Win2003 32 or 64 bit?

Hello,

I´ve a simple question and hope somebody could help me...

How can I find out if a Windows 2003 32bit or 64bit Version is installed?


Regards,
Martin

Aaron
Mon Dec 18 11:10:56 CST 2006

There will be an indication in the General tab of the System control panel
if you are using a 64-bit version. (Something like "x64 edition" after the
OS name.)

Also, there will be a SysWOW64 folder present in the Windows folder.

- Aaron

"Martin Pöpping" <martin_p@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:em6hgc$pi0$1@newsreader3.netcologne.de...
> Hello,
>
> I´ve a simple question and hope somebody could help me...
>
> How can I find out if a Windows 2003 32bit or 64bit Version is installed?
>
>
> Regards,
> Martin

Theo
Mon Dec 18 11:15:32 CST 2006

And you will have both a "Program Files" and a "Program=20
Files (x86)" in x64.

32 bit will have only "Program Files" directory.


Aaron Kelley wrote:
> There will be an indication in the General tab of the System control=20
> panel if you are using a 64-bit version. (Something like "x64 edition"=
=20
> after the OS name.)
>=20
> Also, there will be a SysWOW64 folder present in the Windows folder.
>=20
> - Aaron
>=20
> "Martin P=C3=B6pping" <martin_p@despammed.com> wrote in message=20
> news:em6hgc$pi0$1@newsreader3.netcologne.de...
>> Hello,
>>
>> I=C2=B4ve a simple question and hope somebody could help me...
>>
>> How can I find out if a Windows 2003 32bit or 64bit Version is install=
ed?
>>
>>
>> Regards,
>> Martin=20
>=20

martin_p
Mon Dec 18 11:24:22 CST 2006

Theo schrieb:
> And you will have both a "Program Files" and a "Program Files (x86)" in
> x64.
>
> 32 bit will have only "Program Files" directory.

Thank you!
So I am using the 32bit Version.

Is there a way to update to 64bit without having to reinstall the whole
server?


Regards,
Martin

Theo
Mon Dec 18 12:01:52 CST 2006

Martin P=C3=B6pping wrote:
> Theo schrieb:
>> And you will have both a "Program Files" and a "Program Files (x86)"=20
>> in x64.
>>
>> 32 bit will have only "Program Files" directory.
>=20
> Thank you!
> So I am using the 32bit Version.
>=20
> Is there a way to update to 64bit without having to reinstall the whole=
=20
> server?
>=20
>=20
> Regards,
> Martin

Depends on how many headaches you want!

There is no recommended method of upgrading from 32-bit to=20
64-bit in place. There are too many structural changes that=20
will cause problems. The "Program Files" and "Program Files=20
(x86)" are one significant change. 32-bit has all your=20
32-bit program in "Program Files" but x64 put 32-bit program=20
in "Program Files (x86)" and 64-bit program go in "Program=20
Files."

So, to save yourself from multiple headaches and sleepless=20
nights, backup all you important data on your current 32-bit=20
setup and then do a clean install of x64. It will make life=20
in the IT department a lot easier!

Charlie
Mon Dec 18 12:47:43 CST 2006

NO.

You _must_ install 64bit Windows as a fresh install. Please don't try to
install into the current partition without first wiping the partition.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64


"Martin Pöpping" <martin_p@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:em6is3$scv$1@newsreader3.netcologne.de...
> Theo schrieb:
>> And you will have both a "Program Files" and a "Program Files (x86)" in
>> x64.
>>
>> 32 bit will have only "Program Files" directory.
>
> Thank you!
> So I am using the 32bit Version.
>
> Is there a way to update to 64bit without having to reinstall the whole
> server?
>
>
> Regards,
> Martin

Colin
Mon Dec 18 12:57:53 CST 2006

Slightly OT:

I experimented with installing Vista x86 onto an XP Pro x64 partition
without first formatting to see for myself what happens. It ran fine, but
you can imagine the issues ivolved in running an x86 OS with both Program
Files and Program Files (x86) folders. LOL. I hope folks understand that
Vista's Custom Install option is NOT a classic clean install.

"Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
news:D1880F08-24F3-4A26-812C-C6B2B3AB282A@microsoft.com...
> NO.
>
> You _must_ install 64bit Windows as a fresh install. Please don't try to
> install into the current partition without first wiping the partition.
>
> --
> Charlie.
> http://msmvps.com/xperts64

Charlie
Mon Dec 18 13:34:59 CST 2006

<shudder> I can imagine. What it _should_ have done is moved all that off to
"oldwindows" or whatever it calls it. But I still believe in formatting the
partition.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64


"Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
news:C712DE7C-A53E-4346-A019-3C1015FE9145@microsoft.com...
> Slightly OT:
>
> I experimented with installing Vista x86 onto an XP Pro x64 partition
> without first formatting to see for myself what happens. It ran fine, but
> you can imagine the issues ivolved in running an x86 OS with both Program
> Files and Program Files (x86) folders. LOL. I hope folks understand
> that Vista's Custom Install option is NOT a classic clean install.
>
> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
> news:D1880F08-24F3-4A26-812C-C6B2B3AB282A@microsoft.com...
>> NO.
>>
>> You _must_ install 64bit Windows as a fresh install. Please don't try to
>> install into the current partition without first wiping the partition.
>>
>> --
>> Charlie.
>> http://msmvps.com/xperts64
>

Colin
Mon Dec 18 14:03:44 CST 2006

I had a 23GB windows.old file AND all my apps were still in place (although
not installed). It's broken, Charlie.

The key thing to remember is that a Vista Custom Install does NOT equal a
classic Clean Install in the sense you and I think of it. This is going to
be a pain point for all of us working the newsgroups.

"Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
news:D4B8D849-93A6-4220-A7B9-DD80A99BED3B@microsoft.com...
> <shudder> I can imagine. What it _should_ have done is moved all that off
> to "oldwindows" or whatever it calls it. But I still believe in formatting
> the partition.
>
> --
> Charlie.
> http://msmvps.com/xperts64
>
>

martin_p
Mon Dec 18 15:27:33 CST 2006

Hello,

I´ve just foudn out, that I can use more than 4GB with
a 32Bit Windows 2003 Server if I activate /PAE in the boot.ini file.

Can anybody tell me if I have to restart the Server
after changing boot.ini?

Or are there any other chances to activate the changes?


Regards,
Martin

Charlie
Mon Dec 18 15:27:55 CST 2006

yes. I select a custom install, and then wipe the partitions. That takes
care of any issues. But it's noticeably less obvious finding that solution.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64


"Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
news:ekIWn%23tIHHA.448@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>I had a 23GB windows.old file AND all my apps were still in place (although
>not installed). It's broken, Charlie.
>
> The key thing to remember is that a Vista Custom Install does NOT equal a
> classic Clean Install in the sense you and I think of it. This is going
> to be a pain point for all of us working the newsgroups.
>
> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
> news:D4B8D849-93A6-4220-A7B9-DD80A99BED3B@microsoft.com...
>> <shudder> I can imagine. What it _should_ have done is moved all that off
>> to "oldwindows" or whatever it calls it. But I still believe in
>> formatting the partition.
>>
>> --
>> Charlie.
>> http://msmvps.com/xperts64
>>
>>
>

Colin
Mon Dec 18 15:49:48 CST 2006

The problem is that the Advanced Options are not available if the user
starts Setup from a desktop. This means that folks using the Upgrade
Edition (who HAVE to start Setup from the legacy desktop) can't format the
drive that the legacy OS is running on. There is just no way to do it with
an UE. A clean install on the partition running the legacy OS is not
possible. Think about that one!

You and I with our full editions can do it any way we want, but all those
people buying Upgrade Editions cannot, even though they could with XP and
earlier. There is no shiny media check any more.

"Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
news:AFDEF3F3-3095-4AAA-9E6F-E23F0E6DD9BC@microsoft.com...
> yes. I select a custom install, and then wipe the partitions. That takes
> care of any issues. But it's noticeably less obvious finding that
> solution.
>
> --
> Charlie.
> http://msmvps.com/xperts64
>

Charlie
Mon Dec 18 17:52:48 CST 2006

but there IS not upgrade edition of 64bit, and you can't run the 32-bit
upgrade from within a 64bit desktop. You can only start an upgrade from
within a compatible desktop.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64


"Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
news:uw7y45uIHHA.320@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> The problem is that the Advanced Options are not available if the user
> starts Setup from a desktop. This means that folks using the Upgrade
> Edition (who HAVE to start Setup from the legacy desktop) can't format the
> drive that the legacy OS is running on. There is just no way to do it
> with an UE. A clean install on the partition running the legacy OS is not
> possible. Think about that one!
>
> You and I with our full editions can do it any way we want, but all those
> people buying Upgrade Editions cannot, even though they could with XP and
> earlier. There is no shiny media check any more.
>
> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
> news:AFDEF3F3-3095-4AAA-9E6F-E23F0E6DD9BC@microsoft.com...
>> yes. I select a custom install, and then wipe the partitions. That takes
>> care of any issues. But it's noticeably less obvious finding that
>> solution.
>>
>> --
>> Charlie.
>> http://msmvps.com/xperts64
>>
>

Colin
Mon Dec 18 18:04:51 CST 2006

The best information I have is that XP Pro x64 is eligible for upgrade
pricing for Vista. It requires a custom install to do it and one must use
the x64 dvd with an upgrade edition product key. That means running x64
Setup on an XP Pro x64 desktop is required with the upgrade pk.

It is all in the product key. There is no difference between retail Vista
x86 dvd's (upgrade or full) and there is no difference between Vista x64
dvd's either.

"Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
news:AD02BB88-FD72-4C50-A673-47BAB01762F0@microsoft.com...
> but there IS not upgrade edition of 64bit, and you can't run the 32-bit
> upgrade from within a 64bit desktop. You can only start an upgrade from
> within a compatible desktop.
>
> --
> Charlie.
> http://msmvps.com/xperts64
>

Charlie
Mon Dec 18 19:01:42 CST 2006

I haven't been able to find any information that it needs to run from within
the desktop, but even if true, the install done with Vista x64 is still a
full, clean install, NOT an upgrade.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64


"Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
news:7E2BFB1A-CAC9-4351-839D-492D0C9D3A4D@microsoft.com...
> The best information I have is that XP Pro x64 is eligible for upgrade
> pricing for Vista. It requires a custom install to do it and one must use
> the x64 dvd with an upgrade edition product key. That means running x64
> Setup on an XP Pro x64 desktop is required with the upgrade pk.
>
> It is all in the product key. There is no difference between retail Vista
> x86 dvd's (upgrade or full) and there is no difference between Vista x64
> dvd's either.
>
> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
> news:AD02BB88-FD72-4C50-A673-47BAB01762F0@microsoft.com...
>> but there IS not upgrade edition of 64bit, and you can't run the 32-bit
>> upgrade from within a 64bit desktop. You can only start an upgrade from
>> within a compatible desktop.
>>
>> --
>> Charlie.
>> http://msmvps.com/xperts64
>>
>

Charlie
Mon Dec 18 19:09:35 CST 2006

yes, you can use >4GB. IF your program knows how to use the memory. And /PAE
is not the fastest way to get at memory, since it requires some manipulation
to see the memory beyond 4GB - it isn't directly addressable.

Also, if you're running Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, you are
limited to 4GB Maximum RAM. Period. You'll need to be running Enterprise
Edition to use RAM beyond 4GB, or one of the x64 Editions. Windows Server
2003 Standard x64 Edition supports 32GB of RAM. EE x64 supports 1 TB of
RAM.

