ie8 fix

CNET Archive

Find more recent Window products

Windows XP Professional x64 edition (04/22/2005)

Windows XP Professional x64 edition

Entered CNET Catalog: 04/22/2005

SKU: XPP-X64-OEM

Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.

Product summary

The goodThe good: Supports 128GB of physical memory; offers the promise of speed boosts when coupled with matching 64-bit processors and software.

The badThe bad: Included apps Outlook Express and Windows Media Player remain 32-bit; even Windows Update service must be accessed using 32-bit Internet Explorer.

The bottom lineThe bottom line: Only software developers and high-end workstation users will see real benefits from Windows XP Professional x64 Edition; everyone else should stick with 32-bit Windows XP instead.

Average user rating: from 53 users
3.0 stars

Editors' review

  • Editors' Choice: No
  • Reviewed on: 04/25/2005
There's no question about it: 64-bit computing is the future, because it promises better performance and room to grow for memory-hungry applications and operating systems. In fact, millions of people already use desktops and laptops with 64-bit processors that have been available from AMD since 2003 and Intel since February 2005. With the release of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition, Microsoft takes a big first step toward a 64-bit world. But Rome wasn't built in a day, and Microsoft's transition to 64-bit will be a gradual one. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is not available in boxed editions via resellers; it will be sold only through OEM vendors and licensing agreements. The new OS is priced the same as the 32-bit Windows XP Professional, and for a limited time, current XP Professional customers running 64-bit systems can upgrade for free.

Microsoft can afford to take a measured approach to 64-bit computing because few software applications are available in 64-bit editions and many hardware devices don't yet have compatible drivers. In fact, many of the native applications in Microsoft's new OS, such as Outlook Express and Windows Media Player, still run in 32-bit mode.

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is a big deal for software developers because it gives them a solid Windows platform to write apps that can harness the potential of 64-bit. The release also represents a major milestone toward Microsoft's next-generation Longhorn operating system. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition promises substantial speed improvements with CAD/CAM, 3D modeling, and other high-end tools that will justify the move to the new OS. For the average user, though, 64-bit Windows is, for now, little more than a curiosity. Compatibility issues far outweigh any potential speed boosts, making it an inadvisable upgrade for all but the most die-hard hobbyists.

If you already have one of the millions of 64-bit-capable laptops running 32-bit Windows and want to switch, be prepared for headaches. Windows x64 doesn't offer a 32-bit Windows upgrade option; you'll need to do a fresh install. That means booting your system from the installation CD and navigating through some confusing text prompts to install the system. If you're planning to upgrade from a 32-bit Windows computer, you'll have to copy your settings (we recommend storing an external hard drive) and reinstall all of your utilities and applications later. Though most of your applications will work fine within Windows x64's 32-bit compatibility mode, if the software includes its own device driver, you may encounter difficulties. For instance, when we tried to install iTunes, we were greeted with an error message saying that one of the drivers included with the software wasn't compatible with Windows x64. Though the application launched and appeared to work, there's likely a compatibility issue lurking below.


After installing iTunes, we encountered an error, since one of the included device drivers wasn't 64-bit compatible. However, iTunes appeared to function correctly despite this error.

In addition, each piece of hardware in your system needs a 64-bit driver to work properly. Though Microsoft includes many common device drivers with Windows x64, older or less common pieces of hardware won't work without a driver supplied by the manufacturer. Vendors such as Brother, Canon, Epson, Lexmark, Ricoh, Samsung, Wacom, Xerox, and Zoran currently offer driver support for the new OS, with other vendors expected to do so by the end of this year.

By far the easiest way to get 64-bit Windows is to purchase a new system with the software preinstalled. That way, you're assured that all of the PC's hardware will have 64-bit drivers available. Acer, AlienWare, Dell, FSC, Fujitsu, HP, Hitachi, IBM, NEC, and Unisys are expected to ship servers and workstations with either the server or workstation version of Windows x64 preinstalled. If you choose to upgrade a 64-bit system running 32-bit Windows XP, however, we strongly recommend creating a dual-boot system and installing Windows XP Professional x64 Edition onto a separate partition to test whether your hardware and software are compatible.

Microsoft designed its new OS to be backward compatible with 32-bit applications, and that's good since much of the software bundled within Windows x64, such as Outlook Express and Windows Media Player, remain 32-bit. The big exception, however, is Internet Explorer (IE)--Windows XP Professional x64 Edition includes both a 32-bit and a 64-bit version of the Web browser. However, since few if any browser plug-ins or toolbars are currently 64-bit, you'll probably want to use the 32-bit version for your daily Web surfing. At this time, there is no compelling reason to use 64-bit IE. Even Microsoft's own Windows Update is 32-bit only. When we tried using the Windows Update button on the Control Panel, Windows initially launched a 64-bit browser, then redirected us to run Update in a 32-bit browser instead.


When we tried to run Windows Update from the Control Panel, Windows launched a 64-bit browser, then relaunched the 32-bit browser, since Microsoft's Update plug-in currently supports only 32-bit.

Visually, x64 Windows differs little from 32-bit Windows XP Pro; the big changes are internal. Microsoft reworked the Windows XP Professional interface to run in 64-bit mode. In addition, x64 Windows is actually based on the Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 code base, which Microsoft touts as having better reliability and stability than its desktop versions of Windows XP. Because the new OS runs on 64-bit systems, you can now take advantage of a feature first introduced in Windows XP SP2, the so-called data execution prevention (DEP) feature, sometimes referred to as no execute (NX), which combats viruses and worms attempting to take advantage of buffer overruns in your system's memory. And because there are very few 64-bit applications, your current 32-bit applications run in a separate protected memory space to ensure compatibility and reliability.


