32 bit to 64 bit Vista

I've read about the different versions of Vista and possible upgrade paths.
What happens if I buy Vista, install and activate. Then decide a couple of
months later that I want to reinstall with 64 bit Vista. Is that an upgrade?
Would it use the same activation code? Could I install both with a dual
boot configuration? Thanks.

"Bill U" <BillU@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F4EB5077-17F0-4C3A-849B-B735F713F9D6@microsoft.com...

> Is that an upgrade?

I don't think so...

> Would it use the same activation code?

No.

> Could I install both with a dual boot configuration?

Technically, yes. Legally, almost certainly not.

While you cannot upgrade the bits, you can install the x64 edition using the
custom install option using the same product key you used to install your
x86 edition. There are not different product keys for x86 and x64. You
would have to reactivate, of course.

Since the x64 Setup program is itself 64bit, you will not be able to start
it from you Vista x86 desktop. You will boot with the x64 dvd and run Setup
from there.


"Bill U" <BillU@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F4EB5077-17F0-4C3A-849B-B735F713F9D6@microsoft.com...
> I've read about the different versions of Vista and possible upgrade
> paths.
> What happens if I buy Vista, install and activate. Then decide a couple
> of
> months later that I want to reinstall with 64 bit Vista. Is that an
> upgrade?
> Would it use the same activation code? Could I install both with a dual
> boot configuration? Thanks.

Colin--

I'm confused now (I know you can straighten this out) in the light of the
thread where Darrel Gorter posted and you posted that you can upgrade X32 to
Vista 64 bit:

You say here you cannot upgrade the Bits, but how does that square with
these posts you did?

"Darrel's experiment with an upgrade edtion"

Thursday, January 11, 2007 10:25 PM



Excellent! Thanks, Darrel!

By the way, don't EVER try doing a custom install of an x86 edition of Vista
into a volume already containing an x64 edition of XP (or Vista). I know,
only a goof like me would try that.

The good news is that it works. The bad news is that it works. But you
ought to see the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders afterwards.
The punch line is that there shouldn't be any Program Files (x86)
folder...but there sure is. And it isn't empty.

""Darrell Gorter[MSFT]"" <Darrellg@online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:SdZaGUfNHHA.2300@TK2MSFTNGHUB02.phx.gbl...
> Hello Colin,
> Tom was asking for 32-bit upgrade behavior from inside Windows 2000 or
> booting from a DVD.
> I installed Windows 2000 and Windows XP 32-bit versions.
> I booted to a Windows Vista 32-bit DVD and used an upgrade product key.
> I get the following message after entering the product key.
> " To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your
> existing version of Windows."
> My only choices at this point are to enter a different product key ( full
> package product key) or to boot into Windows and then run setup.
> 1) I booted to a Windows Vista x64 DVD and used a Windows Ultimate upgrade
> Product Key.
> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows XP
> 64-bit
> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows XP
> 32-bit
> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows
> Vista Enterprise edition.
> 2)I used a Windows Ultimate Upgrade Product key. that is the only Upgrade
> product key I have available to me.
> If you were using Home Premium Upgrade product key and you had Windows XP
> Professional installed
> Presuming this is based on the chart:
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...gradeinfo.mspx
> If you start Windows Vista setup from within a qualifying OS and it
> requires a clean installation as per the chart, you will only be offered a
> custom install.
> If you boot the DVD to a 32-bit version of Windows Visa,
> I get the following message after entering the product key.
> " To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your
> existing version of Windows."
> My only choices at this point are to enter a different product key ( full
> package product key) or to boot into Windows and then run setup.
>
>
> Thanks,
> Darrell Gorter[MSFT]
>
________________________________________

Upgrading to 64bits - new info from Darrel

Friday, January 12, 2007 10:43 AM

Darrel Gorter (MSFT) reported the results of some experiments he did for us
using an Ultimate edition product key. It looks like good news for those
hoping to be able to migrate directly from W2k and XP 32bits to Vista 64bits
at upgrade prices. It goes without saying that your computer must be 64bit
capable.

His findings:

When you boot the machine with a Vista x86 dvd and enter an upgrade edition
product key you will be instructed to restart Setup from the legacy desktop.
You cannot use an UE pk without running the legacy OS.

