x64?

AARP parents....are they computer literate or is it just a picture factory and email server for them?

I ask this as the 64 bit operating system of itself should not cause them any undue stress unless they are planing to use really outdated programs or some special add-on tools for Internet Explorer. Office programs shouldn't be an issue...neither should any music programs. The pictures are stored and burned just as the 32 bit and there should be no difference in that regard.

Picture and photo editing might be but of that I am not sure.

Now as for security...there can be some issues with various anti-virus programs and anti- spyware/malware programs...but i think even those have been ironed out.

They just need to be understanding that they must look for 64bit structured applications and programs..

To install another 32 bit system...just boot to the installation disc and it will format over the 64 bit partition and install the 32 bit version. I wouldn't bother with a dual boot for them.

All you should want to transfer is the personal data and pictures and music files...you can't transfer programs...it doesn't work! I would back them all up to CD/DVD for hard copy and then just drag and drop from the CD/DVD

Laplink just came out with a 64-bit compatibility update for PCmover. Lets you transfer from a 32-bit to a 64-bit OS.
Laplink® Software - Windows Vista 64-bit - Overview

I have been using Win XP pro x64 ever since the public beta 2 release, almost three years ago I think (time is flying past).

It is a very stable operating system to use. There are no issues with getting 64 bit drivers. 99.9% of hardware manufacturers have drivers for their products.


Software is a little different, the majority of the reputable anti virus / firewall companies have 64 bit versions. The other major software companies like Adobe are still dragging the chain releasing a 64 bit versions.

All 32 bit software works flawlessly on x64 so no worries there.

You can use shiploads of ram with it as well, on my newish computer I have 4gigs of ram in it and I'm thinking of increasing that to 8gigs. The old computer that also has x64 on it only has 2 gigs as I do not want to spend any more on that box.

Not sure what AARP is, but if it has to do with age it is a nonsense. I'm 63 and have no problems using x64. It's only a number after all...

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