You can go to crucial memory website & they will have a small download to check how much memory you have & what the maximum amount is for the board & the available memory slots.

You would want to reformat & reinstall windows to go to 32bit but the install you have is basicly both 32 & 64 bit!! Yes 64 seems to like more memory. 4gb of ram most seem to be super happy. Of course more is always better.

Control Panel / System ... will show basic total memory & some other info.

Keep your 64bit !

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.crucial.com

Thanks Mikie, I didn't get much from crucial.com because I couldn't find my model # there.Some #s I found here, Installed Physical memory 1.00 GB***Total physical memory 767GB***Total virtual mem.1.76GB***Available Virt. mem. 401mb*** Available physical mem 90.6 I think I have 1 Gb ram.
I asked computer guy this AM & he said I needed 4 MG ram for
64 bit.I'd just like my computer to work & look like it did before (minus nasty virus) LOL
So do you still think I should stay with 64bit? Or should I tell guy who fixed it that I want it like it was? Rose

If your software works with the 64bit, I'd keep it and add more RAM. For anyone buying new, the recommendation is for 64 bit.

64 bit doesn't give you any advantage unless your system is designed for it, which yours isn't, and you start running 64-bit software.

Did you have to pay for the OS upgrade as part of this repair? If so, I don't understand why Windows 7 wasn't installed. It's much better than Vista.

For my money, I'd take it back and get Win 7, 32 bit. You still might need an extra gig of memory, though, but you could install that after you tried it with only 1 gig.

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.....

If you want it back like it was you have every right to tell them you want it back that way. If they did not get your specific permission to change it then it should not have been changed. Do what ever makes you comfortable period.

Thanks everyone. I called the guy who fixed my computer. He argues that installing the 64 bit was a good thing.He told me not to worry,to bring it in & he will work with me on it,no charge.
I would dearly love to have a Win7.
He said he did not charge me for the 64bit,that it wasn't an upgrade??? Hard for me because anyone with a bit of computer savvy can easily snow me LOL

When he installed Vista it detected the 64 bit... it offers an option to install it as 32bit. Same program.. just an option.

If only a 32 bit system it would not have let vista install as 64bit.

Really 1gb of memory is a very small amount for 32bit vista. You might be super shocked at how fast your computer will start up & shut down & how quickly everything feels with the 64bit & 4gb of ram. It should seem like a totally new faster computer to you.

well that is excellent that he said he would make it right that is what we want to hear! Hopefully he will and also be sure to ask for help in understanding what was changed and what you need to do now to make your other stuff work with it. I am sure they will be willing to help you with that too.

He is right it is preferable today to have 64 bit but you also had the right to choose and be asked. Good that he is going to help you out.

Everyone,Computer guy put in 2 gbs of ram yesterday. It seems to be working very fast.I haven't had a chance to really try it out.It has been like summer out & I needed to be outside.
I surely want to thank everyone for all the suggestions.
Doris