In the Windows Task Manager, 32-bit applications are marked with an *32 designation.

The main advantage of a 64-bit operating system comes in its ability to handle huge amounts of memory. Thirty-two-bit Windows is limited to 4GB of physical RAM, with only 2GB available to an application, though there is a workaround that lets some applications access up to 3GB. Sixty-four-bit Windows blows away this limitation, supporting up to 128GB of physical RAM and 16 terabytes of virtual memory.

Of course, most systems don't have close to 2GB of RAM, and even if yours did, the extra memory wouldn't come in handy when balancing your checkbook or downloading MP3s. Microsoft designed Windows XP Professional x64 Edition for workstation applications such as CAD/CAM, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations, where extra memory support promises a big boost in performance. For example, instead of storing data on the hard drive, active applications will be able to store everything in much-faster RAM instead.

Even without massive amounts of memory, applications currently optimized for the 64-bit architecture may also see a speed boost as they take advantage of the processor's full capabilities. This could extend the performance boost to areas such as 3D gaming and video, sound, and photo editing. However, it will take a while until most popular applications are optimized for 64-bit. Vendors such as Avid, Softimage, BEA Systems, BMC, Cakewalk, Citrix Systems, CommVault, Computer Associates, IBM, McAfee, NewTek, Oracle, PTC, Symantec, Trend Micro, and Veritas Software have or will soon announce 64-bit editions of their software. More vendors are expected by the end of the year.

Dr. Divx 1.06 Build 105 (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
32-bit
251 
64-bit
254 

Cinebench 2003
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
32-bit
117.8  
64-bit
117.6  

Apple iTunes 4.7.1.30 (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
32-bit
297 
64-bit
299 

Sorensen Squeeze 4 (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
32-bit
351 
64-bit
362 

System configurations:

Sharp Actius AL27
Athlon 64 2700+, 512MB of DDR RAM, 4,200rpm hard drive We expect technical support for Windows XP Professional x64 to include e-mail and some answers on an online FAQ page. Microsoft's toll-free phone support is available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PT on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

User opinions

Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53
User Rating:
3.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

esque me gusta mas el vista
y ya

Pros: por k me gusta pero me gusta mas el vista sin albur jeje es encerio

Cons: por k no tengo sitema operativo jejejejeje

Review: me gusta este producto

Updated on Mar 17, 2010

hola grasias por mandarme el windws xp gratis aunke no se donde esta grasias kreo?

User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

XP Pro 64-Bit edition works great for the right person

Pros: Easy Install
Not much add-on garbage
Quick Boot
Never Crashes
Never freezes
I haven't had a problem with it yet, save for what I list in Con

Cons: -The hardest thing you will encounter with XP 64-Bit are drivers: That is, finding the ones you need. It's taken a lot of research to get what I need.
-OS is not longer supported, so don't expect improvements.

Review: This is a great OS for the right person. I happen to have a 64 Bit laptop and XP Pro 64 runs smooth as silk on it. My only issue is getting the sound to work (it took me 4 weeks to get a proper driver).
No complaints otherwise.
It's fast, safe, secure. You can run just about anything on it.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Best Microsoft operating system created up to 2009.

Pros: Blazing fast if updated to 2009 latest, tremendously snappy and stable when updates are integrated into install-images. There are amazing custom copies available out there in the wild.

Cons: Sometimes hard to find drivers, but usually the Vista 64 bit drivers work 100% when installed manually. Some manufacturers do not distribute for this OS, which is stupid.

Review: Will be using this OS for a LONG time, not happy about newer Windows releases. XP64 is really good for audio and video editing, work like that.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Works really well with powerful software such as adobe!

Pros: 64-Bit is the future for Microsoft Windows the power and speed is amazing! I'm hoping more software become compatible with it soon.

Cons: more software/programs need to be compatible with the 64-Bit versions instead of running on 32-Bit while installed on a 64-Bit system

Review: I really like and enjoy this version of Windows Xp. its great and powerful and amazing compare to the 32 Bit versions current out now. i was also shock to of the rating 5.8 rating which i found to be kind of harsh for such a great and rising operating system. well i highly recommend this OS for anyone looking for that extra juice in overall performance in graphics, audio, video or gaming software/applications.
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Vista 64-Bit or XP Pro 64-Bit

Pros: Non at all.

Cons: Will not work.

Review: I will be down graduate from Vista Ultimate 64-bit to XP Pro 64-Bit. Reading what you said gives me hope. My advice is in no way update to Vista 64-Bit. I read the discussions board about how bad this Vista was. Like all these board, you will always get a Windows plant that makes out that there is no problem and he is using it. Well I took these wonder boys word and it has been a complete nightmare. It is not usable. Unless you want to look at a blank screen. Even in standby, it locks up and that just with Vista only on the PC. Well, to these wonder boy from Microsoft; My PC is a high performance machine that I build for the 64-Bit OS. I will try XP Pro 64-Bit and if that does not work, then into storage it will go until the big boys catch up. No one can run a business on an OS like Vista 64-Bit. It amazes me that they put this on to the market when it is not properly developed. I remember a few years ago when the British car industry had the complete car market of the world in there pocket. They then started introducing new models not properly researched and we all know what happened after that. Will Vista 64-Bit be the start of windows fall from grace.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

If your hardware is supported, then it works great.

Pros: Better speed, support for more RAM

Cons: Hardware support isn't as good (but this is not the fault of the OS)

Review: Windows XP Pro x64 is really Microsoft's first attempt at a mainstream 64-bit OS. Considering this, XP x64 is a great OS. All of the 32-bit programs I have tried have run, some with minor tinkering. Additionally, driver support from the hardware manufacturers is getting better all the time. Before you install XP x64, you should check to make sure all your hardware has drivers. If it does, go for it.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Works Great. Very Fast OS

Pros: Very Very Fast OS

Cons: Not all software and hardware will work with it.

