64bit software on 32bit hardware

[Yoonsi]

I was formatting my laptop a few nights ago, and as I went to get my vista disc, I accidently picked up my 64bit xp disc, and I thought to myself, what would happen if you installed 64 bit software on a 32bit system?

Would you even be able to do so?

If you know, I would appreciate it if you could clarify for me =D

 

[johnb35]

As long as you have a 64 bit processor you can install a 64 bit OS.

 

[enothor]

If you do not have an x64 processor, the OS disk won't allow you to install it. So, you can't really screw anything up, it won't let you get that far.

 

[Yoonsi]

Ah cool! I was mainly just curious, so thanks for clearing that up bud