Microsoft says the following:

"To take advantage of the additional capability to utilize memory on 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, you should have at least 4 GB of RAM installed on your computer.

Additionally, you will need to make sure that you have 64-bit drivers for your hardware and that your programs will run in a 64-bit Windows environment. Device drivers that are 32-bit do not work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows. If you are trying to install hardware that only has 32-bit drivers available, that hardware will not work correctly on 64-bit versions of Windows. Also, programs that try to install 32-bit device drivers on 64-bit versions of Windows will encounter errors."

 

My advice is don't consider going to Vista 64-bit unless you have 4 GB of RAM or upgrade to 4 GB. Additionally you need to feel confident you can fully check out and confirm the availability of 64-bit drivers that are compatible with your system.

 

 

Thanks, John for that advice I just knew buying this laptop already loaded and set-up I would regret it.  When I bought my Dell desktop in 2001, I built it myself. I bought this laptop in a hurry (family medical problems) I did not completely understand until it was to late now I realize I would have built it much differently. So now (slap the image in the mirror) can I upgrade this to 64-bit & how costly will it be? It seems that everything I try to download load is 64-bit is there a self help programs to learn what and how to run 64-bit system? With the processor that I have, do I have capability to run and upgrade to 64-bit system? I can increase my RAM to 4GB? I sure do appreciate all the help I get on this issue.    

I did forget to ask this question. Why did they built this laptop this way? So for  DELL could make more money making me upgrade everything to run 64-bit system? I do not want to sound like I am a victim here, but I just figured I was feeling confident in buying this from a reparability PC retailer.

most laptops currently on the market are not capable of running a 64bit os  unless you go with the higher end.

You can always run the Vista Upgrade adviser from Here

To see what versions of Vista your system will run. 64 bit Os's like sofu mentioned requrie higher end hardware to run. 

 

So then Davt50 you say this is common for today's laptop`s for the 32-bit OS. So if I want to download different programs do they offer different versions for the 64-bit and 32-bit programs? Again thanks for the help very much appreciated!

Thanks, Spott

             

                After doing a load of researching I have came to the conclusion you are right. I am having issues with my laptop but after doing some Dell scans, I am finding that I have memory issues Dell is talking in replacing my memory cards. So please understand my first thought was it was the 32-bit problem but it seems to be more than that. Sorry in being so stubborn but I get my mind on one thing and I stay with it!!! Every time I tried to download some programs it would crash or blue screen on me! So thanks on being so nice to tell me I am bull headed....lol. Spott

CSMBRN,

 

You seem to be missing the whole point.

99% of typical users run the 32-bit OS. To me you sound as though you think you got ripped-off. You didn't.

 

32-bit is typical (normal). It has the most support and the most compatible applications. Usually, a person would only want a 64-bit OS, if he has some unusual (special) need too. 

Running a 64-bit OS can cause many problems, if you are not 100% sure you know what you are doing.

 

Think of it like this: 32-bit OS typical needs, 64-bit OS advanced needs.

 

 

Spott

CSMBRN

 

Sorry about the memory problems. I'm sure Dell will fix this for you. I know it can be very frustrating. Good luck.

 

Spott