going from 32-bits to 64-bits

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This is something I feel I should know. However, I’m just not sure….:(:

Can I do a bit-by-bit backup of my main 32-bit hard drive to a separate source, reformat the main drive to 64-bit, and then copy my backup to the (now) 64-bit drive and have everything still load and run properly?

Of course I could bite the bullet and do the reformat, then reload all my apps. But that’s pretty daunting.

This is probably a whole different question, but what app does the best job of a bit-for-bit backup? I’m told Windows 10 can do it. I used to use Ghost, but that was long ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

Thanks for any help/suggestions/recommendations.

foxaroni

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This is something I feel I should know. However, I’m just not sure….:(:

Can I do a bit-by-bit backup of my main 32-bit hard drive to a separate source, reformat the main drive to 64-bit, and then copy my backup to the (now) 64-bit drive and have everything still load and run properly?

Of course I could bite the bullet and do the reformat, then reload all my apps. But that’s pretty daunting.

This is probably a whole different question, but what app does the best job of a bit-for-bit backup? I’m told Windows 10 can do it. I used to use Ghost, but that was long ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

Thanks for any help/suggestions/recommendations.

foxaroni

32 bit vs 64 bit doesn’t refer to the format of your disk.

You are on the right track but there’s a couple of issues. In general you can’t simply backup and then restore applications, they must be installed from original media/files.

You can do an in-place upgrade but I strongly advise you to do a clean install on a freshly formatted drive. You will have to make certain you have backups of all data files like the content of Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos before you start as well as the media or files you will need to reload your software.

Good Luck

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32/64 bit refers to the operating system, in this case Windows.
As I understand it you need to start from scratch to change the “bitness” of your OS.

cheers, Paul

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Thanks for your comments. I didn’t state my question properly. Your comments, though, cleared some of the cobwebs out of my head. In short, I can’t do what I was asking. If I make a bit-for-bit backup copy of my hard drive to a separate location and then reformat the main drive, of course putting the bit-for-bit backup onto the main drive doesn’t change anything. The re-installation of the backup of 32-bit Win Pro is still 32-bit. Duh!

Somehow I think I was conflating the Fat 32-to-NTSF upgrade with a Windows 32-bit upgrade to 64-bit.

My apologies. I’ll have to do the Win upgrade and reload everything. (sigh)

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