When you boot the machine with a Vista x64 dvd and enter an upgrade edition
product key you will NOT be required to restart and run from the legacy
desktop. As long as a qualifying legacy Windows is installed you will be
allowed to proceed. This removes a key concern, which was that x64 Setup
cannot run from an x86 desktop. It turns out that it doesn't have to.
Ealier statements turned out to apply only to the x86 dvd but not the x64
dvd.

Conclusion: If you are running 32bit Windows you can install 64bit Vista
using an upgrade edition product key. All you need to do is boot with the
64bit dvd. Those already running XP Pro x64 should have the choice of
booting with the dvd or running from the desktop.

Darrel believes that the x64 dvd is only included in the Vista Ultimate
upgrade edition box and will have to be requested for the other upgrade
editions.

<Rant>There ought to be a way to only have one retail box, period. Surely
the product key is all that varies and given present technology that can be
purchased at point of sale and generated by the salesperson. You get your
media kit and then tell the clerk what edition you want at the checkout
counter. No problems with open boxes if you make a mistake and need an
exchange since one box does all.</Rant>

Colin Barnhorst - MVP Virtual Machine


Can you clear up my confusion? These two posts seem to be saying you can
upgrade from a 32 bit platform to a 64 bit platform. I know (we all know)
that the mantra has always been until this that it was impossible.

Thanks,

CH




"Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
news:A2DFF2DB-5F55-4C65-B750-45DF974C3F15@microsoft.com...
> While you cannot upgrade the bits, you can install the x64 edition using
> the custom install option using the same product key you used to install
> your x86 edition. There are not different product keys for x86 and x64.
> You would have to reactivate, of course.
>
> Since the x64 Setup program is itself 64bit, you will not be able to start
> it from you Vista x86 desktop. You will boot with the x64 dvd and run
> Setup from there.
>
>
> "Bill U" <BillU@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:F4EB5077-17F0-4C3A-849B-B735F713F9D6@microsoft.com...
>> I've read about the different versions of Vista and possible upgrade
>> paths.
>> What happens if I buy Vista, install and activate. Then decide a couple
>> of
>> months later that I want to reinstall with 64 bit Vista. Is that an
>> upgrade?
>> Would it use the same activation code? Could I install both with a dual
>> boot configuration? Thanks.
>

You cannot upgrade-in-place any 32bit Windows to any 64bit Windows. Neither
clients nor servers. Such scenarios are really migrations rather than
upgrades. I used "upgrade the bits" as "upgrade-in-place."

You cannot even upgrade the bits from XP Pro x64 to any Vista x64 (due to
issues like device drivers and such). All upgrades from qualifying
non-Vista Windows products to Vista x64 are really migrations and require a
custom installation. In fact I think MS should issue Vista x64 in separate
boxes labled "Migration Edition." They won't, of course, but it would be
more accurate right now.

The only upgrades-in-place supported are from Vista x64 editions to
equivalent or higher Vista x64 editions. Those are the only scenarios in
which the upgrade option is not disabled.

