32 or 64 bit

[picker]

I have had to use a recovery disc for a medion laptop.when loading it i can't remember if I should have used 64 or32 bit.It seems to me it is 32 bit i put in as In the Vista programmes say for DVD maker or Movie maker it comes up unable to start due not having the correct information.Other programmes seem ok.Should I remove the vista and start again.

[rojash]

Generally speaking, 64 bit Windows will run 32 bit programs fine. Perhaps if you tell us the exact error messages we can solve the problem without the need to downgrade your operating system.

[ZebUK]

TIP: 32bit cannot access any memory above 3.5GB due to the 32 bit limitation where's 64bit can address 16 exabytes (1000 million gigabytes or 1000 terabytes)

So, if you have more than 3.5GB then definitely go for 64bit.

[picker]

I think because I put 32 bit and not 64 is why when trying movie maker and dvd maker it says i have not directx installed.When using laptop before the hard drive went down all things worked.I downloaded the direct x but still it says no go.surely I will have to reinstall the windows vista but make sure I state I want 64 bit vista.If I do will I have to download all the updates from way back.It took 4 hrs last week.

[ChuckFickens]

"if you tell us the exact error messages we can solve the problem without the need to downgrade your operating system."

(It seems I have to repeat all of rojash's answers lately)

[ChuckFickens]

OH, you did.... sorry...

Sorry to state the obvious, but this has happened on here several times before...

You say you've downloaded directx... did you install it or just download it?

[picker]

Downloaded and installed direct x and windows 1 &2 updates.