Solved Possible to install Win 8 x86 on a Win 8 x64 Preloaded PC?

[ChrisPanzer]

Hi Everyone,

I have an application for work that can only be used on a 32-bit system. (Something in MS SQL Database 2005 is preventing any instruction set bit from operating properly). I wanted to purchase a Surface Pro 3, then uninstall the factory OS, then install Win 8 x86. Was wondering if this was at all possible? And, if not possible with the Surface, would it be possible with a different PC/Tablet/Laptop, perhaps?

(...and yes I know I'd unfortunately be limiting myself to 2GB's RAM)

Appreciate any feedback, thank you!

Chris

 

[KYHI]

64bit pc's will run 32 bit windows softare

 

[alphanumeric]

It's 4 gigs max address space for 32 bit windows by the way, not 2 gigs. And as mentioned, it should be doable. Have you thought of running it in a 32 bit Virtual Machine run from 64 bit windows?

 

[karstenes]

Yes, It should be possible. But it will only run in 32 bit? that seems strange

 

[whs]

I would also recommend the virtual way. You will, however, need a seperate product key for the x86 OS.

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2899-vmware-player-install-windows-8-a.html

 

[ChrisPanzer]

Guys, thanks so much for the replies; for some reason the system didnt email me with the replies, and I just checked back now and saw them!

Yes I understand your concerns, I don't have that much knowledge regarding the issue other than this piece of software Im using requires MS SQL Server 2008, 32 bit Express version. If that particular version IS NOT installed, then my program will not install correctly. I have no idea why, unfortunately, so I Cannot troubleshoot the problem.

I am very interested in the VM machine, though. I dont mind purchasing another product key, either. Is the interface and installation pretty straight-forward? What does it entail bascially, starting up the VM software as a template then executing the .exe installable file of my program from 'within' the VM window?

Thanks again!

 

[KYHI]

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2899-vmware-player-install-windows-8-a.html

or if you really need that program - download the 32bit version of windows 8

 

[ChrisPanzer]

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2899-vmware-player-install-windows-8-a.html

or if you really need that program - download the 32bit version of windows 8

Thanks,

Yes, I've looked at the installation tutorial and I see the steps involved, but I was inquiring as to basically how does the interface of VM ware operate, would I have to have it running in the background? Is it a practical work-around for a program that's used throughout the day?

Also, this is a very finnickey program (this 32 bit version of the program I speak of), and if an install on a 64 bit machine isn't possible, I'm not sure how an install on an emulator would work, either. Seems the installer package/SQL express database would find some runtime error, etc. due to the fact that it's an emulator.

But, perhaps its worth a try?

In regards to my original question, I ask because all Surfaces are 64-bit, therefore it could be assumed that MS does not provide support for 32-bit drivers for the Surface. So, the question is then about functionality. It may not work at all under 32 bit Windows 8...

It would be interesting to speak with someone that has actually done this, but I doubt I will find such a person. =(

Thanks again!

 

[whs]

Running under VMware Player is like running on the real machine. There may be some restrictions regarding access to special hardware, but else it is the same. And you can always try whether yor program runs. It is quickly installed and uninstalled. The virtual partition is just 1 folder.

Here is an example I recorded that gives you an idea how it works. This is me running Windows 8 on a Windows 7 system.

[video=youtube;iYapSD6ttQ4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYapSD6ttQ4[/video]

 

[ChrisPanzer]

Oh wow, great...

So, each time I wanted to access the program I would have to fire up the VM ware? What about saving files, pdf and such to folders, does it store on the 'virtual' folder or the actual 'host' folder??

 

[ChrisPanzer]

Running under VMware Player is like running on the real machine. There may be some restrictions regarding access to special hardware, but else it is the same. And you can always try whether yor program runs. It is quickly installed and uninstalled. The virtual partition is just 1 folder.

Here is an example I recorded that gives you an idea how it works. This is me running Windows 8 on a Windows 7 system.

[video=youtube;iYapSD6ttQ4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYapSD6ttQ4[/video]

Great video, whs! Btw, I'd pay money to hear you say, "I'll be back!"

=)

 

[whs]

As I said, it is like a machine. It stores in it's own folders. But you can copy/paste them to the host system. You can also have a shared partition with folders. But copy/paste is the easiest since you can switch between the 2 systems with 1 click.

And firing up VMware is one click plus a couple of clicks to fire up the virtual machine. I have more than half a dozen.

 

[ChrisPanzer]

Thanks, Ill have to give it a go. What happens if the computer runs out of battery, has to shut off, etc etc, what of the virtual folder?

Will it go away? I obviously cannot have saved work disappearing on me. Im only concerned a bit bc when I watch the installation tutorial it looks almost as if youre setting up a 'temporary vm'; how can this be integrated to 24/7 usage?

Thanks!

 

[whs]

Great video, whs! Btw, I'd pay money to hear you say, "I'll be back!"

Schwarzenegger is Austrian, I am German, LOL

 

[whs]

Thanks, Ill have to give it a go. What happens if the computer runs out of battery, has to shut off, etc etc, what of the virtual folder?

Will it go away? I obviously cannot have saved work disappearing on me. Im only concerned a bit bc when I watch the installation tutorial it looks almost as if youre setting up a 'temporary vm'; how can this be integrated to 24/7 usage?

Thanks!

Nah. the folders stays. You will have to restart it next time. I don't know what you mean by "temporary VM". There is nothing temporary about it. I run some of my virtual systems since years. Remember - the virtual machine is just 1 folder on the host system - mine are actually on an external SSD because I carry them around between systems. Example:

 

[ChrisPanzer]

Oh wow... So if you want to open up an app/program within the "Windows 8 x64" folder, you simply double-click the folder, and open up the .exe file? All files that are created within the virtual system are stored within that folder, so if you want to copy it to the host system, you simply copy it, (if you need to email it for instance...?)

Thank you for all your help!

 

[whs]

The virtual partitions you open via VMware Player - not by double click on the folder.

 

[ChrisPanzer]

Ahh, okay.

Nabbing Windows 8 x86 as we speak, ISO format. I have another x64 system that I will be giving a test-run with VMware before I purchase the Surface.

Really looking forward to my new Surface Pro III and PRAYING this work-around solution WORKS! If so, I'll give you the biggest THANK YOU & HUG ever my German friend.. I am actually a decendant from German immigrants, my great great grandfather from Stuttgart!

 

[ChrisPanzer]

In the midst of the install right now, whs... fingers crossed, wil report back my friend!

 

[ChrisPanzer]

The virtual partitions you open via VMware Player - not by double click on the folder.

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I've installed it and Windows is up and running. How do I enlarge the screen a bit? I've maximized it, and its still only occupying a small portion of the center of the screen ( looks about 640x480)