"Chad Harris" <getsomevistainfoout.net> wrote in message
news:%23YShw9KQHHA.1280@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Colin--
>
> I'm confused now (I know you can straighten this out) in the light of the
> thread where Darrel Gorter posted and you posted that you can upgrade X32
> to Vista 64 bit:
>
> You say here you cannot upgrade the Bits, but how does that square with
> these posts you did?
>
> "Darrel's experiment with an upgrade edtion"
>
> Thursday, January 11, 2007 10:25 PM
>
>
>
> Excellent! Thanks, Darrel!
>
> By the way, don't EVER try doing a custom install of an x86 edition of
> Vista
> into a volume already containing an x64 edition of XP (or Vista). I know,
> only a goof like me would try that.
>
> The good news is that it works. The bad news is that it works. But you
> ought to see the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders afterwards.
> The punch line is that there shouldn't be any Program Files (x86)
> folder...but there sure is. And it isn't empty.
>
> ""Darrell Gorter[MSFT]"" <Darrellg@online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:SdZaGUfNHHA.2300@TK2MSFTNGHUB02.phx.gbl...
>> Hello Colin,
>> Tom was asking for 32-bit upgrade behavior from inside Windows 2000 or
>> booting from a DVD.
>> I installed Windows 2000 and Windows XP 32-bit versions.
>> I booted to a Windows Vista 32-bit DVD and used an upgrade product key.
>> I get the following message after entering the product key.
>> " To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your
>> existing version of Windows."
>> My only choices at this point are to enter a different product key ( full
>> package product key) or to boot into Windows and then run setup.
>> 1) I booted to a Windows Vista x64 DVD and used a Windows Ultimate
>> upgrade
>> Product Key.
>> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows XP
>> 64-bit
>> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows XP
>> 32-bit
>> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows
>> Vista Enterprise edition.
>> 2)I used a Windows Ultimate Upgrade Product key. that is the only
>> Upgrade
>> product key I have available to me.
>> If you were using Home Premium Upgrade product key and you had Windows XP
>> Professional installed
>> Presuming this is based on the chart:
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...gradeinfo.mspx
>> If you start Windows Vista setup from within a qualifying OS and it
>> requires a clean installation as per the chart, you will only be offered
>> a
>> custom install.
>> If you boot the DVD to a 32-bit version of Windows Visa,
>> I get the following message after entering the product key.
>> " To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your
>> existing version of Windows."
>> My only choices at this point are to enter a different product key ( full
>> package product key) or to boot into Windows and then run setup.
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Darrell Gorter[MSFT]
>>
> ________________________________________
>
> Upgrading to 64bits - new info from Darrel
>
> Friday, January 12, 2007 10:43 AM
>
> Darrel Gorter (MSFT) reported the results of some experiments he did for
> us
> using an Ultimate edition product key. It looks like good news for those
> hoping to be able to migrate directly from W2k and XP 32bits to Vista
> 64bits
> at upgrade prices. It goes without saying that your computer must be
> 64bit
> capable.
>
> His findings:
>
> When you boot the machine with a Vista x86 dvd and enter an upgrade
> edition
> product key you will be instructed to restart Setup from the legacy
> desktop.
> You cannot use an UE pk without running the legacy OS.
>
> When you boot the machine with a Vista x64 dvd and enter an upgrade
> edition
> product key you will NOT be required to restart and run from the legacy
> desktop. As long as a qualifying legacy Windows is installed you will be
> allowed to proceed. This removes a key concern, which was that x64 Setup
> cannot run from an x86 desktop. It turns out that it doesn't have to.
> Ealier statements turned out to apply only to the x86 dvd but not the x64
> dvd.
>
> Conclusion: If you are running 32bit Windows you can install 64bit Vista
> using an upgrade edition product key. All you need to do is boot with the
> 64bit dvd. Those already running XP Pro x64 should have the choice of
> booting with the dvd or running from the desktop.
>
> Darrel believes that the x64 dvd is only included in the Vista Ultimate
> upgrade edition box and will have to be requested for the other upgrade
> editions.
>
> <Rant>There ought to be a way to only have one retail box, period. Surely
> the product key is all that varies and given present technology that can
> be
> purchased at point of sale and generated by the salesperson. You get your
> media kit and then tell the clerk what edition you want at the checkout
> counter. No problems with open boxes if you make a mistake and need an
> exchange since one box does all.</Rant>
>
> Colin Barnhorst - MVP Virtual Machine
>
>
> Can you clear up my confusion? These two posts seem to be saying you can
> upgrade from a 32 bit platform to a 64 bit platform. I know (we all know)
> that the mantra has always been until this that it was impossible.
>
> Thanks,
>
> CH
>
>
>
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:A2DFF2DB-5F55-4C65-B750-45DF974C3F15@microsoft.com...
>> While you cannot upgrade the bits, you can install the x64 edition using
>> the custom install option using the same product key you used to install
>> your x86 edition. There are not different product keys for x86 and x64.
>> You would have to reactivate, of course.
>>
>> Since the x64 Setup program is itself 64bit, you will not be able to
>> start it from you Vista x86 desktop. You will boot with the x64 dvd and
>> run Setup from there.
>>
>>
>> "Bill U" <BillU@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:F4EB5077-17F0-4C3A-849B-B735F713F9D6@microsoft.com...
>>> I've read about the different versions of Vista and possible upgrade
>>> paths.
>>> What happens if I buy Vista, install and activate. Then decide a couple
>>> of
>>> months later that I want to reinstall with 64 bit Vista. Is that an
>>> upgrade?
>>> Would it use the same activation code? Could I install both with a dual
>>> boot configuration? Thanks.
>>
>
>

Thanks--your upgrade posts have been quite helpful as was this one. I have
a MSFT Wish--

I wish you would use your MVP channels to see if they would get *you to
submit an upgrade page that someone like Darrel or someone with similar
expertise would collaberate on. Your upgrade info has been a real service
to this group--very precise and well written but above and beyond the normal
repetition of questions that will churn through a newsgroup like this, there
is legitimate upgrade and packaging confusion and if MSFT were to get you to
do an upgrade page on their site, it would help an awful lot of people.

