I have some legacy software that requires a 32 bit processor. My old machine died and I'd like to replace it. Obviously, it'll be a used/refurbished box.

Prefer desktop, doesn't need a lot of RAM or a huge hard drive, does need a CD drive.

The one machine I was interested in turns out to be a 64 bit processor. How can I be sure I'm getting a 32 bit board?

Depending on the OS you're running, you might consider running a 32-bit OS in a virtual machine. VirtualBox is a free solution, but VMware also offers VMware Workstation. You will need an installable .ISO, but one should be available online if you don't have your original.

Pretty sure 64 processor will not cause issues running 32 bit code.

Windows 10 can run 32 bit code, but does not support 16bit.

I am guessing it is probably not a 32-bit processor that you need to run specific 32-bit-only software, but the 32-bit compatibility libraries that Microsoft dropped from Windows as of W10. Installing an older OS, and the software in a VM is the easiest way around this.

To address the actual question asked, there are still 32-bit processors available in the market, e.g. the Pentium 4. You may or may not be able to find an OS that will install and run on a 32-bit box. If you have saved your installation disks from 20 years ago, that may be your best bet.

quote:

Originally posted by eyrich:
Pretty sure 64 processor will not cause issues running 32 bit code.

Windows 10 can run 32 bit code, but does not support 16bit.

Tried installing it on my Win7 64 bit machine. No go and no way around it that I can find.

I bought a licensed copy of WinXP which is what the old box was running. I initially thought the hard drive had died and bought a SATA drive as well.

No joy, no video output and with a wireless keyboard, no way to force my way into BIOS.

I'm gonna hit Goodwill and try to find a wired keyboard (I threw mine away, dumbass that I am...) and see if I can get the machine to boot from the Win CD, but with the video problem I'm guessing not. With refurb machines out there for around $50 I'm not sure it's worth screwing with anyway.

I've bought a number of refurb PCs from Tiger Direct over the years and had good luck with them

Lots of older computers on ebay. You should be able to find one there, but most will be 64 bit.

I can't wait for you to share what ancient application you're running that is worth all this.

You might need a 32 bit version of win 7. which should install on a machine with a 64 bit processor.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:

quote:

Originally posted by eyrich:
Pretty sure 64 processor will not cause issues running 32 bit code.

Windows 10 can run 32 bit code, but does not support 16bit.

Tried installing it on my Win7 64 bit machine. No go and no way around it that I can find.

PHPaul...I have a licensed copy of Windows 7 Home Premium that's 64-bit, but it might...MIGHT...have the option to install the 32-bit version in the installation process. You're welcome to it if you want to try that. Both my laptop and office system are running Windows 10, so I no longer have a need for the Windows 7 DVD. My e-mail is in my profile...say the word and it's yours.

quote:

Originally posted by Georgeair:
I can't wait for you to share what ancient application you're running that is worth all this.

AutoCAD 13 14.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: PHPaul,

I'm attempting to install Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode on my 64 bit machine now.

Theoretically, that should allow me to run the 32 bit software on my "good" machine.

quote:

I have a licensed copy of Windows 7 Home Premium that's 64-bit, but it might...MIGHT...have the option to install the 32-bit version in the installation process.

If the license is valid it is also valid for either 32 or 64 bit.

^^^^^
That's what I thought, but wasn't sure. I was thinking the install program gave you the option of 32- or 64-bit, but I used it sooooo long ago and I've slept a few times since then...

No joy, no video output and with a wireless keyboard, no way to force my way into BIOS.

I'm gonna hit Goodwill and try to find a wired keyboard (I threw mine away, dumbass that I am...) and see if I can get the machine to boot from the Win CD,

Here's a USB keyboard for $13.00
Regards, Jack
www.amazon.com/SR-Keyboard-Mul...id=1581445829&sr=8-9

Well, eff me with a stick...

Downloaded XP Mode for Win 7.

That required me to download Win Virtual PC. Could NOT get that bitch to install. After frigging around for hours, finally discovered a "Windows Update Troubleshooter" and ran it. It found and corrected some registry issues, and finally got Virtual PC to install.

Fired it up, opened XP Mode and it started installing. Let Joy be Unrestrained!

Except that it crashed at 98%. Twice.

Come to find out that I have the ONE processor that is incompatible with Virtual PC. (AMD A8-6500B "Bulldozer" variant.)

Most of a day shot in the ass with no progress at all.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:
I bought a licensed copy of WinXP which is what the old box was running. I initially thought the hard drive had died and bought a SATA drive as well.

No joy, no video output and with a wireless keyboard, no way to force my way into BIOS.

I'm gonna hit Goodwill and try to find a wired keyboard (I threw mine away, dumbass that I am...) and see if I can get the machine to boot from the Win CD, but with the video problem I'm guessing not. With refurb machines out there for around $50 I'm not sure it's worth screwing with anyway.

If you already have a working W7 machine and some XP software(w/ lic) then it is possible to configure a "dual boot" machine.
You would have to choose either XP or W7 at boot.
Kind of complicated but doable, it was what we did for that same scenario when only XP would work and W7 just came out.

Also if you have W10 and compat cpu (most are) then you could install Hyper-V or another virtual PC program and install the XP in that.
It is similar to what the XP mode in function but works much better.

Guy in my building complex recycles computers.
I can ask him if he has something in 32-bit.

PC

Well, it turns out I'm a dumbass. (No surprise there...)

The Virtual PC part worked, it was the XP Mode that didn't.

But, Dummy, you HAVE a licensed copy of XP! Just install it on the virtual machine!

Doh.

Works fine, installed AutoCAD, all is well.