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Q: Windows XP 64-Bit Operating System Product Information

A: Note: Gateway does not sell or support the Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 (64-bit) operating system. The following information is provided as a courtesy only.

For those who may sign up for Microsoft's Technology Advancement program, your Windows XP Professional x64 Edition software and drivers will not be supported by Gateway. One free support call will be provided by Microsoft for any installation-related issues. Additional calls to Microsoft support will be available on a pay-per-incident basis.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Availability

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Technology Advancement Program (only available through July 31, 2005)

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/upgrade/default.mspx

The Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Technology Advancement Program enables customers who have purchased Windows XP Professional (32-bit) to exchange it for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Your computer needs to have an x64 processor (AMD Athlon 64, AMD Opteron, Intel Pentium 4 with EM64T, or Intel Xeon with EM64T) to run the new software.

Note: Orders for the Technology Advancement Program must be placed through Microsoft by July 31, 2005.

Microsoft recommends that customers take the following steps before making the decision to move to 64-bit:

  • Read the information about Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. You may find that a 32-bit operating system is still the best option.

  • Investigate whether or not 64-bit device drivers are available for the components in your computer and the peripherals that you use (scanners, cameras, and so forth). Your 32-bit drivers will not work on this version of Windows. It is important that you make sure that your devices are supported.

  • Back up your data and settings. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition requires a "clean installation," meaning the contents of your hard drive will be erased during the installation.

    Technology Advancement Program Eligibility

    In order to be eligible to receive Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, your computer must have been ordered between March 31, 2003 and July 31, 2005 with Microsoft Windows XP Professional (32-bit) preinstalled.

    You must also read and agree to the following before participating in the upgrade program:

      By participating in this program, your 32-bit version of Windows XP Professional will no longer be licensed. The installation of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition requires you to format your hard drive. You must back up your files and settings prior to the installation or they will be erased. Microsoft is not liable for any loss of data as a result of this installation.

      Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition requires 64-bit hardware drivers (32-bit drivers are not supported). Drivers for 64-bit Windows are created at the discretion of hardware manufacturers and may not be available for some of your hardware components.

      For the purposes of the End User License Agreement for your existing Windows® XP Pro (32 Bit) software, your installation of this software will be an "Upgrade."

      The installation of Windows XP Professional x64 Editions will void any support with your PC manufacturer. One free support call will be provided by Microsoft for any installation-related issues. Additional calls to Microsoft support will be available on a pay-per-incident basis.

      Cost for shipping and handling of upgrade is $12.00 USD for domestic shipments and $22.00 USD for International shipments plus any applicable taxes.

    Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Trial Software

    This trial software allows customers to evaluate the product for 120 days. Customers can register to download the trial or order a CD at the following site: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/evaluation/trial.msp

    Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Trial Software support options:

      Windows XP Professional x64 Support Center. View up-to-date support information, including Microsoft Knowledge Base articles, frequently asked questions, how-to guides, and support webcasts on the Microsoft Product Support Services site.

      Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Community. Get answers to questions about Windows XP Professional x64 Edition from newsgroups, explore technology centers, or find out about upcoming events and chats.

    Support for Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition

    Windows XP Professional x64 Edition provides a scalable, high-performance solution for a new generation of Windows-based applications. While compatible with 32-bit applications and existing deployment and management tools, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition can provide more efficient processing of very large data sets, supporting up to 16 terabytes of virtual memory. For more product information about Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx

    Note: One free support call will be provided by Microsoft for any installation-related issues during the Windows XP 64-bit Edition Technology Advancement Program. Additional calls to Microsoft support will be available on a pay-per-incident basis.