can i get a 64bit vista home premium free?

Hi,
Sorry if this has been ask before, but can I get a free 64bit version of the vista that came with my asus? I tried entering my product key into the Windows Vista Alternate Media website, but it says no offers avaiable. Can I get it from asus? thanks for any help!

 

The stuff that comes with your system is OEM.

Unfortunately its one or the other. The G50 for instance comes with 64bit, while the M50 comes with 32bit. The key is embeded and only good for that version.

Full retail Vista however the key and license are good for both versions. All versions except Vista Ultimate come with the 32bit disk, but inside your case will be a card that tells you that if you need the 64bit disk to go to a Microsoft website and order it for free, you still have to pay shipping & handling tho so its like $10.

I did this for my home premium upgrade disk (yes even the upgrade disks offer this, so that's the cheapest way go to)

I heard somewhere that the OEM versions even tho they are supposed to only have a key & license for on specific type of windows that if you do try to use the key for the other version it will work. I don't know for sure and cant confirm it and tell you on these forums since its not in theory legal. So find a friend with a 64bit disk and try at your own risk.

 

Nope. If 32-bit Windows Vista was preinstalled on your machine, that's what you're stuck with because of the OEM product key.

EDIT: And Vicious beat me to it.

 

ok, thanks for the info. guess I might as well get the 64 bit ultimate.

 

Are you sure you want to upgrade to a 64-bit OS? It really isn't worth the hassle (or extra money to pay retail) unless you need it for a specific special application.

 

Yeah. You get 4GB fully usable by Windows and a variety of other smaller things

 

You make it sound like 64bit is a whole new OS. There is practically no difference between them other than larger addressing space and little security features along with it. This is why manufacturers will offer you 64bit version of Vista for no extra cost.

Ive used my OEM 32bit Vista HP key to go to 64bit with no issues since the start of this year. Its been authehticated by Windows Update.

Manufacturers like Dell have already announced that you can choose between 32/64bit media. You can request for it, for an extra cost.

The reason Microsoft wont give you the free alternate 64bit media is because you didnt pay a premium price like retail version. OEM products have no support, thats what makes them cheap.