64 bit computer compatability with 32 bit software

[Gray Badger]

Is the short answer, they're not going to get along? 
I bought a new 64 bit 1.8GHZ 4G RAM Gateway w/ Vista Home Ultimate w/ SP1.  I tried to download my old PC's stored files from a 2007(!) Maxtor One-Touch lll external drive.  The PC prompted for a compatible driver for the Maxtor.  The Vista load didn't have a suitable driver and Maxtor (now Seagate) has at least two 32 bit drivers online, but no 64 bit & has no plans to make one!  I've just bought "an Apple" and didn't know it?  Trying to run 32 bit software (particularly with Vista!) on a 64 bit PC either won't work or is just dicey?  I'm either buying a new external drive & taking my chances that all my other 32 bit sw will get along with my PC, or exchanging for a  32 bit PC?  My MS Office load I need to install is 32 bit.  Does "Seagate" metaphorically represent a neo-Pirate's cove where your money goes in and their ill-supported stuff comes out?  Or, I should walk the plank for my poor purchase(s) that weren't going to get along to begin with?  Please.  Thanks.       












 

[patio]

A HDD should not need or require drivers to run properly on a 64bit system...
As far as software issues i have been running Vista Ultimate 64bit for a year and have only ran into 2 apps that would not run properly on it...with a chisel and sledgehammer i was able to get them to run...but keep in mind both of these were A)Diagnostic apps and B) written back in the Win98 days.

So either something has changed with the Maxtor HDD or there are details left out here...

[Gray Badger]

Last call for ideas on making a Maxtor One-Touch lll external drive 32bit get along with 64bit Vista Home Premium.  Maxtor software installs, but no driver on the CD that Vista thinks is compatible.  No driver compatible per the Windows Vista Compatibility site- just red X's.   Maxtor(Seagate) site driver downloads are all 32bit & tech I reached in cust serv says no 64bit driver coming. 

Thanks for any further ideas.   

[Quantos]

Don't use the driver.  I have multiple machines with 32 bit, and one with 64, I've never had an issue - except for once the drive itself failed.  You don't need a driver to access it.

[Gray Badger]

I'm very accustomed to needing a driver, preferrably latest.  But, apparently greater collective experience says give it a go.  I will & thank you for the tip.   

[BC_Programmer]

None of my external Drives need a driver for anything past Windows ME.

the drivers are likely intended for windows 9x to begin with.

[smeezekitty]

you do not need a driver
but 64bit windows doesnt run 16bit apps
i dumped 64bit windows after 1 month

[BC_Programmer]

Smeezekitty- you go back to your cave and your 80286, we'll deal with things in the present.

[smeezekitty]

Smeezekitty- you go back to your cave and your 80286, we'll deal with things in the present.

not a 286 its a 486
16->32 bit was ok
32->64 bit not so good

[BC_Programmer]

were you around for the 16-bit to 32-bit shift? More precisely, have you made the switch to 32-bits? Not really.

[kpac]

How many threads have there been about "32 v 64 bit" etc, etc in the last week? Haven't any of you people heard of searching!?

[patio]

He's lost all credibility at this point and will be worse off if he continues this nonsense...

But let me qualify that statement by saying that's just my personal opinion...