Searched, Read, Still Confused - 64 to 32 bit

Seems like a great forum you all have here. . . .

As the subject says, I did use the forum search function and read other threads relating to going from W7____32 to W7_____64. I still have some questions.

I need to take a new W7Home64 to W7Pro32. I think I've done a clean install, but I think I lost all my drivers.

Prior to starting I did a System Image of the new-out-of-box W7Home64 machine. (consumed three 4.7G DVDs). I also did a system repair disc.

I then booted from the new W7Pro32 disc and deleted all the partitions I could (it would not let me delete one partition with about 1.5M in it - something about it being from the OEM).

I then created a new partition using the default size it gave me. From there I did the install. Now, as mentioned, it seems like I've lost all my drivers.

I'm in over my head here and could use some help.

-Jim

Hi jhausch - Welcome to w7forums

Visit your manufacturers website and download all the 32-Bit drivers from their pages. The 64-Bit drivers that you previously had will not work with 32-Bit OS.

I hate seeing you downgrade to 32-Bit, is there a particular reason why you need to do so?

I noticed you are upgrading to Windows Professional. If you are thinking of using XP Mode, you should also know that XP Mode is Windows XP SP3 32-Bit client regardless of which version Windows you are running.

Hello Mr. Cooley,

My IT dept has some thin client SW and a phone SW that does not seem to run in 64 bit (pro or home). I also have some SW used for programming automation hardware which does not seem to work with 64bit.

I went to the toshiba website to do as you suggested; however, the first driver I see is shows that it is for the Windows 7 (64bit) OS. SHould I download it anyway?

OK, Sorry - re-read your post.

I need to find the 32 bit drivers. . . .

Which computer model are we talking about? This will answer a few details that might be in question.

And so there is no confusion, which region of the globe are you located? This makes a difference as to the specific models available in each region.

USA
Toshiba Satellite L645-S4059

I went here: http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/t...ily=1073768663

And selected "Windows 7 32 bit" and "Drivers". I've installed (I think I've installed) all 5 of those and still no wireless.

Take a look in Device Manager and see if you have any drivers with a yellow symbol on them.

One other thing you can try, Windows Update can correct many issues. Check Windows Update for optional updates. Windows update may need to be setup to check for optional updates if you choose to go this route.

The yellow warnings are under "Other Devices"
Ethernet Controller
Network Controller
PCI Simple Comm Controller

I will see if the wired LAN works and give that a try.

I called Toshiba and they said they don't have 32 bit drivers for the network HW on this laptop. They recommended I try the mfr website. I had to ask them the mfr and PN since they are not listed on the spec sheet, and, of course, are not recognized in the Device Manager.

I went to the Realtek website, but I wonder if I have the wrong Realtek? I can't find anything on there that looks like a driver page. Especially not for the PN's that Toshiba gave me for the hardware in this laptop.

So I am now installing W7Pro64. I can't even recover from the original W7Home64 recovery media I made when I am running W7Pro32. I hope this works. . .

FWIW, here is the PN they gave me to use in my search for drivers:

Realtek A000073800

Thanks again for the help.

Try this page. - Realtek Wireless LAN Driver for Windows 7 (32/64)