No, there is no way to do this without a reboot. Boot.ini is ONLY read
during the initial boot.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64


"Martin Pöpping" <martin_p@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:em7141$s6p$1@newsreader3.netcologne.de...
> Hello,
>
> I´ve just foudn out, that I can use more than 4GB with
> a 32Bit Windows 2003 Server if I activate /PAE in the boot.ini file.
>
> Can anybody tell me if I have to restart the Server
> after changing boot.ini?
>
> Or are there any other chances to activate the changes?
>
>
> Regards,
> Martin

Colin
Mon Dec 18 19:40:16 CST 2006

No, it is not an upgrade-in-place, but XP Pro x64 does qualify for upgrade
pricing. I suggest that there are issues with how MS uses the term "clean
install" on the Upgrade Matrix webpage. It may not be the same veteran
users are accustomed to. But for all I know that page needs some
clarifications. A Custom Installation will run but will not permit a
format. There are some interesting twists in all of this.

Darrell Gorter (MSFT) reports that if you boot with a dvd and enter an
upgrade product key you will be instructed that the product key entered
requires you to exit setup, restart the machine, and run setup from the
desktop. Obviously this is a change from earlier versions of Windows. It
is the primary reason shiny media cannot be used to satisfy the upgrade
qualification requirements.

"Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
news:A1703E73-CD8C-45AD-8D7E-D7BE29BB41F1@microsoft.com...
>I haven't been able to find any information that it needs to run from
>within the desktop, but even if true, the install done with Vista x64 is
>still a full, clean install, NOT an upgrade.
>
> --
> Charlie.
> http://msmvps.com/xperts64
>

Charlie
Tue Dec 19 00:22:07 CST 2006

Well, should be interesting. Since I have no idea what any of it will really
look like, with all that's available now being very much NOT upgrade
versions.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64


"Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
news:5D2DD77D-C1AA-4668-A54D-AF302A229DAA@microsoft.com...
> No, it is not an upgrade-in-place, but XP Pro x64 does qualify for upgrade
> pricing. I suggest that there are issues with how MS uses the term "clean
> install" on the Upgrade Matrix webpage. It may not be the same veteran
> users are accustomed to. But for all I know that page needs some
> clarifications. A Custom Installation will run but will not permit a
> format. There are some interesting twists in all of this.
>
> Darrell Gorter (MSFT) reports that if you boot with a dvd and enter an
> upgrade product key you will be instructed that the product key entered
> requires you to exit setup, restart the machine, and run setup from the
> desktop. Obviously this is a change from earlier versions of Windows. It
> is the primary reason shiny media cannot be used to satisfy the upgrade
> qualification requirements.
>
> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message
> news:A1703E73-CD8C-45AD-8D7E-D7BE29BB41F1@microsoft.com...
>>I haven't been able to find any information that it needs to run from
>>within the desktop, but even if true, the install done with Vista x64 is
>>still a full, clean install, NOT an upgrade.
>>
>> --
>> Charlie.
>> http://msmvps.com/xperts64
>>
>

martin_p
Tue Dec 19 04:47:20 CST 2006

Hello,

thanks for your answer!

Charlie Russel - MVP schrieb:
> yes, you can use >4GB. IF your program knows how to use the memory.
What do you mean by "if your programm knows how to use the memory"?

Does it only work with special memory allocating C/C++ programms,
or can I also use the upper memory with a "normal" memory intensive C#
program?


Regards,
Martin

Charlie
Tue Dec 19 11:21:38 CST 2006

Most 32-bit programs can't see more than 2GB of memory no matter how much
you have. If they're compiled to see more, they may or may not support PAE,
as I understand it. Generally, PAE is only relevant for large database type
programs.

Honestly, if you're trying to do something that needs large amounts of
memory, you're far better moving to x64 Edition. But for details on what
exact steps are required to make a 32-bit program see more memory than it
normally would, I'd suggest the MSDN forums. And the online MSDN
documentation on the subject.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/blogs/xperts64

"Martin Pöpping" <martin_p@despammed.com> wrote in message
news:em8fvd$qsg$1@newsreader3.netcologne.de...
> Hello,
>
> thanks for your answer!
>
> Charlie Russel - MVP schrieb:
>> yes, you can use >4GB. IF your program knows how to use the memory.
> What do you mean by "if your programm knows how to use the memory"?
>
> Does it only work with special memory allocating C/C++ programms,
> or can I also use the upper memory with a "normal" memory intensive C#
> program?
>
>
> Regards,
> Martin