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I have a lot of 32 bit hardware drivers for printers, scanners, etc.. and I was looking to buy a new computer with 32 bit Windows 7 and 3 GB RAM. All of my current computers are kinda old with only 1 GB RAM so I'll be happy with 3 GB RAM.

When I go to the websites for Dell and HP, I only see options for 64 bit windows 7. Do any of the major OEMs offer 32 bit windows 7? I know that I can build my own machine and buy a 32 bit Windows 7 license, but I was hoping to find a pre-built system. Thanks!

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Something else you might want to consider. I believe that Windows 7 requires that all device drivers be digitally signed. In other words, unless the manufacturer has provided a driver which will work in Windows 7 or the driver is included in Windows 7, your old hardware still may not work. You might want to look into that further before you decide what you're going to do. – irrational John Jul 24 '10 at 5:10
@irration john, the driver signing requirement is only for Windows 7 64-bit. 32-bit can run unsigned drivers. @Daniel, I hope you know that Windows 7 installs a lot of drivers for printers/scanners automatically. Try checking the Windows 7 Compatibility Center to see if your hardware is listed there. – Om Nom Nom Jul 24 '10 at 6:06
It is listed on the compatibility chart as being okay, but doesn't work in 64 bit. – Daniel Jul 26 '10 at 23:41
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If you have the media 32 bits Windows 7 installation media you can use it with a 64 bits license. Just buy a PC as you would like from Dell/HP/YourChoice and try to get a 32 bits media with them or Microsoft - Microsoft probably will have a shipping fee a new installation media.

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Are there limitations on the type of CPU Processor that I can use? I see some chips which list 64 in their name. Would they run on a 32 bit Windows? – Daniel Jul 24 '10 at 3:00
@Daniel - The Intel & AMD processors which support 64-bits all still support the 32-bit mode. You can run either 64 or 32 bit windows on an x86_64 enable processor. (Which frankly is just about any "new" processor you're likely to buy now.) – irrational John Jul 24 '10 at 5:14
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