I'm disappointed to learn this, but I'm sure other vendors will follow through and there'll be other options.

I ran Windows Vista 64 bit betas through RC2 but found little evidence of driver or application support, actual or planned. So I am purchasing Windows Vista 32 bit and recommending it to my customers. The industry simply isn't ready to move to X64 yet and the resounding question is, "Why should we? Where is that must-have application or advanced hardware function that requires 64 bit?" When we must have more than 4 gb of RAM, then we'll have to move. Some servers, video editing and CAD can use the extra RAM now, but most of us can't.

When I start editting large picture files, while keeping Outlook open, a few web pages, my accounting software and other apps (typically 10 to 15 total), I need lots of memory.

When I upgrade my PC for the move to Vista, I am planning to go 64 bit just for the memory and future memory growth.

I would expect that Microsoft would look further ahead than next week in determining the market size.

I purchased and installed Vista 64 - and only then found out that Microsoft neither offers nor plans on providing security support in the form of OneCare for its most advanced operating system. Apparently the Microsoft PR and hype about focusing on security is just that - spin. When will we learn.

I often question whether this whole 64-bit issue is somewhat of a 'chicken and egg' scenario. Which will come first, demand for 64-bit applications, or the supply of 64-bit applications. Right now, the question, since 64-bit applications are not easy to find, is "why should we?" But if 64-bit applications were more common, the question would likey become "why wouldn't we?" In fact, I see this as less of a demand-create-supply situation, and more supply-create-demand.

Microsoft has created the supply of a 64-bit OS. And now while Microsoft waits for the demand of 64-bit applications, their competitors are going to start supplying them. The supply of applications will then create the demand Microsoft has been waiting for. But of course by that time, the competitors will already have a foot (or perhaps a leg) in the door, and Microsoft will have to play catch-up.

I couldn't agree more with Patrick. Where do Microsoft think this demand for 64-bit is going to come from? I mean at present there is very little if any developer support for 64-bit, so why would the average user switch to it? I for one am not switching to 64-bit windows until all the tools I require (anti virus, firewall, etc) are all in place and ready.

Come on Microsoft, get a grip!

Microsoft left me disappointed by not providing OneCare for 64-bit Vista. Particularly as it was simply "expected" and I was careless enough not to verify OneCare support.

It's Microsoft's loss. I've had to go with Trend Micro Antivirus.

It would be nice if they would have marked the box to tell you that it is not for 64-bit machines. I purchased a retail box, took it home to install it, and only then found out that it was not for my installation. There is no mention anywhere on the box that it does not support the x64 version of Vista.

That is a huge problem Zachary. If developers aren't going to support 64 bit (including MS) then they should at least acknolodege the fact the 64 bit is out there and let the consumer know if their product will run on it.

I was pretty amazed onecare didn't support x64. I thought MS's strategy for Vista was to ensure the x64 version would become a mainstream option.

I've actually had great success with x64 - all my devices work (apart from an old HP scanner that doesn't work on x86 either) - webcam, 7.1 sound, tv remote, dvb twin tv card, wireless, printer, usb stuff etc.

Also most sw with the exception of
- a workable solution to control graphics card fan (nvidia) ie rivatuner, ntune etc
- carbonite - now fixed.

So for a brand new strategic MS product not to support it is stunningly good PR. Big time screw up IMO. Left hand, right hand?

I have just bought the top edition of VISTA and also Onecare. it clearly states on the OC box, VISTA supported, but, fgs it doesn't say it's 32bit only until I you try to install it, what a neck MS has really. a waste of £250 for vista n £40 for onecare. BTW it also does NOT support the Print reader in 64b either!!! another waste of hard earned cash.

Yours Peter UK

I am very disappointed in Microsoft's decision regarding 64 bit Vista Ultimate and Onecare. I have purchased a subscription that I will not be able to use with this version of Vista. I have had windows since the first one came out and was a DOS user prior to that. I am really amazed at all the money I have spent and then to come to this point, but I am more amazed that a company that has so much money and resources would ever put out a product that they know well in advanced they cannot support. I am questioning the loyalty that Microsoft is stating to the 64 bit enviroment and wonder if they are not just going after the almighty dollar and look who is top dog in the 64 bit industry. Shame on you, Bill!

Maybe a class action law-suit which would be in keeping due to Microsoft's mis-representation in this respect would bring Microsoft around to where it should be - fully supporting all of it's technologies.

Could Norton's threatened legal action when OneCare first came out had anything to do with this?

I too say shame on you Mr. Gates. How dare you come out with a 64 bit product and then not support it. I have also been with Mr. Bill since the beginning and have always upgraded to his next release. I work with video and graphics that is why I had a 64 bit machine custome built, now nothing works. I barely got my ati card to work, no sound card would work, the dedicated recording hardware does not work, sits on the top cabinet ready to be tossed in the garbage. What a shame MR. Gates you should be asshamed of yourself. I too feel it would be good for a law suit against Microsoft. Unhappy customr joe

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