two versions of windows in bootcamp

[kristinn-j]

Hi. I set up a 32-bit windows a while back and it was always a bit slow. I later found that 32-bit windows only allows 4 GB of memory(I have 12) and uses 1.77 for itself, leaving only 2.23 for games(which is what I use bootcamp for) That's why I want to install 64-bit windows 7 without having to delete my 32-bit one or migrate it all without the hassle of external backups etc. Is that possible or will I have to back up my windows and completely reinstall it?

 

[shervinvan]

Hi. I set up a 32-bit windows a while back and it was always a bit slow. I later found that 32-bit windows only allows 4 GB of memory(I have 12) and uses 1.77 for itself, leaving only 2.23 for games(which is what I use bootcamp for) That's why I want to install 64-bit windows 7 without having to delete my 32-bit one or migrate it all without the hassle of external backups etc. Is that possible or will I have to back up my windows and completely reinstall it?

Ran into the exact same issue when I had Win7 32 bit installed on OSX ML Bootcamp on my rMBP... as far as I know you will need to delete the windows partition that you currently have. then set up bootcamp again and install win7 64 bit (fresh install)... this sucks as you will need to install all other software again.

 

[murphychris]

...as far as I know you will need to delete the windows partition that you currently have. then set up bootcamp again...

If the Windows partition has enough space on it, such that you don't need it resized, you don't need to delete the partition, just reformat it (NTFS) from the Windows installer before you begin the installation. Yes you will need to reinstall applications.