upgrading m17x to 64 bit

so im going to update my m17x using findvikas's guide(awsome guide very easy to follow!. but i have a few questions on installing vista/setting the HDD up.(Ive never installed an OS or partitioned a HDD before so i don't know anything about what to do lol)

can i just get the OEM version of vista 64bit, or if i get the retail version will it also let me upgrade my other computers with it later to?

also i got MS office with the m17x will it let me install it again into 64bit vista since i think it was the OEM version? same thing with McAfee

How would i format my HDD to install vista do i just do it in vista? and how i partition my HDD so i could have like 30Gb i think to still have the 32 bit version on it. i have dual 250Gb HDDS set up in raid 0

 

Bump? to make it simpler basically what im asking is it possible to do this.
1.make 2 partitions on my HDD on for 64bit then a 30GB one for 32bit
2.will it let me install MS Office again on the 64 bit even though its OEM
3.how many computers can you install OEM onto?
4. how would i partion my HDD to do this?
(both versions of vista are OEM, 32 bit is from AW)

 

anyone??? does no one now how i would partition my HDD for this and if ill be able to reinstall MS office on 64 bit?

 

1. Yes. It is possible to have two partitions with both versions of Vista.
2. If Alienware has provided you with a MS Office CD, then you should be able to install it on the 64-bit partition.
3. Not quite sure on this. Try it out.
4. http://apcmag.com/how_to_dualboot_vista_with_xp__stepbystep_guide_with_screenshots.htm?page=1

Refer to that guide to learn how to partition your HDD and dual boot with versions of Vista. I realize it says "How to dual-boot with Vista and XP (with XP installed first)" but the steps are essentially the same.

 

1. Very possible.
2. Shouldn't be a problem. Worst case, it'll trigger the activation mechanism, and then you'll just have to call Microsoft for the override code and tell them that you're re-installing Microsoft Office on the same computer.
3. According to the EULA, you can only install an OEM copy onto the system you bought it with.
4. While you're installing Vista, when picking the partition to install onto, you should be able to repartition at that time. You'll probably have to delete all existing partitions, create new partitions, and format them.

 

thank you! one more thing is there any benefit of getting the retail version of vista over OEM?

 

Yeah you can install it on any machine

EDIT: to add some meaning to post as well..

Sometimes OEMs put all the crap software on your CD and they can also remove some part that you may like. Retail version has every single thing shipped from MS. But in case you like some software that come with your OEM you will miss that. At times OEM disks also has any special RAID, SATA or other drivers that your system may need and retail version will have generic versions of drivers.