Apologies for posting here if it is the incorrect place but I am new to this site. I have inadvertently installed windows 32bit instead of windows 64bit on my computer but I did not notice this for about 8 weeks – the implications are such that I can now not run some applications because the system sees only 25% of my installed RAM. I know very little about such technical matters but I have trawled for hours looking at various very informative posts but they do not directly answer my question(s) as follows:-
(I can confirm that my computer is quad core and has 8gb of ram and is capable of running 64bit – I am a noob)
1. Rather than format my drive and do a clean install as the posts state is the usual resolution I wonder if it is possible to create a partition on the 2tb hard drive aka drive c: install the 64bit windows 7 onto the partition eg drive k:?
2. Could I then instruct the bios to boot from that K drive?
3. If so can I then delete the contents of the partition c: where the original misinstallation 32bit version of windows currently sits or make it inactive once the 64bit os is fully functional – or would windows create files from the 32bit software onto the new partition as part of the partitioning process making this idea impossible?
4. If it is possible how does the computer know where to install the windows 64 bit when I shove it in the dvd for installation as the first time I did the installation it was just a matter of switching on the computer with the installation disc in it and hey presto installation commenced?
2, Are my 32bit drivers also suitable for the 64bit ie are there both sitting in the 32bit somewhere – I can’t find them, they dont appear to be in the driver store at any rate.
3. Windows easy transfer – is this an option for this process and do I download the 32bit or the 64bit (ie source or destination) if it is? Microsofts help page on this is confusing as it says you cant use the 32bit files anyway!
4. My bios and motherboard software had to be updated when my computer first came (skeleton system/components put together by a friend who is no longer able to help) if it is that I have to format the drive will I have to update them again?
5. I do not understand the operators for the format command at all from the detailed technical posts I have read (I really am a prize noob) I would be very grateful if someone could just write the line I need to type if partitioning isnt the solution. I really havent used the pc much so the hard drive shouldnt need defragging first.
Please help me I so do not want to format there were so many issues getting the computer to work properly I just don’t have the knowledge as you can see.
Big thank yous in anticipation of your very kind help.
Jessy.
ps: I have both onboard graphics and a gaming graphics card Imm not sure but I think the onboard was disabled or something will i need to do that after reinstall? so many issues! yikes I am scared!
