I did the same thing last year.
Only problem (then) was that the 64-bit version of SPSS was not available for download. IBM sent a DVD overnight.
Files seem compatible in both directions. No problem reading old files, and I have sent new files to clients running older and/or 32-bit versions of SPSS and they can read them just fine.
JOHN
From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of J P
Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 8:29 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Issues with 64 bit OS?
I am about to upgrade my computer and will be moving to a 64 bit version of Windows 7. Of course all of my existing data & output files were created in a 32 bit environment. Has anyone now using a 64 bit OS experienced any trouble opening / using SPSS files created in a 32 bit OS?
Apparently this is causing some issues with SAS.