I've recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 15R with i5. The problem is that it came with 64 bit Windows 7 and some of my programs have stopped working even my antivirus (Trend Micro) is not compatible. Dell asked me to buy a 32 bit version of W7 and format my lappy. Is there a way around this.
I'm not techy, Can a geek save this damsel in distress..

Well, one can't help wondering why buy a 64 bit system when it is not yet supported too well...Anyway, what's done, is done! The Dell guys are giving reasonable practical advice. Do that. Another option is, upgrade all software needed by you to 64 bit compatible versions. I mean, do what is cost effective, after all, you did buy a 64 Bit Windows for some reason. Maybe, you would find it cheaper to buy a 32 Bit version of Windows 7. Why not try out Windows 7 Professional? In Bombay, you will easily get an OEM pack for between Rs 7000 to 9000/-. Maybe cheaper these days because I

Well, one can't help wondering why buy a 64 bit system when it is not yet supported too well...Anyway, what's done, is done! The Dell guys are giving reasonable practical advice. Do that. Another option is, upgrade all software needed by you to 64 bit compatible versions. I mean, do what is cost effective; after all, you did buy a 64 Bit Windows for some reason. Maybe, you would find it cheaper to buy a 32 Bit version of Windows 7. Why not try out Windows 7 Professional? In Bombay, you will easily get an OEM pack for between Rs 7000 to 9000/-. Maybe cheaper these days because I'm talking of prices in 2009.

get a different antivirus software. there are free ones out there (i use avg)
downgrading to 32 bit windows is an option, but your pc won't be able to use more than 3 gb of ram. if you already have more than that installed the excess will be useless. win7 pro is not much better than win7 home except that it has some compatibility built in for previous versions of windows.

other than your antivirus, what has stopped working?


. . .

If you own Windows 7 and have the product key, then there is absolutely no reason to buy a 32 bit copy of Windows 7.

Simply download the 32 Bit ISO and burn it to a DVD. Your Windows 7 product key applies for both 32 and 64 bit versions.

Follow the link below to find the correct ISO file:
http://www.w7forums.com/windows-7-iso-official-direct-download-links-t2910.html

you should make sure all your programs is 64 bit compatible... win 7 has a feature where it will let you "roll back" to xp or vista... pick the program and right click on it, and it will have a compatibility button.