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Valkyrie -> Windows XP 64 (7/24/2008 7:31:56 AM)
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I'm still loading up my new quad core PC running Windows XP 64. Thanks again to the help I got here getting the darn thing running (clearing the CMOS)! [&o]
During the discussion, I did get some warnings about problems running games on a 64 bit O/S so I promised to report on how this has worked out for me.
In a nutshell, I'm having virtually no problems with software. All of my 2004 Macromedia MX software (Dreamweaver etc) installed and ran just fine. Same for my Sony products (Vegas, Sound Forge, and Acid Music). MS office 2003...ditto. Nero, DVD Decrypter, DVD Shrink 3.2 - no problems.
Games: HPS ACW Campaigns, SSG Battles in Italy, StarShatter, Battle of Britain II, IL-Sturmovik 1946, WiTP and WPO, Crown of Glory, Forge of Freedom, AGEOD Napoleonic and Civil War titles, Cossacks II, Auran TRAINZ 2006, and GG's War Between the States - all installed and running with no problems. So far the ONLY game that wouldn't run was Sim City IV Deluxe (and that appeared to install OK, so I'm sure I can probably fix the problem when I work on it).
So, the fears about running with XP 64 have not been borne out for gaming.
It was a bit tedious on the utilities and driver front, but nothing that can't be overcome. I had to switch to Avast for anti-virus (they have a 64 bit version), Opera web browser (64 bit edition), and have to use the Windows Firewall because Zone Alarm doesn't support XP 64. Firefox has a public beta build for XP 64 called "Minefield" which also works for a browser, but I kinda fell in love with Opera after using it.
On the music front, I use Rhapsody for a streaming music service and their player runs (and sounds beautifully) under XP 64.
Performance wise, I'm very happy with the new system. BOB II was virtually unplayable on my old rig and IL-Sturmovik 1946 was a bit of a dog too. The AGEOD titles scrolled very slowly before, but now are quite responsive.
So, If anyone wants to experiment with Windows XP 64, there doesn't seem to be much to fear. I'll take the expert's word for it that running a 64 bit O/S isn't measureably faster (as can be said for running an AMD quad core Phenom CPU), but this build will have to last for five years and I'm confident that the software support for 64 bit processing and more than 4 gig of RAM will become common.
ATTENTION MATRIX: All of your games did give me a warning about my having an incompatible O/S, but when you hit continue, the games all install normally. I would suggest that you slip something into future patches to either eliminate the message (which seems kinda useless actually) or else add Windows XP 64 to your checklist of acceptable O/S.
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