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Tuesday, May 03, 2005 2:27 PM PT Posted by Harry McCracken
Install Windows x64, Void Your PC Warranty?
Heads up, owners of 64-bit PCs: If you're contemplating upgrading your machine to Windows x64, using Microsoft's tempting "Technology Advancement Program"--which is, basically, a $12 upgrade from XP to x64)--you could end up violating your PC's warranty. At least that's the takeway from this story from eWeek.com.In fact, when you agree on Microsoft's conditions to get the upgrade, you agree that your PC's warranty will be voided. In a sense, this is nothing new: PC warranties are often voided in theory if you make any changes to your system. (A show of hands, please: How many of you have never made a single change to your computer?) And according to the eWeek story, different vendors have varying policies on whether they object to the x64 upgrade or not. But it certainly looks as if it's worth checking in with your manufacturer before you give Microsoft your twelve bucks.
Of course, there are other reasons to think carefully before you install x64 just yet, including the current scarcity of 64-bit apps and drivers, and the fact that the Technology Advancement upgrade eliminates your license for 32-bit Windows, so you can't easily change your mind and revert to your old OS.
Here's our test drive of the new operating system--and stay tuned for more stories from PC World on the OS and computers that run it.
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Microsoft is screwing themselves over, and what I'm reading about Bill, he's getting mad.
agreed
x64 sucks, if you want a 64-bit os, then use unix
x64 sucks, if you want a 64-bit os, then use unix.
Windows XP x64 sucks, if you want a 64-bit os, then use unix.
"the fact that the Technology Advancement upgrade eliminates your license for 32-bit Windows,"
This shouldn't be glossed over. I think this is just as big an issue as the warranty thing, and more details should be made avaialble.
Well take it easy -- I think anyone should ditch PC from the store like Dell and build up your own PC that would make much easier - I build up my own PC and will get XP-64 so that wont any problems also XP-64 is more fleixable for any 64-bits PC like Athlon 64/FX ... I already passed my PID numbers and still awaitng for full version in few weeks time plus upgraded new A64 3800+ "Venice" core.
I just installed x64 on my sun workstation and it is quit eimpressive.
I just installed x64 on my sun workstation and it is quite mpressive.
x64 is worth all the 200 amazing performance!
x64 sucks. Be warned that about half of your hardware will become unusable because there just isn't any drivers.
E.g. logitech doesn't have ANY webcam version supported in x64.. and the same story goes on with lots of devices. And usually there is no plans for future support either. The new operating system needs to become much more popular before the majority of manufacturers would pay the effort. So if you need your old devices the 32bit windows is much better. ( and for servers needing >4GB memory 64bit linux may be better anyway )
x64 worked great untill they added that kernel patch recently that killed most of my apps including Aclcohol 120% and NOD32 duh... good thing I downloaded it free, burnt it and tested before I gave away any 32-bit license that I would own if I actually bought a copy of XP, not to mention being dumb enough to buy a pre-made PC like a Dell or -(Fill in the Blank).