Review: This software is great. Hardware and Software MFG's are very slow at making there products compatible with x64 versions of windows (XP Pro and Vista). Most new Motherboards, Video cards, drive controllers have drivers for x64 windows. Most new printers, scanners, copiers, etc have drivers. The only problem I had was with some of my old hardware.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Fantastically fast! A dream!

Pros: Extremely fast, lots of memory, high-powered computing for serious workstations.

Cons: Driver support is still catching up.

Review: I do a lot of computationally intensive simulations (multi-body dynamics and control). I've just installed Windows XP x64 with Matlab x64 on my computer running a Conroe Core2 Duo 6700 with 4 GB of RAM. It is incredibly fast, blowing away all other entries in Matlab's "bench" test. I expected a performance increase, but nothing like what I've experienced. For serious computational work, Windows XP x64 is the way to go!
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Love it, I will never go back...

Pros: More than 3 Gigs memory

Cons: can I get back to you on it?

Review: Anyone who hated it certainly shouldn't be using it...it is not mainstream. It is like owning a Ferrari, need a good tech and a good driver and the right place to use it. My x86 version running in VMWare handles the few things like scanners that x64 doesn't like. Oh, and my virtual XP runs faster than most real PC's because there is so much memory available for it. Running 2 VM's and my host still runs fast. How do you test x64 with half a Gig of RAM? Kinda like testing that Ferrari with flat tires in a traffic jam.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Most Stable Operating System

Pros: Fully utilizes system resources effectively

Cons: Can't think of any

Review: We have been using Windows XP 64 bit for 9 months and it has been well worth the investment. Our workstations are high end with AMD opteron processors and 4gb of ram with FireGLs or 3Dlabs 3D video cards. I have been very pleased with the performance and the stability of the OS. Of course, it's based on the Windows 2003 platform and really like the way it handles memory and long transactions. I don't think we have the need for Vista since Microsoft isn't pushing the 64bit line of Vista and I hear its a memory hog. For businesses who require fast and stable systems, Windows XP 64bit is the OS to use.
User Rating:
2.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

64 bit software

Pros: Faster downoads.

Cons: Lack of applications

Review: A continuing shortage of 64 bit applications.
I have Audigy 2 ZS Platinum and though there is a 64 bit driver, there a very few 64 bit applications to go with it. It is true that the 64 bit version also includes the 32 bit IE7.
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

AVOID AVOID AVOID

Pros: Pretty splash screen

Cons: Drivers missing

Review: It is an afterthought that has not been fully fleshed out. If you want to go 64bit go to Vista 64. Just attended a Microsoft Launch event and even the Msft tech admits its not what it should have been.

I am a power user and a Microsoft partner.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Good 1st try at an x64 desktop OS

Pros: Memory addressing beyond 4GB

Cons: limited application and hardware support

Review: It is a good start for Microsoft. If you need to get to memory beyond what x32 XP hits (I do). I've been on x64 XP for some time and find that nearly all apps run fine (x32 and x64). For the two apps that don't work, I use VMWare workstation so I can run my x32 desktop without having to reboot. I only have 2 apps that I have to run this way. And for those that don't want to buy VMWare workstation, you can install the free VMware server (remember to disable IIS).
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Not for the average user yet

Pros: Loads quickly and MS programs in the bundle work well

Cons: driver!!!! drivers!!!! drivers!!!!

Review: I got the evaluation version of the program from the MS website to try it with my new ECS P4800PRO M V1.0A motherboard and P4 dual core processor.
I loaded it onto my second hard drive. It loaded fine. This way I can dual boot with XP 32 on my main hard drive.
Microsoft warns that 64 bit drivers are necessary for any installed hardware to run. They aren't kidding.
All of the motherboard mounted hardware on my system is recognized. This consists of Cmedia sound, ethernet, com port, printer port (don't know if anyone even uses the last two anymore), onboard video works and my AGP XGI Volarie V3 add on video card works.
The are no drivers available for any of my other add on cards: SB 128, Haugepauge Tv card and Linksys wireless adapter.
I can't access the internet yet, but have a wireless ethernet bridge ordered which I'm hoping will solve that problem, because there are no drivers necessary to connect it.
The only existing hardware that works is my cheap HP deskjet 3520. HP has a beta 64 bit driver for it on their website and it works fine. Cudos to them. Now if the other hardware manufactures will wake up we might get somewhere.
It loads much faster that the 32 bit version at least for now, but that will probably slow down a bit as I get more programs loaded, and hardware that actually had drivers that work.
Will I actually put down my hard earned money to buy it when my trial version runs out? I sure will.
Les
Updated
Last night I downloaded Grisoft version 7.5 64 bit antivirus. Loaded it into Windows 64 and it works fine. Things are looking up. The new free version won't work with 64 but the pro version does and it's very competitively priced. My ethernet bridge should be here soon so I will see if I can get on the web with it.
Les
Updated
Well, I got my ethernet bridge installed and running today so now I can get on the net using XP64. Did the updates, 48 of them anyway. Everything is working fine so far. I would much rather be able to find drivers for my existing hardwar than have to find new hardware such as a sound card, the onboard sound doesn't have the options I want, and TV card, but all in due time.
Les
User Rating:
3.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Install and driver issues potentially serious but OK after that; Not all software will load

Pros: Boots and runs quickly. Familiar interface. Appears stable.

Cons: Very difficult setup from OEM version. Not enough 64 bit apps yet. Microsoft's lack of attention to the driver issue leads me to believe that this OS may be a dead end.

