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Windows XP or 7, 32-biy or 64-bit?

Hello Experts,

I currently need to get a new PC for myself and I have a dilemma. I’m a programmer in VB 6.0, Classic ASP and Access 2003-07 with VBA/VBS , for which I’m currently using:

-      Windows XP Pro
-      VB 6.0
-      InterDev 6.0
-      QuickBooks 2011 Pro & Payroll
-      Office 2007 Enterprise

I’m aware that this technology is a bit outdated, and know if I try really hard I can find a XP-Compatible, but know as time goes on, it’ll be harder and harder, so I’m trying upgrade some how.

I’ve tried a basic version of Win 7 and it would not install VB & InterDev 6.0 at all, however QB 2011 installs but it takes approx 30min to load vs 5min on XP.

Additionally, I know that Win 7 Pro/Ultimate/Enterprise has XP mode, which claims to accept XP software – will VB6, InterDev6 and Classic ASP run in XP mode? Will QB load faster? In my case, which would be better: Pro/Ultimate/Enterprise?

Alternately, I have lots of experience in VB6 and Classic ASP, and I’m wondering how difficult will it be to pickup .NET (self-learn, multi-week/month/year course)? Finally, will my applications work/run/open under Windows 7 32- or 64-bit and open with the latest V. Studio version _____?

Thank you.

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kaufmed

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Kyle Abrahams, PMP

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dmwynne

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Frosty555

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kaufmed

One additional benefit of XP Mode: since you are working in a virtual machine, you could migrate the virtual hard drive to another Win 7 machine if yours crashed, provided you take appropriate measures in setting up your storage device(s).

kaufmed

You can also use other third party virtualization solutions

One of the reasons I didn't suggest using a 3rd party virt suite (not that you can't) is that with XP Mode, you essentially get XP for free (i.e. no product key required). With a 3rd party virt suite, you're going to need to have a licensed copy of XP available.

APD Toronto

ASKER

thank you all for your inputs.

My questions now are

1- Will VB6 and InterDev 6 work in Win7 XP Mode x64 or do I need x32?

2- Will my VB6/VBS/VBA applications that I've written work in Win7 XP Mode x64 or do I need x32?

3- Will my Classic ASP code work in IIS under Win7 XP Mode x64 or do I need x32?

4- For my .NET upgrade are you aware of any online courses?

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profgeek

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APD Toronto

ASKER

so you're saying to stay away from x64?

profgeek

Just saying that the XP version that comes with Windows 7 Pro (and up) is x32 and should be fine for what you are wanting to do. I would, however, get plenty of RAM, as has been suggested above, and Win 7 x64 for the host OS.

APD Toronto

ASKER

Would 8GB be enough?

Also, could i get Win7 Pro or hiher x64, but in XP mode run x32 software?

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profgeek

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