Vista - Getting the 64 bit version

I got vista business cheap through an educational discount with a college. It is the 32 bit version. I tried to order a 64 bit dvd on microsoft's web site, but I enter the product key, and the website says there is no offer. Is this because I got the software through a school? Is there any way to upgrade to 64 bit?

If not, will having 32 bit show a signifigant performance decrease in comparison to 64?


I know this is "vista forums," but I also got a copy of 32 bit xp pro. Is it possible to upgrade that to pro x64?

Chances are the Vista x86 you got is an OEM version, and that is likely why you do not qualify to purchase a replacement x64 DVD.

Performance wise, I suppose the differences between x86 and x64 versions of Windows depends heavily on what it is you're doing. From experience though, I've found that because of better memory management, many applications, even 32-Bit applications, do have a tendency to perform better on Vista x64. So I'll recommend without any doubts at all that Vista x64 should be your choice, provided of course that you can find Vista x64 drivers for all you hardware.

As for "upgrading" from Windows XP x86 to Vista x64, this cannot be done. You can't even go from XP x86 to XP x64. The only way to "upgrade" from a 32-Bit OS to a 64-Bit OS is to format the target hard disk and install the x64 OS.

Thanks for the reply

Actually, chances are that the one you received from your University is a *MAK* key - IOW, your university (or the larger University that it belongs to) has ordered a Site License for Vista - it is the same for the University system that I am a part of - and they resell copies of Vista at a hugely discounted rate.

MAK keys can only be used with their Volume License DVDs - so you'll have to contact the University to get the 64bit version.

Good News - same key will work.