Review: My system: Asus K8V, AMD Ath/64 3200, 3GB ram, 2x250GB SATA disks as RAID 1, NEEDED 100GB IDE DISK TO LOAD THE OS. ATI Radeon 9800XT, Adaptec Fireconnect 4300 (1394 card).
Mboard supports SATA and IDE RAID 0 or 1.
=> Will be used as a video editing station <=
=====> OS setup would not recognize the RAID array (created by the K8V's BIOS setup) so I had to include an IDE disk on which I loaded the OS, and will also load all the applications (an annoyance, but not a deal-breaker).
Interestingly, Suse Linux 10.1 loaded on the RAID array and ran with absolutely no problems other than warning that not all RAID arrays are suppported (but it recognized this one just fine).
The ASUS K8V mboard driver/support disk would not load at all - I had to download hardware drivers off the Internet (from the manufacturer sites, NOT FROM MICROSOFT - don't make the mistake of using drivers from MSFT). I could not use the ATI TV Wonder VE card at all - I will get an ATI card that uses a Theater 550 processor (Elite model) as there are relevant drivers listed for WINx64 on ATI's site.
All other hardware drivers loaded OK, but I had to uninstall and reinstall the video card before the drivers loaded properly.
=====> Once drivers were loaded the OS appeared stable. However, not all software would load (probably incompatible setup routines) and I did not feel like trying to install that software one program at a time.
MS Office XP apps (Word, Excel, etc.) loaded fine. Firefox 1.5 loaded fine also.
=====> OS boots quickly on this machine, no hangups so far (I will post more comments after some time using the OS and applications on this computer). Software also appears to run OK, but heavy testing has not yet been done.
=====> Bottom line - if you need aPC with 64 bit OS, either buy a system with WINx64 pre-installed (expensive?) or use a 64 bit LINUX installation. This OS is neither easily or quickly set up from scratch (as opposed to SUSE 10.1 which sets up easily).
The OS appears to be quick and stable once installed. More later...
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Great; but more 64-bit apps needed

Pros: 64-bit architecture

Cons: various software compatibility issues

Review: It's a great system. As soon as more 64-bit software is made, it will become even more popular.

Driver support is decent - I had no problems finding 64-bit drivers for my hardware.

Software compatibility, however, is an entirely different story. The WOW64 implementation is there (great effort by Microsoft, by the way); yet many programs have not made any kind of compatibility workarounds for their apps. iTunes v6, for instance, would not even install on x64. Microsoft has made a great OS, but it is up to the software makers to provide 64-bit compliant programs.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Future looking good for 64 bit computing

Pros: Very stable, Best MS OS yet!,good performance

Cons: some peripherals like printers, webcams have no 64 bit drivers

Review: I would have rated this a 10 but changed it to a 9 as i couldnt get all the peripherals working.

This is the best Microsoft OS yet and is much better than 32-bit XP. It is more stable and even runs many 32-bit applications faster.

Most mainstream users will not worry about the extra memory capabilities of 64-bit, but I disagree with some reviews of it saying that it is not for the average user.

The extra stability and performance is very useful and i havent had a single blue screen crash in my 1 yr of use.

The main criticism and stumbling block to mainstream usage has been the lack of device drivers, but this is now being solved with most major companies supporting 64bit drivers for their products. Many large companies like HP, Epson, NVIDIA and ATI have 64 bit device drivers.

However some companies like Logitech and Lexmark are providing limited 64bit support for their products so you should watch out for unsupported devices.

You should buy this if you have the 64bit compatible processor and want the extra stabilty/performance but the real benefits wont be seen until 64 bit apps become mainstream.

But take caution when buying and do some research on the net so that when you install the 64 bit OS your printer wont become a paperweight like mine did. This is only a major problem with older devices.

Also make sure that any future hardware you are considering buying and any software you use regularly is compatible.

If you are buying a new computer I highly recommened this OS, provided its compatible.

If you already have a computer that is 64 bit compatible i suggest a dual boot setup which means that you install the 64 bit XP while keeping the 32 bit XP on the hard drive. If anything is incompatible you just run 32 bit XP to use it.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Works great here!

Pros: Very fast on AMD 64 bit system. All 32 bit programs work flawlessly. Most companies have (the ones I have programs for) 64 bit drivers online.

Cons: Future programs need to be able to upgrade from regular XP. You need to be computer smart to install this, it is not for the newbie unless you want to learn the fun of driver hunting.

Review: If you do not have XP Pro x64 yet, you may want to wait untill Vista comes out. I wanted to try it out on my newer 64 bit system and I have not been dissipointed. All of my 32 bit systems, work and home, are now SLOW compaired to this upgrade. Even the one game (Race Driver 3 with Force feedback wheel) runs great on it. Since Vista will not be out untill 2007, it was worth it to me to install this now. "Time is Money".
User Rating:
3.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Good,but little software

Pros: 64Bit Support for my Processor

Cons: Very little software

Review: I like the fact that we have a 64Bit OS for our 64 Bit processors. Didn't have too much of a problem with Drivers but a huge problem with software tools not being supported.
Eg. - No Print Driver support for Acrobat Pro 7.0
- Group Policy Management Console Does not work.
- Windows Desktop Search Does not work.

I am sure more apps don't work either. Unfortunatly I will have to go back to 32Bit XP until they catch up.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

not as bad as you all think

Pros: everything

Cons: the problems are with the people who buy the wrong hardware and blame it nor working on xp 64

Review: most people say that there aren't any drivers or whatever - you'll only get that problem if you don't buy the right hardware to begin with. when i first installed and ran xp 64 i had no driver problems or software problems. i have an asrock 775i65gv motherboard and all the correct drivers had been installed when xp 64 was installing. office xp (2002) works without a hitch and 32bit programs do not run any slower, in some cases the are sightly faster. the only proplem i have found so far is that you can not install things like google toolbar into the 64 bit version of internet explorer.

