I trying to install sql server 2008 evaluation edition and I see there are these options. How do I know which one to use?

x86 = 32 bit and x64 and IA64 depends on the hardware vendor/manufacturer.

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| Sankar Reddy | http://sankarreddy.spaces.live.com/ |

It depends on what is your underlying windows OS and hardware?

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| Sankar Reddy | http://sankarreddy.spaces.live.com/ |

It depends on what is your underlying windows OS and hardware?

If you have 32 bit then you should use x86.

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| Sankar Reddy | http://sankarreddy.spaces.live.com/ |

I guess that was my real question... How do I know what bit windows my machine is running?
I looked under Systems in the Contral Panel (as one online doc suggested) but couldn't find that info there.

Right click on My Computer -> Properties and look for Operating System.

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| Sankar Reddy | http://sankarreddy.spaces.live.com/ |

When I right click and choose properties, I get a window called "System Properties".
In this window I have the following tabs.

General
Computer Name
Hardware
Advanced
System Restore
Automatic Updates
Remote

But no Operating System, as you described.

Ok. If it is a home pc then most likely its going to be a 32 bit and you can download the x86 version.

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| Sankar Reddy | http://sankarreddy.spaces.live.com/ |

It is work computer. I will find out from IT what bit windows I have.
But let me get clear on x64 and x86.
So, 32bit = x64 and 64bit = x86? Or the other way around?

x86 = 32 bit and x64 and IA64 depends on the hardware vendor/manufacturer.

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| Sankar Reddy | http://sankarreddy.spaces.live.com/ |

x64 is AMD 64 bit processor and IA64 is Intel itanium processor. Its highly unlikely to have a itanium and not know it so if you have a x64 bit its AMD. Now this is not the case with SQL 2000 as it only has IA64 and x86 and no AMD 64 support. Dont worry about installing the wrong one. SQL 2008 will not install on the wrong chipset (even x86 on x64).