I have been all over MSFT sites as you have, and I haven't found an adequate
page of packaging and upgrade info yet. They ought to parallel it with an
MSKB as well.

CH

"Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
news:OwQOkBMQHHA.4172@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> You cannot upgrade-in-place any 32bit Windows to any 64bit Windows.
> Neither clients nor servers. Such scenarios are really migrations rather
> than upgrades. I used "upgrade the bits" as "upgrade-in-place."
>
> You cannot even upgrade the bits from XP Pro x64 to any Vista x64 (due to
> issues like device drivers and such). All upgrades from qualifying
> non-Vista Windows products to Vista x64 are really migrations and require
> a custom installation. In fact I think MS should issue Vista x64 in
> separate boxes labled "Migration Edition." They won't, of course, but it
> would be more accurate right now.
>
> The only upgrades-in-place supported are from Vista x64 editions to
> equivalent or higher Vista x64 editions. Those are the only scenarios in
> which the upgrade option is not disabled.
>
> "Chad Harris" <getsomevistainfoout.net> wrote in message
> news:%23YShw9KQHHA.1280@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Colin--
>>
>> I'm confused now (I know you can straighten this out) in the light of the
>> thread where Darrel Gorter posted and you posted that you can upgrade X32
>> to Vista 64 bit:
>>
>> You say here you cannot upgrade the Bits, but how does that square with
>> these posts you did?
>>
>> "Darrel's experiment with an upgrade edtion"
>>
>> Thursday, January 11, 2007 10:25 PM
>>
>>
>>
>> Excellent! Thanks, Darrel!
>>
>> By the way, don't EVER try doing a custom install of an x86 edition of
>> Vista
>> into a volume already containing an x64 edition of XP (or Vista). I
>> know,
>> only a goof like me would try that.
>>
>> The good news is that it works. The bad news is that it works. But you
>> ought to see the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders
>> afterwards.
>> The punch line is that there shouldn't be any Program Files (x86)
>> folder...but there sure is. And it isn't empty.
>>
>> ""Darrell Gorter[MSFT]"" <Darrellg@online.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:SdZaGUfNHHA.2300@TK2MSFTNGHUB02.phx.gbl...
>>> Hello Colin,
>>> Tom was asking for 32-bit upgrade behavior from inside Windows 2000 or
>>> booting from a DVD.
>>> I installed Windows 2000 and Windows XP 32-bit versions.
>>> I booted to a Windows Vista 32-bit DVD and used an upgrade product key.
>>> I get the following message after entering the product key.
>>> " To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your
>>> existing version of Windows."
>>> My only choices at this point are to enter a different product key (
>>> full
>>> package product key) or to boot into Windows and then run setup.
>>> 1) I booted to a Windows Vista x64 DVD and used a Windows Ultimate
>>> upgrade
>>> Product Key.
>>> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows
>>> XP
>>> 64-bit
>>> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows
>>> XP
>>> 32-bit
>>> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows
>>> Vista Enterprise edition.
>>> 2)I used a Windows Ultimate Upgrade Product key. that is the only
>>> Upgrade
>>> product key I have available to me.
>>> If you were using Home Premium Upgrade product key and you had Windows
>>> XP
>>> Professional installed
>>> Presuming this is based on the chart:
>>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...gradeinfo.mspx
>>> If you start Windows Vista setup from within a qualifying OS and it
>>> requires a clean installation as per the chart, you will only be offered
>>> a
>>> custom install.
>>> If you boot the DVD to a 32-bit version of Windows Visa,
>>> I get the following message after entering the product key.
>>> " To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your
>>> existing version of Windows."
>>> My only choices at this point are to enter a different product key (
>>> full
>>> package product key) or to boot into Windows and then run setup.
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Darrell Gorter[MSFT]
>>>
>> ________________________________________
>>
>> Upgrading to 64bits - new info from Darrel
>>
>> Friday, January 12, 2007 10:43 AM
>>
>> Darrel Gorter (MSFT) reported the results of some experiments he did for
>> us
>> using an Ultimate edition product key. It looks like good news for those
>> hoping to be able to migrate directly from W2k and XP 32bits to Vista
>> 64bits
>> at upgrade prices. It goes without saying that your computer must be
>> 64bit
>> capable.
>>
>> His findings:
>>
>> When you boot the machine with a Vista x86 dvd and enter an upgrade
>> edition
>> product key you will be instructed to restart Setup from the legacy
>> desktop.
>> You cannot use an UE pk without running the legacy OS.
>>
>> When you boot the machine with a Vista x64 dvd and enter an upgrade
>> edition
>> product key you will NOT be required to restart and run from the legacy
>> desktop. As long as a qualifying legacy Windows is installed you will be
>> allowed to proceed. This removes a key concern, which was that x64 Setup
>> cannot run from an x86 desktop. It turns out that it doesn't have to.
>> Ealier statements turned out to apply only to the x86 dvd but not the x64
>> dvd.
>>
>> Conclusion: If you are running 32bit Windows you can install 64bit Vista
>> using an upgrade edition product key. All you need to do is boot with
>> the
>> 64bit dvd. Those already running XP Pro x64 should have the choice of
>> booting with the dvd or running from the desktop.
>>
>> Darrel believes that the x64 dvd is only included in the Vista Ultimate
>> upgrade edition box and will have to be requested for the other upgrade
>> editions.
>>
>> <Rant>There ought to be a way to only have one retail box, period.
>> Surely
>> the product key is all that varies and given present technology that can
>> be
>> purchased at point of sale and generated by the salesperson. You get
>> your
>> media kit and then tell the clerk what edition you want at the checkout
>> counter. No problems with open boxes if you make a mistake and need an
>> exchange since one box does all.</Rant>
>>
>> Colin Barnhorst - MVP Virtual Machine
>>
>>
>> Can you clear up my confusion? These two posts seem to be saying you can
>> upgrade from a 32 bit platform to a 64 bit platform. I know (we all
>> know) that the mantra has always been until this that it was impossible.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> CH
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
>> news:A2DFF2DB-5F55-4C65-B750-45DF974C3F15@microsoft.com...
>>> While you cannot upgrade the bits, you can install the x64 edition using
>>> the custom install option using the same product key you used to install
>>> your x86 edition. There are not different product keys for x86 and x64.
>>> You would have to reactivate, of course.
>>>
>>> Since the x64 Setup program is itself 64bit, you will not be able to
>>> start it from you Vista x86 desktop. You will boot with the x64 dvd and
>>> run Setup from there.
>>>
>>>
>>> "Bill U" <BillU@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>> news:F4EB5077-17F0-4C3A-849B-B735F713F9D6@microsoft.com...
>>>> I've read about the different versions of Vista and possible upgrade
>>>> paths.
>>>> What happens if I buy Vista, install and activate. Then decide a
>>>> couple of
>>>> months later that I want to reinstall with 64 bit Vista. Is that an
>>>> upgrade?
>>>> Would it use the same activation code? Could I install both with a
>>>> dual
>>>> boot configuration? Thanks.
>>>
>>
>>
>

