If you are having problems updating or installing Drivers, the problem may be a mismatch between the 34-bit and 64-bit versions of the Drivers and your version of Windows.

When you are looking to update your Drivers, or other software, you will need to know if you are running a 32-bit of 64-bit version of Windows.

32-bit systems use data in 32-bit pieces while 64-bit systems use data in 64-bit pieces. This makes the 64-bit systems faster and more efficient, so generally the newer systems use this 64-bit structure.

All editions of Windows 7, Vista and XP are available in 32-bit versions, and most editions of Windows 7, Vista and XP Professional are available in 64-bit.

How do I check if I am running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows?

Generally speaking this information is contained in the Control Panel, but how to access it depends on which version of Windows you are using:

Windows 7

1. select Start > Control Panel
2. select System and Security (click System icon if this is not visible)
3. select System link
4. in View basic information about your computer window, view System Type under System heading
5. under System Type you will see if you are running a 34-bit or 64-bit version

Windows Vista

1. select Start > Control Panel
2. select System and Maintenance (click System icon if this is not visible)
3. select System link
4. in View basic information about your computer window, view System Type under System heading
5. under System Type you will see if you are running a 34-bit or 64-bit version

Windows XP

1. select Start > Control Panel
2. select Performance and Maintenance (click System icon if this is not visible)
3. select System link
4. in System Properties window, view System (General tab)
5. under System heading you will see if you are running a 34-bit or 64-bit version