32 bit drivers work under 64 bit OS?

[RealGomer]

I have hardware that requires 32 bit drivers to work. Under Microsoft's virtualization software and XP Mode, the 32 bit drivers will not load, let alone function. Will VirtualBox allow 32 bit drivers work on a 64 bit host? As in WinXP Pro drivers under Win7 Pro?

[BillG]

Maybe. What is the hardware in question? Can the OS in the vm see the hardware?

Most hardware is invisible to the vm. It has its own set of emulated devices.

[Sasquatch]

It's likely you're talking about a PCI device, and not some USB device. Only USB devices can be seen by the VM, but it's not perfect. Not all devices work properly.

[RealGomer]

I want to run my Canon Canoscan 3200f scanner. It connects via USB. When I tried to load the 32 bit WinXP drivers thru Microsoft's VPC software, the install said the drivers were 32 bit and usable. When I hit Okay the install died.

BTW - Right now it's a toss up between Virtual Box, VMWare Server, and just making 3 partitions on my HDD as I want to run Ubuntu 9, XP Pro and Win7.

[Sasquatch]

Well, if the scanner is seen on the Guest through USB, then there is a big chance it will work. Other users have managed to get their scanner to work through USB.