No MVP has been given an upgrade pk for Vista b6000, so it just isn't
possible to do the walk-throughs. You have to do walk-throughs in order to
spot new questions not previously thought about. I am recognizing new
questions every day as I read the various twists poster apply to "upgrade",
"upgrade edition", "clean", "custom", and so on.

One big question hanging out there is whether or not Vista can be installed
with an upgrade edition pk to any volume but the legacy system volume.
Folks are assuming that it can be because that's how they did it during the
CPP. They keep forgetting that we were all using full edition pk's. Full
edition pk's don't care if you're installing it on your wife's Singer sewing
machine! Personally, I think that there won't be an option to install
anywhere but the legacy system volume. After all, that's why its called an
"upgrade." Anyplace else would set up a dual-boot and that would be an
out-of-compliance scenario to use an upgrade edition that way. The fact
that folks are accustomed to doing just that with older versions of Windows
is why we have activation today and why shiny media is no longer used for
verification.

I could not get a reply from the team responsible for upgrade edition issues
even though I went through my MVP lead. That has always worked for me in
the past, but not this time. The problem with my contacts at MS is that
they always run full editions (why not?) so when they first reply to my
questions the answers obviously relate to the upgrade functionality of a
full edition. When I re-inquire they admit they have had no experience with
an upgrade edition (why would they?).

