You receive an error message if you try to run a 32-bit Windows Setup program while you are running a Windows x64 Edition-based operating system (897008)

SYMPTOMS

If you try to run Winnt32.exe from a 32-bit Microsoft Windows operating system installation CD while you are running a Microsoft Windows x64 Edition-based operating system, you receive the following error message:

Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is newer than the version on the CD.

Warning: If you decide to delete the newer version of Windows that is currently installed on your computer, the files and settings cannot be recovered.

If you click Details, you receive the following message: Issue Description:

To install the version on the CD, restart your computer, boot from this CD, and follow the instructions for a new installation.

Warning: The default setup options will replace your existing version of Windows with this version. If you wish to keep both versions you must select a new destination folder for this version of Windows. If you decide to delete the newer version of Windows that is currently installed on your computer, the files and settings cannot be recovered.

CAUSE

This issue occurs if you run the Winnt32.exe file from earlier versions of Windows operating systems. Earlier versions of Windows operating systems include Microsoft Windows Server 2003. However, this issue does not occur if you use Winnt32.exe from the slipstreamed version of Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1). The Windows Server 2003 SP1 32-bit Setup program lets you install the Windows Server 2003 SP1 versions of the operating system.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue and install the 32-bit Windows operating system, start the computer from the 32-bit Windows installation CD to start the Setup program.

For more information about dual boot configurations, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

896455 Programs do not start or become unstable after you install a Windows x64 Editions operating system on the same partition as a 32-bit Windows operating system

For more information about set up and installation considerations for Windows x64 Edition-based computers, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

896334 Setup and installation considerations for Windows x64 Editions based computers

Technical support for Windows x64 editions

Your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for Microsoft Windows x64 editions. Your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation with unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with your Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx

For product information about Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/x64/default.mspx