Dangers Lurk Along Windows’ 64-Bit Upgrade Path

Microsoft Corp. is encouraging PC owners to make the move to 64-bit software with a cut-price upgrade offer for its Windows XP Professional Edition x64 operating system, which came out last week. But there’s a catch.

Those who take advantage of the $12 upgrade and move from the 32-bit version of Windows XP Professional that was factory-installed on their PCs to Windows XP Professional x64, risk voiding the factory warranty on their PCs, the software giant has warned.