Gaming and Win 7 question

[JediKnight]

I am a gamer and Im considering the 64 bit Win 7 because it would use all my RAM. IM definately no noobie when it comes to pc gaming hardware but have NEVER worked or read about 64-bit systems.Will all my games, including my oldie but goodie games work on this? I still play Jedi Outcast, Jedi Knight Dark Forces II, and Dangerous Waters. Any recomendations. thanks.

[|MaguS|]

The three games you listed work fine on Windows 7 x64. I really haven't come across a game that didn't work but there are some you have to fiddle with.

[Greg]

The only issues you are likely to encounter with Win 7 64 (or Vista 64) are...
1) Ancient games that use 16bit, DOS, etc. will not run natively.
2) Modern games that use copy protection and do not have updated DRM driver support.

For (1), use an emulator, most of these games ran on machines slow enough to be emulated in software if hardware support is not possible.
For (2), you may be flat out of luck, but these games are rare.
You could also use a second drive / partition and dual boot for some classic game that you really must play.
Check the compatibility lists that are available, like: http://www.overclockers.com.au/wiki/Vista_Compatibility_List

[Rakeesh]

I'm thinking XP mode will solve all of the compatibility problems you may run into, when that feature is released. For everything else, there's dosbox.

[crainger]

Only problem is XP mode doesn't do 3D. That's if we are talking about Virtual XP though.

In my expereince. If it wont run in 7/Vista, it's usually hardware and will work on say an ATi machine. If that fails Dosbox or a Virtual PC will do the trick. Still I've had no issues with 7 with even the most fussiest classic games like Metal Gear Solid for PC.

[ViN86]

I'm thinking XP mode will solve all of the compatibility problems you may run into, when that feature is released. For everything else, there's dosbox.

The RC is out atm and you can try if it you have Pro or Ultimate running. Also, like crainger said, I am pretty sure it won't do 3D. XP Mode is meant for older programs (ie for businesses that are worried about compatibility with their specialty software).

[JediKnight]

Thanks for all your replies. I guess all I really have to worry about are drivers for all my stuff including printer. I have to search for 64-bit ones before taking the plunge. Thanks again fellas.

[ViN86]

Remember the 64-bit Vista driver will work with Win7 as well.

[crainger]

and a lot of printers have drivers inbuilt with 7. I didn't have to search for my Brother Laser drivers. I just plugged it in and it found some. Even then if they aren't built in it'll search online for WHLQ drivers.

[Retrolock]

Freespace 2 won't work in my win 7, hell it didn't work on my vista either. Bought it from GOG.com. Haven't installed the FS Open project though, which supposed to have fixed the vista/win 7 issues. 7 wonders 2 from Steam won't work also.

Other than that two games, all of my games that worked on vista x64, is running flawlessly on my win 7 x64 professional rtm install. :D

[nekrosoft13]

Remember the 64-bit Vista driver will work with Win7 as well.

not all of them

and XP mode is useless for games

[ViN86]

not all of them

and XP mode is useless for games

Yes, as a general rule, the only all-inclusive statement you can make is that no all-inclusive statements are true.

But the majority of the drivers work.

[Elvin Presler]

64 Bit Tip:

You know that "Program Files (x86)" folder that it puts all your 32 bit stuff in? Some old games may install there (or may not), but the patches for them will refuse with "invalid characters in path" errors. Duh Microsoft....Friggin(@x86©) DUH!

I'd make a new folder right on C:\ for old stuff and install anything made over a year ago to it, just in case. C:\Games or C:\Old Apps or C:\DOS Crap....whatever.