BUT, i don't think that you should upgrade from xp 32 unless you are really going to use 128GB of ram and 16TB of virtual memory! or if you don't do video editing or 3D graphics and the like.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Great Product!

Pros: Fast, Reliable, smooth, great for animation and photo work

Cons: DRIVERS!!! and Wireless adapters!

Review: Althoust this is an awesome program it would be nice to see a little more in the drivers spectrum. Java, Wireless networking, etc, ect. Great platform just needs a little tweaking!
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

It's OK for now

Pros: works well with my graphics programs

Cons: Not enough driver support

Review: I actualy have all my gear with working drivers now. One exception though and thats my printer. I have heard lots of comlaints in this area.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

It is Great runs super fast!!

Pros: Seems to double my speed in most apps.

Cons: None so far

Review: I have had no driver problems of any kind and hl2 runs about twice the speed it used to. I would definately recommend trying it out before you discount it.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Microsoft Should Allow Exchanges!

Pros: The divorice lawyer wants a reason why you should be split up

Cons: Microsoft will make you buy another copy of XP home, and you'll beg to own it!

Review: Unless you want to live out of the back of your car the rest of your days trying to fix XP Professional 64X forget this one. Besides Microsoft is charging you twice for this edition, and XP Home edition can no longer be used on two machines.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Almost a year later, and still nothing

Pros: Boots faster. Yay.

Cons: Not even Microsoft writes drivers to support their own hardware, runs so many 32 bit emulators to make programs work, it slows the system down

Review: I noticed there were no recent reviews to warn the average Joe against buying this system, so here it is in plain English...do not buy this system unless you know exactly what you are doing. I have been hoping for the last 8 months that Microsoft would do something with it, but that hasn't been the case. I even called them to ask why they haven't even released a driver for my Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse. The "service" person (who was probably halfway around the world) didn't even know what x64 was! This goes to show that Microsoft has no plans to improve this OS and you are left running a lemon. In addition, if you look at the task manager, you'll notice that almost every process has a mirror process with a *32 next to it that makes the system slow and if you're running iTunes...forget it. There's almost a 4 second lag between mouse click and response (doesn't recognize my iPod Shuffle, either). My four year old laptop with a P4 runs smoother than my "top of the line" Athlon 64 bit processor. Need I say more?
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Wait Before Windows XP x64

Pros: Hey it's 64 bit!

Cons: So what? Look at the benchmarks.

Review: I'm making this a 1 for the bozo who thought it was a 10 and evidently didn't think it through. If I were as simple minded (thinking that the OS and a couple of "32 bit apps" were sufficient) I too would rate this higher. But really, after using this OS for three weeks as a potential replacement for my Win XP Dual Xeon machine... Windows XP x64--although technologically promising--is quite useless to the average user.

A little background: My mainstay workstation is a dual Xeon 3.2 GHZ running Win XP SP2 (yes, with hyperthreading off). I've been pleased with it for about two years. Recently, I thought it was time for an upgrade. Naturally, first on my list was a system based on an AMD 64 x2 (dual core sounds a whole lot better than 2 CPU's).

So I bought Windows XP x64 hoping to eke out the maximum performance. What a waste of money! Previous posts alluded to "lack of drivers" being a problem... but take it from me, lack of 64 bit drivers is a BIG problem. It took me forever to find the proper drivers that'll work with my dual nVidia 7800 SLI cards and my ASUS mobo. OK, but I *do* qualify as a geek so I *was* able to get the system stable--but this simply is not something AVERAGE computer users would do.

OK, time for the applications. Office 2003, no problem. But did the guy who gave this piece of trash a 10 even bother to try to USE it?! Some of the apps are noticeably SLOWER than on my AMD 64 F55 gaming machine (running Windows XP SP2). It certainly wasn't as snappy as my Dual Xeon box.

Then I found that my favorite editor, Lemmy, simply wouldn't install. The installer says something like "although this is an application, it was written for a different architecture."

I'm still having problems with Windows Media Player 9 and various CODECs.

I AM impressed about the PROMISE that 64 bit technology makes. But for the average user? This operating system hurls. Wait another three years until the application developers get all the wrinkles ironed out. THEN we can hope that Windows XP x64 is as seamless and ubiquitous as Windows XP SP2 is.



(OK. The REAL rating I would give this is a "3"... but since someone obscenely rated this a 10, I certainly have to make up for it)
User Rating:
1.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

ceteris peribus

Pros: nothing comes to mind

Cons: application problems

Review: This could by my worst purchase decision ever. I cannot get my service provider to supply me with a modem that is compatible with xp 64. Many applications such as easy CD creator, Shrink DVD stock market analyzer etc do not work properly. Even had to dump and update all the drivers on my MB. Just to point out I previously used XP so it would not seem to be a big change to my system which is state of the art. My decision now is whether to purchase Xp for my new machine and toss out the 64 or spend several hundred dollars on new software and forget about the internet.
My opinion is that given the significant compatability problems this software is putting the cart before the horse.
User Rating:
1.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

C'mon Bill we expected far better

Pros: I would have to lie...then i have to kill you...its not worth thatq

Cons: The entire OS is a con, i have absolutely nothing good to say

Review: Where to start, lets just say the xp 64 pro is the biggest blunder in the history of microsoft. Upgrading it from lets say xp pro allow you to go 64 bit yes...but loose most of the things you did in the old OS...did i mention that there is no current internet security software to protect you from viruses? i think i did.. anyway try find applications that actually work!...limwire a popular program has a hard time working here, film editing software, don't bother, even adobe apps which are simple to use becomes a chore. Before some knuckle head decides to throw a comeback my way think of this, Vista is coming, so why encourage people to upgrade and waste their money on a half-a$$, noneffecient operating system rather than waiting to get the goods of Vista, which hopefully had a lil more thought put into it. The bottom line is this, if this were a movie and microsoft was Universal studio's and i were an investor with millions invested, i'd pull out and throw my money apple's way! why? Because atleast they care about there end product. XP 64 pro is/should be an embarressment to Microsoft and bill gates. It make me wonder if they are just trying to live up to the second wording in their name alerting us to what the future holds!!!!
User Rating:
2.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Disappointed

Pros: Still runs like Windows 32, adobe works insanely well

Cons: Majority of Games are don't work with x64 without a patch, most don't have patches.

