Can preinstalled Win 8.1 64-bit be swapped for 32-bit version for free?

[Pizzaman]

Hello,

I will be getting Surface Pro 3 in a week with a 64-bit version of Windows pre-installed. My work software does not support 64-bit versions of Windows therefore I need to install a 32-bit version. I've heard of virtual machines that can run a 32-bit version inside of 64-bit Windows but since I have no experience with VMs, I'd rather do a clean install of 32-bit version of Win 8.1. Is there a way I can do that? Does Surface Pro 3 "license" give me this opportunity?

Thanks.

 

[leeshor]

Welcome to the forum

I have sold many hundreds of systems with 64-bit Windows and never have run into a problem with any software that had to have 32-bit Windows. TBH that just doesn't sound right.

 

[GreyFox7]

16 bit software?

 

[leeshor]

Maybe, some ancient graphics software.

 

[ctitanic]

Unfortunately there may not be drivers versions in 32 bit so you may run into lot of problems. Like others have said, I never have run into any problems using 32bit software in a 64bit OS.

 

[Liam2349]

You can't, but it should be fine - I've never encountered an issue running 32-bit software.

If your work software can't run on 64-bit Windows, your company needs to upgrade.

 

[GreyFox7]

From an earlier thread
http://www.surfaceforums.net/threads/windows-32-bit-os-on-surface.4954/

32bit code works without issue on x64, what will not run is 16bit code, that is only reason the OP would need to downgrade. Hyper-V would be a better solution...

Sir jnjroach does not say it cannot be done but sometimes you must consider the omission consequential.

 

[jnjroach]

From an earlier thread
http://www.surfaceforums.net/threads/windows-32-bit-os-on-surface.4954/



Sir jnjroach does not say it cannot be done but sometimes you must consider the omission consequential.

I was knighted????? Cool....

If there is a 32bit Program that won't install on a 64bit system it is most likely caused by InstallShield or Setup.exe that has a 16bit Installer Process, this can be fixed through a MSI repackager or even Visual Studio...

 

[Pizzaman]

Thanks everybody.
This very specific ancient software uses it's own 32-bit drivers as prerequisite and they won't install on a 64-bit system, at least that's what I've been told.

Is Hyper-V included in SP3 version of Windows? Can I run 32-bit Windows with it and install these 32-bit drivers and software?

In worst case scenario, can I buy a 32-bit version of Win 8.1 and do a clean install?
With only 4 GB of RAM I don't see any major downsides to 32-bit Windows anyway.

 

[GreyFox7]

I was knighted????? Cool....

If there is a 32bit Program that won't install on a 64bit system it is most likely caused by InstallShield or Setup.exe that has a 16bit Installer Process, this can be fixed through a MSI repackager or even Visual Studio...

In addition you have been awarded the Order of the Surface Pro

 

[Kif]

Try right clicking the exe and select troubleshoot compatibility.

 

[jnjroach]

Thanks everybody.
This very specific ancient software uses it's own 32-bit drivers as prerequisite and they won't install on a 64-bit system, at least that's what I've been told.

Is Hyper-V included in SP3 version of Windows? Can I run 32-bit Windows with it and install these 32-bit drivers and software?

In worst case scenario, can I buy a 32-bit version of Win 8.1 and do a clean install?
With only 4 GB of RAM I don't see any major downsides to 32-bit Windows anyway.

Peripherals that are able to run on Hyper-V tend to be limited to USB Pass-through Devices, is this a Software Title with a Virtual Driver? Or is this an actual piece of legacy hardware?