I currently have xp 32 bit on my gaming machine and am considering upgrading to the RC of Windows 7. Is it possible to to a backup/restore in steam from the xp install into the windows 7 64bit install.
well your steam account isnt held locally so simply install steam on your win 7. all your games will be there just have to install from disc or download them again
i am aware of that. I was just wondering if the games would transfer over ok or would i need to download the 64bit versions of them.
there are no 64bit versions. 32bit applications and games work on 64 bit. 16bit apps do not unless they are run through some emulator like DSObox
I usually move my Steam installation by renaming or moving it. Then I install a new copy of Steam and move the old SteamApps folder (under the old Steam folder) to the new Steam folder. Has worked like a charm for me so far. I would imagine it works with Win7 as well. And as previously stated, until now there isn't a 64bit version of Steam.
That's what I usually do. Sure some games (HL2 and other source based games) will actually run in 64bit mode. Comes up at the top of the screen when loading. Seems steam's 64bit and 32bit versions of the game are available when you install it.
back up your SteamApp folder, install 64bit, and copy your SteamApp folder after you re-installed Steam. and Steam should identify the system and download 64bit if it's avaliable.