Review: Its a great OS without a doubt. But has too many problems with Games. Majority of the new released and older games don't work with it causing insane amount of crashing and computer restarts. Maybe when they release Microsoft Vista it'll be better but as of now not worth it if your a PC gamer like myself.
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Tiger does better!

Pros: 64-bit OS?

Cons: No 32-bit thunk layer, requires too many updates, Drivers drop quickly, program support is minimal, lots of errors.

Review: I own a Mac and a PC, and so far Mac OS X Tiger (which is 64-bit) out runs, performs, outwits Windows. On Tiger I'm able to run previous 32-bit applications without a hitch, on this version of Windows you can barely load a driver that is built for the 64-bit OS. Apple knows what they're doing, Microsoft, apparently, needs to work harder at fixing the code and working out the bugs. Office 2003 (this surprised me) doesn't even run on the 64-bit OS, yet 2002 does!
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Windows XP x64 Stright blows

Pros: almost works

Cons: nothing works

Review: Windows Xp x64 installs fine. Only one problem nothing works. It dose not run faster because the bus drivers will not install. I loaded winXp32 and got a higher 3dmark score then with WinXp64. I have run other bench marks as well same result. the PCIx16 bus isn't supported The sound a Realtek 880c HDA drive will not load. the UAA bus driver will not load. I loaded winXp x63 onto a Tul Express 200P with 512Mb of ram and a AMD simpron 2600+. Thankfully I didn't pay for winXp x64 I got it from MSDN cause i'm a student.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Microsoft does it again!!!

Pros: 64biit computing duh!!!!

Cons: Lame 2 Program files folders/ 2 internet explorrors!

Review: I think the O.S is great. It gives the stability of xp but uses 64bit computing. Although there’s a sea of unsupported hardware/software for the new O.S, it isn’t all Microsoft’s fault. I think with all the operating systems released by M.S some hardware or software has been snuffed out. Is it Microsoft’s fault that most the software/hardware designers are lame and slow at moving with the pace of technology? No it isn’t! It was pretty lame of M.S to not support the father of 64bit computing (AMD); furthermore, teeming up with Intell in a monopolistic fashion. I here people complain about office sweets provided by M.S not supporting 64bit. With those kind of expectations in mind, I also believe Microsoft should remake all software in the world to be compatible with the new O.S(yah right ). Give it time people! Microsoft can’t handle every thing at once. I share some of the pain with the lack of driver support though (my sound card does not work [Sound blaster]). Also M.S should have had an O.S developed to support 64bit a long time ago. I’m fully confident that things will smooth out with time plus don’t forget the release of longhorn.
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

What was I thinking?

Pros: some applications are slightly improved

Cons: No advantage to the regular user

Review: It took some time to bully many of the hardware vendors to develop a 64 bit driver so that I could continue to use this computer. There are bound to be at least a couple of pieces of hardware that you will no longer be able to use because of the new operating system. Those pieces of hardware that do happen to have drivers will be giving you BETA versions that have not be adequately tested. In addition, there is no support on this OS, people that I've talked to in M*soft troubleshoot as if it is still the same 32 bit system, its not. I'm obviously hoping for good things in the future, but the endless troubleshooting may make 64XP as valuable as "New Coke" and Microsoft may then advertise XP as "Classic XP" .. I can't wait for the no calorie version ...
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Slow start for now.

Pros: I like the performance.

Cons: Few application to use.

Review: The 64 bit performs well in applications it supports, however essential utilities not compatible therefore it is vulnerable to on the internet. Overall, it performs as expected but will have to wait for the 64 bit killer applications to justify the switch.
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Overall im glad I got it because my programs run faster.

Pros: Faster speed , Still easy to use

Cons: Not much software or drivers out for it yet.

Review: Unless you are using for developing or 3D modeling stick with normal windows XP till more is available for windows 64.
My Printer drivers wont work and no anti-virus or firewalls will work on it.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Good Enough w/ AMD 64- bit processors

Pros: Appearant speed increase, most apps are compatible

Cons: some drivers are hard to find for new OS

Review: Really takes advantage of that 64-bit processor. If you can afford the slightly hefty price tag, go for it!
User Rating:
1.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

It really sucks right now.

Pros: Good operatins system

Cons: Not enough support

Review: It is a good oprating system, but there are not enough drivers to support the 64 bit architecture. This should not be in production if it is not fully supported.
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Great so far, not a huge improvement for home users yet

Pros: Better performance in memory-intensive apps, ran everything except Norton Internet Security and Battlefield 2(ended up working with a new ForceWare Update)

Cons: Lack of support so far, but that will obviously change

Review: Runs great so far on my system. I tried it out on a separate hdd first, got everything to run right, then went ahead and installed it on my primary RAID array. Not a huge improvement over anything, but it does get a few more fps out of Doom 3 and HL2. Had to scour the internet for the nVidia Forceware beta drivers to get Battlefield 2 to run, but ended up finding them. Had to look elsewhere because it was a ForceWare beta that nVidia didn't even put out yet. Runs everything blazingly fast on my system, but not a gigantic improvement over regular xp pro. But, as you'll see, nothing can really slow down my system. Specs are as follows:
Asus A8N-SLI deluxe Motherboard
Athlon 64 FX-55
2-GeForce 6800 Ultra 256MB in SLI mode
4x1024MB (4GB) Corsair XMS
Audigy 4
680W Thermaltake
2-74GB WD Raptors (RAID 0)
160GB WD HDD(Backup drive)
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Useless waste of Money

Pros: None execpt could run 32bit apps

Cons: Alot of programs and drivers are not compatible price

Review: Why pay for this soft ware when you could download linux for free,besides a lot of Software and drivers arn't compatible .from thr pics doesnt look any different from normal XP pro execpt for the error masseges
User Rating:
0.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Why bother when you could get a G5 In a word SUCKS!

