Vista - Vista 32 bit to 64 bit Upgrade?

I have purchased the Vista Home Premium upgrade product and Vista Ultimate
OEM product. Both are 32 bit versions. DDR2-800 memory is getting so cheap
I had to go from 2G to 4G on both systems. Is there a way to save a couple
of dollars and upgrade one or both of the above to the 64 bit version -
short of buying the operating system again? MSFT does not permit upgrading
either version on their upgrade web page.

there is NO UPGRADE path from 32 to 64 bit.

it require a clean install.

sounds like you will have to purchase a 64 bit version.

in son\me cases you can purchase the 64 bit version from either microsoft or oem.
but since you have the upgrade it is doubtful microsoft will sell you the 64 bit version.


mikeyhsd@xxxxxx



"Ken" <krlorenz@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:u2LRD0WHJHA.4448@xxxxxx
I have purchased the Vista Home Premium upgrade product and Vista Ultimate
OEM product. Both are 32 bit versions. DDR2-800 memory is getting so cheap
I had to go from 2G to 4G on both systems. Is there a way to save a couple
of dollars and upgrade one or both of the above to the 64 bit version -
short of buying the operating system again? MSFT does not permit upgrading
either version on their upgrade web page.

Hi Ken,

mikeyhsd is right - in the technical sense, you can't "upgrade" 32 to 64 , you have to "migrate" , i.e. do a clean reinstall.

I think you might mean in the general sense ,i.e. do you have to buy it all again ?

Well, it is possible to do a clean reinstall with an upgrade dvd, see

Clean Install From Upgrade Vista

We have had post that said he successfully used his 32bit OEM product key with a 64bit OEM dvd.

All the dvd's contain all the editions, so a 64bit OEM dvd contains home basic, premium, business, ultimate - it is the product key you enter that governs which edition is installed .

I have not done it myself, but if the poster is right ( i.e. the OEM key is good for either bit version ) you could see if you could borrow a 64bit OEM dvd and try - it costs nothing to try. It is simple to make your own from that , to keep for future reinstalls.


Hope that helps

SIW2

Yes, I know that I would have to do a clean install - upgrade was a bad
choice of words. However, since I do not know anyone with the 64-bit
version I guess I got to conclude that my only options are: pay MSFT
another $169 for the 64-bit OEM version of Vista Ultimate via Newegg, live
with the 32-bit version and 3.5G ...or... wait for MSFT to come up with the
next version of the Operating System and at least think I'm getting
something "new" and "better" for my money. Thanks for the information and
interest.

"SIW2" <guest@xxxxxx-email.com> wrote in message
news:58c2f8d0b6c50b833fe6190854219da2@xxxxxx-gateway.com...

Things aren't that bad.

You can order 64 bit install media from Microsoft for your retail upgrade
version of Vista Home Premium:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...a/default.mspx

Your license key ought to work with it.

I did exactly that for my own system. The charge in the US was about $10.
(That was for S&H; the upgrade was nominally free.)

I believe that an OEM license does not qualify for a free switch to the 64
bit version. I think that a 32 bit OEM key would not work with 64 bit
install media, but I'm not sure where I read that.

"Ken" <krlorenz@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:OMdu4ObHJHA.4408@xxxxxx

Outstanding! I tried that a couple of days ago but it did not work. I
tried the link you supplied and like magic it worked! I must have keyed in
the wrong something a couple of days ago. Anyway, the 64-bit version of
Vista Home Premium is on order for $10.65. Now, if I could just find a way
to get the OEM Vista Ultimate 32-bit to upgrade to 64-bit! Thanks for the
help.

"Bob Knowlden" <bobkn@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:e80E5cbHJHA.3884@xxxxxx

Vista Home Premium 64-bit is up and running - so far so good - have not had
a problem with driver availablility or program incompatibility.

"Ken" <krlorenz@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:OpvJr%23bHJHA.1160@xxxxxx

Hi Ken,

Glad to hear your 64 bit Home Premium is up and running.

That "Home Premium " x64 dvd will have all editions on it - including Ultimate - it is the product key you enter which determines the edition that is installed from the dvd onto your hard drive.

I would use that same dvd with my 32bit OEM Ultimate key - no sense in spending another $170. We have had posts saying it can be done . (Assumes the original OEM install was from a dvd, which yours was, i.e. not pre-installed with loads of oem bloatware )

Because MS don't make the free media available to OEM key holders - gives the impression you have to buy another license.

Hope it helps

SIW2