Need Help/Need This Answered Tonight: Going From 64bit vista to 32bit

[DoNKeY]

Hi guys, I really need your help on this one.  My laptop I got for college is running vista home p 64 bit, but I just found out that the campus network uses a cisco security program (or something like that) that only supports 32bit OP's.  So, my pc won't be able to connect to the network.

What I need to know is if it is possible for me to buy a 32 bit vista version in a store, and then replace my 64 bit version with it?  is that possible, or can I only upgrade to other 64 bit versions?  I'm guessing no unless I get 32bit drivers?  Man this really sucks, any help is appreciated VERY MUCH!

Thanks.

[Roscoroo]

can you run the security program in 98 compatability mode  ? 

[DoNKeY]

can you run the security program in 98 compatability mode  ? 

I doubt it, they seem very strict about it.  From their website.

"At this time, we are unable to support Windows Vista 64-bit edition, or any other 64-bit operating system. This has to do with our network access control client (NAC), Cisco Clean Access. We use CCA to enforce our network security policies, such as making sure all computers accessing the network are up-to-date, have an updated antivirus client installed, have an antispyware client installed, etc. We have our system updated with the latest software available from Cisco, and the current version of CCA supports only the authentication (log in) portion of accessing the network. Because it cannot check for security requirements, we run the risk of network stability and infecting the entire network if we were to allow 64-bit systems authentication access. So unfortnuately, we cannot support 64-bit operating systems on our network at this time. Visit our Software page for more information regarding requirements to access the network."

"Operating System Notes

Our network supports the following 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows:

    * Windows Vista Home Basic
    * Windows Vista Home Premium
    * Windows Vista Business
    * Windows Vista Ultimate
    * Windows Vista Enterprise
    * Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2
    * Windows XP Home with Service Pack 2
    * Windows XP Media Center Edition with Service Pack 2
    * Windows XP Tablet PC with Service Pack 2
    * Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4

All other versions of Microsoft Windows will not work. This means that users cannot run Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows Server 2003, or any 64-bit editions of Windows. There are no exceptions to this policy. You will need Administrator access to your computer. If you do not use an account that is marked as a System Administrator, be sure you know the password to the Administrator account."

[BoilerDown]

Well you should make a stink and tell them flat out that they need to upgrade or replace whatever is holding them back from 64 bit OS support.  And re-make that stink every month or so.  Maybe before you graduate it'll get done, but future students will appreciate it.

I would expect that just about all hardware that comes with Vista 64 drivers would also have Vista 32 drivers available.  So it should definitely be possible.

[BaldEagl]

It shouldn't be a problem other than reformatting your HD and downloading whatever 32 bit drivers you'll need.

[NOT]

most laptops come with one disc which contains the OS and the board drivers. just installing the new OS wont get you the drivers, so essentially your in the same boat.




NOT