Pros: Finally supports higher level processor ,after the mac

Cons: virtually everything

Review: use anything else linux mac freebsd anything hell i would rather surf the web on a commodore than on this pice of crap.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

It Works! Well!

Pros: Speed, Compatibility, The Future is here!

Cons: Make sure drivers for your hardware are there; OEM only.

Review: I made this a 10 to make up for all of those here who don't really have the OS and are writing unfounded opinions. Probably, though, I'd give it a 8.5 or 9, otherwise. I ran dual boot for the CPP (customer product preview) beta versions, and once all the drivers were there, it ran flawlessly. It seems to boot MUCH faster than XP (no formal test, though), and has run every 32 bit program I've tried (including games!). So if you have a 64 bit processor, and it has drivers for your processor (likely, since not many 64 bit processors have old, unsupported hardware, and many basic standards are supported), then why wouldn't you go that way? As 64 bit programs come available, things start really speeding up.

They have a free preview of the release version, so you can test it out to make sure it finds all the right drivers, rather than "wait", and then buy it from a reseller as an "OEM" version by bying a power cable or some such. Or you can trade in your XP pro version if bought in the last year.
User Rating:
2.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Wait.... probably until longhorn!

Pros: Relatively good 32 bit support

Cons: only relatively....

Review: Microsoft have done a good job on this one, considering it's a totally different os under the hood, you can barely tell it, everything looks as it did in x86, it's fast, reliable and has good support for 32 bit apps...

The problems start with the 5% of applications which are not supported. and the availability of drivers for the os... This is to be expected, I guess, it's early days for x64, but it seems there's not to much enthusiasm by vendors to get going on this one, x64 has been in beta for ages, I've had a version installed for four months, and it was rock solid back then? why isn't Daemon tools x64 compatible, PGP??? my webcams, my nisis graphics tablet... beyond ATI and NVIDIA, barely anyone is upgrading, most hardware companies don't even mention x64 on their websites.

It gets worse when you look at software availibility though, x64 can run 32 bit apps at 95-99% of the speed of good old 32 bit windows, the trouble is there are almost no native x64 apps to make migrating worthwhile... having a desktop PC with 3 gig of ram, I've been waiting with baited breath for Photoshop to migrate to 64 bit to break the 2 gig limit... guess what, CS2 came out last month, without a 64 bit version... Video encoding should recieve a major boost from 64 bit, but ffdshow is 32 bit only, so is divx, I'm not aware of any 64 bit codecs out there.


There's no doubt in my mind that it's going to be the gaming market which will drag the world into 64 bits... Doom4 or UT 2005 or whatever will come out, and the x64 users will get a 10% performance boost over the x86 users... convincing all the harcore gamers to migrate, that'll force the hand of the driver companies, release drivers or loose the high end market, and every one else will follow sooner or later.... how long will that take? could be a while!
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Give it a chance

Pros: Very stable. Awesome potential

Cons: lack of drivers (for now) OEM only?

Review: I don't understand the review in terms of system specs:
Athlon 64 2700+, 512MB of DDR RAM, 4,200rpm hard drive

Yikes!

Give this OS some time to get out of the starting gate before slamming it. I thought that everything worked well. For the most part the critcal drivers (video, sound, etc) are already out on the net to download.
Did the review mention the new 'Windows XP 32 bit' compatibilty mode? Not sure. But this is a 64 bit OS. Of course some apps won't work right away.

Like I said. Give it a chance.
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

craw before you walk

Pros: good performance at 64bit apps

Cons: still have alot of stability problems maybe cuase 32 still more on air

Review: Windows is going to fast, they still have a lot off problem in their past OSs(Operating System). They are anouning a new OS very short since their last OS. Why if they have so many problem in their past OS, why dont they first fix them or learn before they realase a new OS. Each new Microsoft OS is just making people getting newer pcs for the same performance using their new OS and without fixing thier past problems.
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

poor or no drivers / not compatible to most 32 bit programs

Pros: simple desing

Cons: poor printer drivers/poor ethernet drivers/no media player/flip flop between 2 internet explorer version/ no update site

Review: this does not feel like a final version, but some alpha. Poor or no compatibility to 32 bit software and games. Networking security features are nearly nonexistant. No update site!
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

works good online

Pros: windows xp pro

Cons: It is not a good reliable set of windows for everyday use

Review: stay with regular or pro xp it works much better,there are lots of hastles with 64 bit version trying to keep it running on a 32 bit machine.
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

What Windows XP should have been in 2001

Pros: Stability, responsive, smoother, better networking, explorer speed.

Cons: More 64 bit drivers are needed ASAP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Review: Windows XP x64 is the best operating system Microsoft has ever made, sadly not enough software and hardware companies bothered to create drivers for it to ensure a smooth rollout.

