32-bit or 64-bit Office

[bertopl]

well, too late. I finally got one of my 2010 licenses upgraded to 2013 through microsoft's free offer. that was a nightmare with the software vendor that I bought 2010 from but that's a whole different story. they did stand behind me though and after paying for a 2-license office 2010, I now have 1-license on 2013 and 3-licenses on 2010 for my troubles!! anyways, the free upgrade reiterated what many have said here and microsoft themselves STRONGLY recommended the 32-bit install during the process so that's what I did. Everything works great and really have to agree with everyone recommending 2013's interface over 2010. I'm a happy camper!!

 

[bertopl]

btw, I am just overwhelmed by going through all of outlooks options!! I can't imagine many people even know how to set the zillions of options available there and all the other office apps!!

 

[ArnoldC]

<snip> and microsoft themselves STRONGLY recommended the 32-bit install<snip>

Microsoft or some dude at the store you talked to?

 

[ArnoldC]

When I read the article about the shortcomings of Office 64 bit, I noticed that the very worst complaint they had was that you had to dig down and launch it from the 64 bit directories!!<snip>

Just proves how much crap is written on the Internet.

 

[machistmo]

Most of the civilized world runs on X86 Office. Its just easier that way. When MS says don't use 64 unless you must, I translate that into "64bit Office? RUN AWAY - FLEE". Couple that with the "Too many devices syncing with this account" error generated in Outlook 2013 simply because you use a HOTMAIL account still not being fixed? Ill go with known working software. I personally like the Microsoft Rep. on the forums that suggested I limit my account to 50 or fewer folders and only 3 devices to get the problem resolved. No, you just can't make stuff like that up. 3 devices and 50 folders were too much for 2013, at least until MS owned up to the bug, and only after they were fairly certain they had a fix for it. That fix should be released in a few days. Not holding my breath. /rant

 

[bertopl]

Microsoft or some dude at the store you talked to?

the free upgrade involved logging into a "my office" account to download the installer. the last step when choosing which install type to download contained text that recommended the 32-bit. I suspect from this thread that both work pretty well on the SP.

 

[leeshor]

I can't link to one but many of the reviews I read said that the main problem with 64-bit Office w as that it performed noticeably slower than the 32-bit. I had both installed on identical systems in my office and confirmed that is the case. As hard as that may be to believe.

 

[ArnoldC]

Details please. Which Office component as a start.

 

[leeshor]

Details please. Which Office component as a start.

Both systems were Windows 7 Pro 64 with 16GB of RAM on i7 3770 procs and Office 2010 Home and Business. Full default install for testing purposes.

 

[Cowboy]

nobody needs office x64 unless you analyze huge amounts of data. Microsoft will even tell you to install office x86. plus, if you happen to use some add-ins, it's hit and miss if they'll work in office x64.

I totally agree! UNLESS you have HUGE files there is no advantage to the 64 bit version and I think that it uses more memory by default which could affect you if you have multiple programs running.