Can I upgrade my xp x32 to x64?

Question

I am building a computer for the first time, however what I encountered was that my current operating system xp pro x32 bit only allows up to 3 GB of ram even with extra ram installed. but according to the manual I need windows 2000, xp pro x64, or possibly vista to get the full capacity used.

so my question is this. Is it possible to upgrade to the XP Pro x64 and save the time not reinstalling all my software. If not what is the best suggestion to this problem to get my max memoy usage from 3 GB to the max of 8 GB for my motherboard

Answer 1

You also have to be able to find 64bit drivers for all your components in your computer.

Answer 2

No, it is not possible to "upgrade" from any 32-bit system to a 64-bit one. You must do a clean install.

Answer 3

You have to have a motherboard and CPU that support 64-bit technology to install 64-bit software.  If you don't have both, x64 will not work no matter what you do.