Switch from 32-bit to 64-bit using OEM license

Guys,

Despite various searches, I cannot find a satisfactory answer to the following.

I have an E6410 with Win 7 Pro 32-bit preinstalled. I would like to switch to Win 7 Pro x64. That's gonna require a clean install. Not a problem, I have suitable 64-bit installation media at hand.

The thing is, the only license I have available is the OEM license which came with my E6410. Will it be good for a 64-bit installation? (Obv, I don't want to do a clean install only to find out that my license key is no good.)

 

Well, I am unaware of Microsoft's *official* stance on your inquiry, but I know that if you perform a clean install, the system will prompt you to call Microsoft to properly activate your product. I have done this before with an OEM product, and during my call, was not at all questioned with respect to my reasoning for needing to acquire an activation number. The license is still valid for the computer you purchased, so you should have no worries performing this additional step.

However, if you check the Windows forum, there is a thread that details some online sources for Windows 7 downloads. Also included is a tool that will allow you to backup your OEM activation, which if you reinstall, may allow you to sidestep the process I earlier described. The thread I am referencing can be found here.

Whichever route you choose, neither requires much additional effort, but rest assured, you should be able to activate using your OEM product key with the switch from 32-bit to 64-bit, so long as you transition within the same version of Windows. Evidently, this is the case, so as long as you have everything backed up, fire at will.

 

thanks! based on your reply, i will give it a shot.

i will report back with results, as i suppose this issue might of interest to some other people that purchased their latitude in the outlet (the vast majority of latitudes in the outlet come with 32-bit OS).

 

If you are using Dell oem 64 bit, or OEM media you should have no issues.
It should self register.

 

cyber,

thanks for bringing that up. actually, all i have is a win 7 pro retail box (not purchased from Dell obv) which includes the x64 DVD. will it make a difference?

 

Yes, I doubt you will get a self registration/activation via the retail disc.
I know for a fact the MS license key within the battery compartment of your dell will NOT work with a retail install
Your license key that came with the dell IS valid for BOTH 32/64 bit.
You have two choices, contact Dell and asked them to ship 64bit media or find from a third party.
Sent a pm

 

You can request the 64-bit disk from Dell free of charge, or you can use the retail disk and enter your OEM key in it. The OEM key will activate Windows, but it's an additional hassle as using an OEM disk won't prompt for a key if it detects the right BIOS.

 

win7 32 and 64 bit share keys. Long as you have the proper install media of the right (pro/home-premium/ult) edition, you're good to go.

Your OEM key, however, will NOT work with retail media.

 

I've used retail disks with Dell OEM keys for both Vista and 7. They all activated fine.

 

Robin24k is correct. Retail media will certainly work with OEM keys, though activation may require an extra step in the form of a brief call to Microsoft in certain cases.

I have achieved this numerous times with Windows Vista, and the same applies to Windows 7.