How to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit version or 64-bit version of the Windows operating system

Having trouble determining the bit version of your Windows operating system? For example by installing Virtual PC 2007 for XP?

Here is a simple guide to determine the bit version of your Windows XP operating system. This (method 2) worked succesful for me.


"Method 2: View System Information window
loadTOCNode(4, 'moreinformation');

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
3. When System Summary is selected in the navigation pane, locate Processor under Item in the details pane. Note the value.

- If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of Windows.
- If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of Windows."


Source: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827218

Link for downloading Virtual PC 2007: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=28C97D22-6EB8-4A09-A7F7-F6C7A1F000B5&displaylang=en