CNET's review was to negative, it's not Microsoft's fault that the industry didn't rise up and make it a successful launch. Companies like Zonelabs don't plan a 64 bit driver til 2006 this is unacceptable.
User Rating:
2.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Useless 'review' (?NT for Alpha)

Pros: 64 bit support (LOL) - what else

Cons: No 16 bit support - not mentioned

Review: Your review deserves a 1, product would deserve more than 4 were it not slower than 32 bit.
Why on earth do you call this a review, when more information is contained in the readme file and / or the Microsoft site.
At least Microsoft explains that there is no way to run legacy 16-bit DOS or Win apps, which do still exist and are quite acceptable for some purposes.
You do not mention any application which would profit from the 64 - bit architecture. Just saying "it's for the memory hungry" is useless - why should I care whether my browser, the silly media player or an antivirus app run in 32 or 64 bit mode - which 3d or video editing application does run in 64 bit right now or will run in a month?
I don't know it, and neither does the reviewer.
I do have a xp/64 CD at home, did intall it on a extra drive of a otherwise Suse 9.2 64bit system, tried it for a few days and reformated the drive.
Also your speed test on 32 bit apps hardly makes any sense - result is as predictable as it could be, running anything on earth in non-native mode - be it a OS, TFT display or trying to cruise through a busy city center in an otherwise perfectly usefull 16 - wheeler will definitely prove such stuff to be inferior to it's intended native - mode raison d'être.

BTW - and this has to do with another user comment, Win NT did support Alpha processors - I just can't remember right now was that a 64 - bit version or not.
Does someone still know? I'm interested.
Updated
I just hate using more that two systems in the office, main development system and the little old box I keep just for email and web.
I am aware that adding a 16-bit system could be complicated, but I would not care much about the speed of it, it just that I hate rebooting in the middle of a long build if a user needs a fast response, and like to have my stuff organised on a max of two systems connected to the same monitor / keyboard / mouse.
I was also wandering how comes that the MS office suite wasn't yet recompiled in 64 bit.
This would not make any technical sense, of course, but it would be so microsoftish - average user has no clue anyway and such a move would at least entice more users to 'upgrade' and 'harness the full potential of their PCs' or whatever sales pitch would MS use.
User Rating:
1.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

6-page review, yet no 64bit Linux mention!?

Pros: not sure (it took waaaay too long anyway)

Cons: Most binary-only software still 32bit on Windows

Review: For a whopping 6-page review of Windows XP 64bit, it's an absolute shame that CNET isn't doing ANY mention of the fact that Linux has been having superiour 64bit support for x86 compatible CPUs for up to 3(!) years already, and more than 10 years for 64bit CPUs (Alpha?) in general.

I gave XP64 a "3 Poor" rating since it took Microsoft way too long to get 64bit support implemented (and according to anonymous engineers they even asked Intel to delay 64bit support!!), but it seems the system isn't overly problematic after all.

Linux Pros:
- much higher 64bit compatibility, since very many Open-Source apps are 64bit-capable, as opposed to very few commercial Windows applications (in almost all cases 32bit-only)
Result: wasteful slowdown
- much longer availability of 64bit support in Linux: much more stable and tested and common
- and the usual avalanche of (not 64bit-specific) Linux Pros such as much higher security, higher managability, higher flexibility, higher stability

Linux Cons:
- weak Windows compatibility, especially with 64bit Windows apps, since Wine only supports 32bit apps
User Rating:
3.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

if you build it, they will come...

Pros: a 64-bit OS is needed before 64-bit software, backward compatibility with software

Cons: incompatibility with 32-bit drivers, old hardware likely won't have 64-bit drivers made available

Review: Such a low rating is rediculous. This is the first step. Microsoft Windows makes up ~95% of the PC market. That is no small number. slightly more than half of that 95% runs XP. All 32-bit software that doesn't require drivers or certain registry changes (antivirus and the like) will run without problem. How can one expect developers to create 64-bit software without a 64-bit OS to run it? Microsoft has found the perfect balance. With backward compatibility, older programs can still run, and when they are recompiled into 64-bit code, they too will run.

5.8 is rediculous! we need to grow the user base of this OS if we hope to see 64-bit software anytime soon.
User Rating:
5.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Questionable Cnet review...

Pros: A solid OS with new 64 bit support! woohoo!

Cons: A few apps dont run on 64 bit at this moment

Review: I am a little curious to why the editor rated it so low without much reason to it. I think that its good to have a 64 bit...Why so low of a rating..
User Rating:
4.0 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Excellent 64bit OS from Microsoft

Pros: Stable, large memory support, high quality for first 64 bit WinOS.

Cons: no real new features compared to 32bit WinXP

Review: Once driver support is available through hardware OEM's, this will be the OS to run on your PC. Forget the Mac. Even though it is 64bit, the performance is terrible and software choices leave users wanting.
User Rating:
2.5 stars

out of 53 user reviews

Too Soon...Perhaps

Pros: good for when 64 bit apps are launched

Cons: There are a scant few apps out using 64 bit code

Review: It is great to know that we are all getting ready for the "64 bit revolution". However with so few apps that use the code, there is not really a reason to upgrade your OS. In my opinion, I think that perhaps the release is too soon. But on the other hand, all i can argue is that the release of Xp x64 edition will if anything stimulate the market to produce more mainstream products that take advantage of the 64 bit architecture.

About CNET Archive

Welcome to the CNET Archive, a library of product reviews, user opinions, videos, specifications, and manufacturer descriptions for products no longer offered by the manufacturer or most retailers. Here you will find information on replacement parts and replacement ink cartridges. Read what others had to say about that used laptop you are considering buying. Take a trip down memory lane as you browse and reminisce about your favorite old video game or that first digital camera.

Windows XP Professional x64 edition specifications

ie8 fix
ie8 fix
  • Recently Viewed Products
  • My Lists
  • My Software Updates
  • Promo
  • Log In | Join CNET