How to install PS CS4 64bit in a Dual Boot system

B
Posted By
bob733
Oct 29, 2008
Views
443
Replies
8
Status
Closed
Hi,

I have just created a dual boot system.
Dell XPS 600 3 gig of ram (soon to be 6 gig
Windows XP Pro 32 bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit

The windows OS can not see above 2 gig (and that is a long story but believe me I have had it confirmed – even though a 32 bit system should be able to see up to 3.5 gig). That is why I created the dual boot (into Vista 64) OS.

The Vista 64 bit OS CAN see the current 3 gig (soon to be 6 gig).

Each has its own partition and I dual boot via a 3rd party BootIt NG

Question:
1. What is the proper way (if I even can do it) install PS CS4 on to the Vista 64 bit (in another partition) to take advantage of PS CS4 64?

2. Do I have to delete the XP 32 bit version and reactivate?

3. I do not use Bridge (or do I have to in order to get the 64 bit)? I have seen some threads here about using Bridge so I was wondering about that.

4. I also have IL CS4, ID CS4 and plan to do the same. Is that possible?

5. I know there is an issue with plugins so I will address that matter as it comes up. Hopefully, though the downloaded brushes will work ok in both the 32 and 64 bit envrionments.

Thanks in advance,

Bob
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John Joslin
Oct 29, 2008
Bob why get out of your depth with added complications?

Install Photoshop CS4 on the 64-bit Vista system; both 64 and 32-bit versions are installed by default. Use 64-bit where you can; if you have 32-bit plug-ins use them in the 32-bit version.
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Freeagent
Oct 29, 2008
Do I have to delete the XP 32 bit version and reactivate

Dual-boot counts as two activations, which you’re allowed.
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bob733
Oct 29, 2008
John,

Although I have displayed my complete lack of intelligence on this forum many times, I actually am very technical (having come out of a lot of years in all facets of the IT world).

One of the main "rules" in the IT world is do not forge ahead with no knowledge about the subject matter. Another secrete in the IT space is you must know that you do not know everything about the technologies…, but if you know where to find the answers, you will enhance the chances for success.

And that John is why I come here to ask (probably to you and others), apparently stupid questions.

But that being said, I do, I always have, and I will continue to appreciate the expert advise you all give.

Thank you,

Bob
RP
Russell_Proulx
Oct 29, 2008
As Freeagent stated, if your only install is in XP then the Vista64 one will be the 2nd which is within Adobe’s license terms (2 installs/activations providing they’re not being used at the same time). I don’t see why Illustrator CS4 would not have the same 2 install rights.

Photoshop CS4 installs 2 versions in Vista64, one 64 bit (which can use all the RAM you want to give it) and a 32 bit version which will provide compatibility with plugins that have not been updated to be compatible with the 64bit version.

You don’t have to use Bridge. But you should try it more often to see how it’s a very useful companion to PS. If you do digital photography you might appreciate using Adobe Camera Raw which, through Bridge, will allow you to easily batch process numerous images. I find it hard to understand why someone would not be taking advantage of what it offers? Fwiw I now do 75% (or more) of my image adjusting and cropping with Bridge+ACR and Photoshop is only used as part of the batch processing to generate final images, usually proofs to share with clients. Photoshop is then only needed to fine tune the client’s ‘picks’.

Russell
BL
Bob Levine
Oct 29, 2008
What are hoping to gain with the XP partition? I really think you’re making this way more complicated than it needs to be.

Vista 64 is a very robust stable operating system and all of the CS4 apps behave quite nicely. That XP partition, because it will only recognize the 2 gigs of RAM seems like a waste to me (pending your answer to first question I posed above.)

Bob
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bob733
Oct 29, 2008
Thanks for the responses. Perhaps more of an explanation as to what I have done is in order.

I purchased this Dell XPS 600 XP Pro system some time ago. It was a "boomer" (powerful) system in its’ day.

I subsequently increased the Ram to 2gb. I also have a internal 160gb 10K (rpm) Raptor and and another internal WD 250bg (7500 rpm) HD. I drive 3 monitors with a Nvidia 6800 and a Nvidia Dual port 7800 Gt.

So, all in all, the system is still (by today’s standards) fairly robust.

BUT, with PS CS4, I tried to up the Ram from my installed Windows XP Pro 2gb system to 3 gb (given that every spec in the world says a 32bit system can see a max of 3 to 3.5 gb).

On my system. Wrong. It (the Windows XP My Computer Properties system would not see over 2 gb (even though BIOS said there was 3gb!) Additionally, BIOS said my board was capable of 64 bit processing.

After hours with DELL tech support (what a waste), I just concluded I should make a Dual boot with Vista Home Premium 64 bit.

I did, and Vista 64 does see the current 3gb in the system. I should add, I am going to make it an 8gb system and my memory will arrive from crucial.com tomorrow.

So Bob, to address your comment. I started (2 years ago?) with Windows XP Pro 32 bit. I have a ton of applications (32 bitters) on the C drive now. But I want the extra addressing (AKA speed potential) capability of a 64bit system. In short, that is the reason for the Dual Boot.

I just cannot burn the 32 bit bridge due to the number of 32 bit apps on it, but I can now utilize a 64 bit architecture for PS CS4, (and as I now am reading ID, and IL CS4 flavors)

Hope I cleared things up.

And as always, thanks

Bob
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Bob Levine
Oct 29, 2008
I still think you’re making this way more complicated than need be. Those 32 bit apps should run just fine on Vista 64. Only Photoshop is 64 bit, the rest of the Creative Suite is still 32 bit.

That C drive must be pretty jammed up by now, no?

Bob
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bob733
Oct 29, 2008
I agree. I have read the over 90 percent of 32 bit apps will do ok on a 64bit platform.

But, I will migrate them over 1 at a time as opposed to wiping everything out.

As to space, I am ok. I have a lot of programs but all application data is kept on the other internal WD 250 gb drive.

Bob

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