Unix Tipz & Tricz

The below methods can be used to determine if Windows is running 32 or 64 bit OS

Windows XP
If you have Windows XP, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version.

Method 1: View System Properties in Control Panel
1.     Click Start, and then click Run.
2.     Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
3.     Click the General tab. The operating system appears as follows:
o     For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System.
o     For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version <Year> appears under System.
Note <Year> is a placeholder for a year.

Method 2: View System Information window
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.
o     If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
o     If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.

If you have Windows Server 2003, there are two methods to determine whether you are running a 32-bit or a 64-bit version.

Method 1: View System Properties in Control Panel
1.     Click Start, and then click Run.
2.     Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
3.     Click the General tab. The operating system is displayed as follows:
o     For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition appears under System.
o     For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition appears under System.

Method 2: View System Information window
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.
o     If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
o     If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with EM64T or ia64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.
If you cannot determine the operating system bit count with these methods, go to the "Next Steps" section.

Note Intel Itanium-based computers can only run 64-bit versions of Windows. Intel Itanium-based computers cannot run a 32-bit Windows operating system. Currently, 64-bit versions of Windows only run on Itanium-based computers and AMD64-based computers.