My old desktop is dying so I ordered this new HP tower to replace it. It
seems it has a Phenom x4 processor, 4GB RAM and 640GB disk. Delivery is
expected in a day or so. Re-reading the spec just now I am horrified to
discover it will be pre-loaded with a 64bit OS.
But I don't have any 64 bit applications. Use mainly MS Office, WMC,
photoshop elements, CorelDraw and a finance package. Although I have a
newish LCD monitor my printers and router predate VISTA.

Reading the various problems with 64 bit on these forums I am frankly
scared. I can't afford a learning curve and non-functionality. What do you
advise that I do? Can I down-grade to 32 bit before I start to load
applications? Or are the problems with 64 bit over-stated?

I know the box is over-spec for what I do but I bought what was in-stock and
at a reasonable price.


bhk