I expected the docs to start showing up on microsoft.com by mid-January. I
am very disappointed not to see them. They should have been there before
the vendors started taking orders. Now folks are spending their money.
Some of them are going to buy the wrong product.

"Chad Harris" <getsomevistainfoout.net> wrote in message
news:uvX6pHMQHHA.3544@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Thanks--your upgrade posts have been quite helpful as was this one. I
> have a MSFT Wish--
>
> I wish you would use your MVP channels to see if they would get *you to
> submit an upgrade page that someone like Darrel or someone with similar
> expertise would collaberate on. Your upgrade info has been a real service
> to this group--very precise and well written but above and beyond the
> normal repetition of questions that will churn through a newsgroup like
> this, there is legitimate upgrade and packaging confusion and if MSFT were
> to get you to do an upgrade page on their site, it would help an awful lot
> of people.
>
> I have been all over MSFT sites as you have, and I haven't found an
> adequate page of packaging and upgrade info yet. They ought to parallel
> it with an MSKB as well.
>
> CH
>
> "Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:OwQOkBMQHHA.4172@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> You cannot upgrade-in-place any 32bit Windows to any 64bit Windows.
>> Neither clients nor servers. Such scenarios are really migrations rather
>> than upgrades. I used "upgrade the bits" as "upgrade-in-place."
>>
>> You cannot even upgrade the bits from XP Pro x64 to any Vista x64 (due to
>> issues like device drivers and such). All upgrades from qualifying
>> non-Vista Windows products to Vista x64 are really migrations and require
>> a custom installation. In fact I think MS should issue Vista x64 in
>> separate boxes labled "Migration Edition." They won't, of course, but it
>> would be more accurate right now.
>>
>> The only upgrades-in-place supported are from Vista x64 editions to
>> equivalent or higher Vista x64 editions. Those are the only scenarios in
>> which the upgrade option is not disabled.
>>
>> "Chad Harris" <getsomevistainfoout.net> wrote in message
>> news:%23YShw9KQHHA.1280@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> Colin--
>>>
>>> I'm confused now (I know you can straighten this out) in the light of
>>> the thread where Darrel Gorter posted and you posted that you can
>>> upgrade X32 to Vista 64 bit:
>>>
>>> You say here you cannot upgrade the Bits, but how does that square with
>>> these posts you did?
>>>
>>> "Darrel's experiment with an upgrade edtion"
>>>
>>> Thursday, January 11, 2007 10:25 PM
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Excellent! Thanks, Darrel!
>>>
>>> By the way, don't EVER try doing a custom install of an x86 edition of
>>> Vista
>>> into a volume already containing an x64 edition of XP (or Vista). I
>>> know,
>>> only a goof like me would try that.
>>>
>>> The good news is that it works. The bad news is that it works. But you
>>> ought to see the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders
>>> afterwards.
>>> The punch line is that there shouldn't be any Program Files (x86)
>>> folder...but there sure is. And it isn't empty.
>>>
>>> ""Darrell Gorter[MSFT]"" <Darrellg@online.microsoft.com> wrote in
>>> message
>>> news:SdZaGUfNHHA.2300@TK2MSFTNGHUB02.phx.gbl...
>>>> Hello Colin,
>>>> Tom was asking for 32-bit upgrade behavior from inside Windows 2000 or
>>>> booting from a DVD.
>>>> I installed Windows 2000 and Windows XP 32-bit versions.
>>>> I booted to a Windows Vista 32-bit DVD and used an upgrade product key.
>>>> I get the following message after entering the product key.
>>>> " To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your
>>>> existing version of Windows."
>>>> My only choices at this point are to enter a different product key (
>>>> full
>>>> package product key) or to boot into Windows and then run setup.
>>>> 1) I booted to a Windows Vista x64 DVD and used a Windows Ultimate
>>>> upgrade
>>>> Product Key.
>>>> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows
>>>> XP
>>>> 64-bit
>>>> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows
>>>> XP
>>>> 32-bit
>>>> I was allowed to proceed to install when the underlying OS was Windows
>>>> Vista Enterprise edition.
>>>> 2)I used a Windows Ultimate Upgrade Product key. that is the only
>>>> Upgrade
>>>> product key I have available to me.
>>>> If you were using Home Premium Upgrade product key and you had Windows
>>>> XP
