Vista Tutorial - 64-bit Editions of ALL Versions of Windows Vista

I'm having difficulty in parsing this quote from Microsoft's own website regarding 64-bit alternate editions-- "The 64-bit editions of Windows Vista—available for all editions of Windows Vista except Starter"--http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx
If I'm reading this right, I don't need to buy an upgrade or full install disk of the 64-bit Ultimate Edition, if I only want the 64-bit version of my licensed 32-bit copy of Vista. As Microsoft implies, one can get an alternate 64-bit edition from them if one already owns the Retail purchase of the 32-bit edition, as outlined here:
Windows Vista Alternate Media
But I'm confused as to whether this offer is extended to those with the pre-installed and product activated variety. No Vista CD or DVD came with my new PC, since it was pre-installed on a partition by the PC's manufacturer out the door. I already spoke to Gupta (or was it Sanjay?) at HP about getting my 64-bit alternate edition, but they directed me to Microsoft. Hmmm.

And so I made a recovery disk in the event I need to restore my original OS if nothing else. But before I part with any coin, is there anyone like me who had only a pre-installed Vista 32-bit OS on a partition been able to install it's 64-bit alternate that they ordered from Microsoft?

It doesn't apply for you, as you have a pre-installed OEM vista.
OEM licences, which yours is, are much cheaper than Retail versions.

So, you can not just swap, or get a free 64bit copy.

If it was Retail Vista, you would get both versions when buying.
In that scenario, you can run one or the other, but NOT both at the same time.

"bobg3723" wrote:

Thanks Mick. MS's alternate OS policy makes better sense to me now. MS is selling their retail store boxed x32 OS edition to the user, which entitles the user to the alternate x64 OS edition for the price of shipping. Thier commitment to the user as a service for buying directly through their retailer, at a premium price, of course. My agreement stops at the OEM's door. Different set of software support policies there, sad to say, but that can be expected I guess. Ya gets what ya payz for.

Not too terrible a loss. Although I'm only being dealt 3006MB out of 4GB installed RAM, unless I go x64. I'll just continue using my existing x32 software and drivers and seek an OEM plain brown wrapper full x64 install down the road when (or if ever) the situation warrants.

Service has disappeared in this day and age.
It's all about money!

OEM disks are cheap.
But, before you go that path, make sure compatible 64bit drivers are
available to you.

"bobg3723" wrote:

That it is my friend. That it is.

Precisely why I've held off of taking the Vista plunge, even at x32 the driver situation was tentative. But that shiny new entertainment tablet PC was just too cute and cuddly to resist.
And so it goes.