Final answer:
To install a 64-bit application on sales staff computers with 32-bit Windows 8.1, the IT department must assess hardware compatibility, acquire 64-bit Windows licenses, back up data, and perform a full installation of the new operating system before installing the application.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an organization has purchased a custom application that requires a 64-bit Windows operating system but the sales staff are currently using computers with a 32-bit version of Windows 8.1, the IT department needs to upgrade the existing systems to be compatible with the application's requirements. Here are the steps they would typically follow:
- Assess the hardware of the sales staff computers to determine if they are capable of running a 64-bit operating system. If the hardware is not compatible, it may be necessary to upgrade the hardware or replace the computers.
- Acquire the necessary 64-bit Windows operating system licenses to upgrade the PCs from 32-bit to 64-bit versions.
- Back up all important data on the sales staff computers to ensure no data is lost during the upgrade process.
- Perform the operating system upgrade by installing the 64-bit version of Windows on each sales staff computer.
- Once the upgrade is complete, install the new custom application on the upgraded systems.
- Ensure that all data and settings are restored and that the application is functioning properly on the new systems.
It is important to note that upgrading from a 32-bit to a 64-bit operating system is not a simple update; it requires a full installation of Windows. Additionally, compatibility with other existing applications should be verified to ensure that the transition does not disrupt the sales staff's workflow.