E6500: Vista Business 64-bit

I asked Dell Tech Support to send me the install media for Vista Business 64-bit for my E6500. They said that since my System Type is "X86-based PC," I won't be able to run 64-bit. Is there no workaround? Is that really true? My refurb laptop came with XP Pro installed as a downgrade from Vista Business 32-bit. It has a T9600 processor. Does anyone have experience installing Vista Business 64-bit on a laptop like mine?

 

They are right!! It will self destruct if you try to run 64-bit.

Seriously, they are fabricating pure B.S. Considering that they sell them already configured with 64-bit, it is really laughable.

It will work fine and even better than 32-bit.

 

Pretty much all CPU's (and every Core 2 if I'm not mistaken) for the past few years have been 64-bit capable. Total BS from Dell as Jakpro said.

 

Thanks, guys! It didnt' make sense any other way!

 

Thought I had this thing bought (E6500 with XP/Vista)), but I'm now confused again...I opened a chat session with Dell and was sent a link to where you can buy a 64 bit XP/Vista install, but he couldn't tell me if that was just what the hardware would handle (32 bit OS only), or just what versions of the OS it ships with.

 

Bah...
Just get a VISTA 64-bit cd and instal.

/KimmoK

 

I went onto Dell Tech Support chat last night and an agent did send me the install media for Business x64. I basically just told him that I take all responsibility on myself. He sent it to me for free, and the shipping service seems good too. He should I should get it Feb. 12 or 13.

 

You should ask yourself if you really need it, though. You'll lose compatability with 16 bit applications, and 32 bit applications will have a performance setback (though very minimal).

Very few applications take advantage of 64 bit.

 

The biggest advantage at the moment of x86 over x64 is that you can use 4GBs or more of memory.

There are very few applications that use 16 bit any longer. If you have an old application that you cannot find a substitute for, then down load a virtual machine program like Virtual Box, its free and then install windows XP x86 in the virtual machine and run the 16 bit application.

There is very little reason any more not to run a 64 bit OS.