>>>> Professional installed
>>>> Presuming this is based on the chart:
>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...gradeinfo.mspx
>>>> If you start Windows Vista setup from within a qualifying OS and it
>>>> requires a clean installation as per the chart, you will only be
>>>> offered a
>>>> custom install.
>>>> If you boot the DVD to a 32-bit version of Windows Visa,
>>>> I get the following message after entering the product key.
>>>> " To use the product key you entered, start the installation from your
>>>> existing version of Windows."
>>>> My only choices at this point are to enter a different product key (
>>>> full
>>>> package product key) or to boot into Windows and then run setup.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Darrell Gorter[MSFT]
>>>>
>>> ________________________________________
>>>
>>> Upgrading to 64bits - new info from Darrel
>>>
>>> Friday, January 12, 2007 10:43 AM
>>>
>>> Darrel Gorter (MSFT) reported the results of some experiments he did for
>>> us
>>> using an Ultimate edition product key. It looks like good news for
>>> those
>>> hoping to be able to migrate directly from W2k and XP 32bits to Vista
>>> 64bits
>>> at upgrade prices. It goes without saying that your computer must be
>>> 64bit
>>> capable.
>>>
>>> His findings:
>>>
>>> When you boot the machine with a Vista x86 dvd and enter an upgrade
>>> edition
>>> product key you will be instructed to restart Setup from the legacy
>>> desktop.
>>> You cannot use an UE pk without running the legacy OS.
>>>
>>> When you boot the machine with a Vista x64 dvd and enter an upgrade
>>> edition
>>> product key you will NOT be required to restart and run from the legacy
>>> desktop. As long as a qualifying legacy Windows is installed you will
>>> be
>>> allowed to proceed. This removes a key concern, which was that x64
>>> Setup
>>> cannot run from an x86 desktop. It turns out that it doesn't have to.
>>> Ealier statements turned out to apply only to the x86 dvd but not the
>>> x64
>>> dvd.
>>>
>>> Conclusion: If you are running 32bit Windows you can install 64bit
>>> Vista
>>> using an upgrade edition product key. All you need to do is boot with
>>> the
>>> 64bit dvd. Those already running XP Pro x64 should have the choice of
>>> booting with the dvd or running from the desktop.
>>>
>>> Darrel believes that the x64 dvd is only included in the Vista Ultimate
>>> upgrade edition box and will have to be requested for the other upgrade
>>> editions.
>>>
>>> <Rant>There ought to be a way to only have one retail box, period.
>>> Surely
>>> the product key is all that varies and given present technology that can
>>> be
>>> purchased at point of sale and generated by the salesperson. You get
>>> your
>>> media kit and then tell the clerk what edition you want at the checkout
>>> counter. No problems with open boxes if you make a mistake and need an
>>> exchange since one box does all.</Rant>
>>>
>>> Colin Barnhorst - MVP Virtual Machine
>>>
>>>
>>> Can you clear up my confusion? These two posts seem to be saying you
>>> can upgrade from a 32 bit platform to a 64 bit platform. I know (we all
>>> know) that the mantra has always been until this that it was impossible.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> CH
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> "Colin Barnhorst" <colinbarharst@msn.com> wrote in message
>>> news:A2DFF2DB-5F55-4C65-B750-45DF974C3F15@microsoft.com...
>>>> While you cannot upgrade the bits, you can install the x64 edition
>>>> using the custom install option using the same product key you used to
>>>> install your x86 edition. There are not different product keys for x86
>>>> and x64. You would have to reactivate, of course.
>>>>
>>>> Since the x64 Setup program is itself 64bit, you will not be able to
>>>> start it from you Vista x86 desktop. You will boot with the x64 dvd
>>>> and run Setup from there.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "Bill U" <BillU@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:F4EB5077-17F0-4C3A-849B-B735F713F9D6@microsoft.com...
>>>>> I've read about the different versions of Vista and possible upgrade
>>>>> paths.
>>>>> What happens if I buy Vista, install and activate. Then decide a
>>>>> couple of
>>>>> months later that I want to reinstall with 64 bit Vista. Is that an
>>>>> upgrade?
>>>>> Would it use the same activation code? Could I install both with a
>>>>> dual
>>>>> boot configuration? Thanks.
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
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