This is according to MS at the link below: =================== Microsoft Windows XP Professional Method 1 1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK. 2. Click the General tab. The operating system appears as follows: Â For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version appears under System. Â For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version appears under System. Note is a placeholder for a year. Method 2 1. Click Start, click Run, type winmsd.exe, and then click OK. 2. In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value. Â If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system. Â If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system. HTH. Terry Here is a link that might be useful: Determine a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version

That is good news Gene. I agree that when doing a download of a service pack a system maintenance should be conducted first. I know its an old school position, but you can never be too sure especially when you are on an antique DUN. I have even gone as far as disabling my AV and firewall while downloading significantly sized updates from Microsoft. I just want to get it right the first time. DA

Found this on another forum which may help\; Microsoft has a free download for Vitural PC. With this program running in your Windows Vista 64 bit environment, you can run a Windows XP 32 bit environment, and launch an MS DOS environment from there. Additionally, you can create as many of these virtual environments as you want. Unfortunately, Microsoft requires you to have both a Windows XP licience iand a Vista Licence if you are going to run both Vista and XP (even with one in the virtual world). If you own a regerestered copy of XP, I'm told that a work around to this potential problem is to reinstall your virtual XP environment when the preceeding one experies it's 30 day registration requirement. Or; Download virtualbox from Sun for free and run a virtual instance of win xp 32bit, win vista 32bit ...I would suspect licencing for whatever os you choose ie XP or Vista would also apply after the trial period. I have never tried this , just reporting what I have found

One of the main advantages of using 64Bit Windows is it's ability to use / access more ram then a 32Bit Windows could. Put simply, a 64-bit PC can handle larger amounts of information than a 32-bit system. Since it can use more RAM 4 gigabytes (GB) and up a 64-bit computer can be more responsive when you're running lots of programs at once. Windows Vista supports both 32-bit and 64-bit software. The only design requirement would be a 64Bit Processor from Intel or AMD. I would hope the computer has a 64Bit Microprocessor, I could not imagine a computer shop making that kind of error, that is installing a 64Bit Windows with a 32 bit processor on the mother board, not even sure the install would work I guess it could.....