Need help in 32 bits to 64 bits switching...

Please forgive me if this had been posted before. I searched here and didn't learn enough in the previous posts. So here is my inquiry.

Been using Vista Home Premium for a while with no problem. However, I now have a copy of retail Ultimate 64 bits. I read that there are many benefits besides being able to see all 4Gig of rams with 64 bits. As the process only be done by clean installation, I would like to know how, if I can at all, to back up all the stuffs that I've been using so I can "restore" after I switch to 64 bit instead of redo everything. I'll be greatly appreciate if you can explain to me step by step.

My US Robotic dial up modem only has 32 bits driver; please suggest a good one that work with 64 bits.

Please let me know anything significant I need to know before I switch?

Thank you!

Hi Bruce2,

Welcome to the forum.

Since you are switching from 32 bit to 64 bit Vista, the safest route is to just backup any files you do not want to lose to a CD/DVD. You can just transfer them back when done installing the 64 bit. There is just to much of a difference to do a complete backup and restore between the two bit version with your programs and installers.

If you would like to make it even easier, have all of your programs and 64 bit drivers installation files on DVD as well.

Shawn

Hey bruce2, welcome to the forum.

I see you have plenty of hard drive. Until you get comfortable with x64,you could partition and/or dual boot both operating systems and import your desired files. Once you get that warm and fuzzy feeling with the new operating system, then you could do a clean format and reinstall to reclaim the old os drive space.

Embrace and Enjoy!

Thanks Shawn and JaxMaxFL for your advices. So there is not a short cut for this. I believe I'll be more assure when I found a 64 bit compatible modem. Dual boot is a good idea. Thanks again.