Legit Vista 64 bit on 1530

Hey all, I just got my xps m1530 with 4GB RAM and am looking to get the most out of it.

I ordered it with Vista Home Premium, but now I want to install a 64 bit Vista on it (preferably Ultimate). How do I go about this without paying $100+ to buy Vista Ultimate 64 bit and still end up with a "legit" version of it that won't cause me trouble. I have a burned version of Vista Ultimate 64 bit on a DVD. Can I just use the serial number from the Vista that came with the laptop, do I have to buy an upgrade disk or something, or what? Thanks

 

Someone can post a link to order the 64-bit media disk for $15.99. That's what I did.

 

All Vista DVD's are the same for every version.

No, there is no way to get Windows Ultimate for nothing. That is called stealing. Vista Ultimate is nothing to be impressed about anyway. Complete waste of money.

Use the serial number for your Home Premium on your Vista 64 Ultimate disk. Any Vista Disk can install any version.

 

Like KidInTheHall said, you can order a set of 64-bit discs from Microsoft. Technically, only retail Home Premium licenses come with the option to upgrade to 64-bit, but Microsoft doesn't seem to care if you do it with an OEM license.

 

Thanks a lot, guys. Could someone post the link for the 64 bit DVD please?

 

I thought you could not use the key from your Home Premium to install and properly activate/restore activation on the Ultimate system.
I know the license key is not bound to 32- or 64-bit version of the same OS, but it differs for different versions of Vista.
Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

Yes, that is the way I understand it. There is no difference between the x86 or x64 licenses for each product edition. An Ultimate license is an Ultimate license, regardless.

So for example, if your computer came installed with Home Premium x86 and it has a Home Premium license, you can install Home Premium x64, providing you have the OEM software for Home Premium x64.

 

So if I have a Home Premium license I can't install Ultimate with it?

 

You cannot use the license from Home edition to legally activate Ultimate edition.

 

Actually, if you by any chance get the Dell Vista Ultimate OEM edition, it activates via the BIOS, so if you have that version, the Ultimate is automatically activated, and you can receive all the benefits of the legit version (updates, Ultimate Extras etc.) except for the M$ customer support (well...obviously....you'll have to call Dell if you have any problems).

All OEMs use the same CD-Key, and if your BIOS support the OEM upgrade (m1330 and m1530 does), then you can just get the Ultimate Installation disc from Dell (or somewhere) and install w/o need for activation (or CD-Key).

PS. the CD-Key on your Dell is just for the shows...if you use the Vista Reinstallation disc that comes with your Dell to reinstall windows on a DELL, you don't actually need to enter the key, it is activated automatically. The key is only useful if you actually try to install from vanilla vista (which I have no idea why anyone would..).

 

What specifically do you want that Ultimate has that Home Premium doesnt? Do you want it just because its Ultimate? Or because it actually has a use that Home Premium doesn't?

Check out:
http://loytty.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!D38B786E8EA7A572!36893.entry

 

ultimate has more security features and more networking options........ home premium does not allow youto join your systms to network domains there are afew other differnce. i suggest u got to the micorsoft website look for vista and then view the comparissons. Just be aware that VISTA ULTIMATE IS NOT THE SAME AS PREMIUM no matter what other uninformed posters post.

 

If you go to the site below you can see the comparisons of the vista editions........


http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx

 

No, Ultimate is not the same as Premium. For only $200 more, it gives +2 to charisma, and the chicks all dig it.

 

intresting concept .. yet not so great coment. I am merely pointing out that there are major differences. If you are just an average home user home premium will work for you. If you plan to do business type networking and security ulimate is a good way to go or maybe even vista business..... I was trying to provide info and help the person that started the post. I notice on a lot of the threads I read here people ask for help and then someone comes out the woodwork and either belittles the person or hurls insults. Can we please stick to helping and not hurting others

 

I think Lithus was just haing a bit of fun with ya is all....

 

Oh, sorry. Forgot to mention the drawback, it also causes -3 to humorbone.

 

Alright thanks for the info guys, and don't start arguing. I appreciate it, even the humour. Although what alynch says is true.. I have noticed it too.

Is windows marketplace even selling the 64 bit DVD's anymore?

 

They were a few weeks ago - I got a 64-bit Ultimate disk w/o a license key for $15.99. I got lucky I guess. Now the disk option is not even there. Me thinks it might be due to SP1? Maybe they are buring new disks w/SP1??

 

I just ordered a an XPS1530 and want to put Vista Ultimate 64 bit on it. I have an unused Vista Ultimate license/key but the disc only has 32-bit on it. Where can I download Vista Ultimate 64 bit with SP1? Thanks!

Wait... I think I found where you can order:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

UPDATE:
Hmmm.. it says "No Offer Found".

So where can I get 64 bit?

 

The links above on My Digital Life do not work any longer - check out this thread for updates: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=240320

 

Thanks for the link.

 

Thanks. Looks like it will let me order using my Vista Business key instead of the previous key I tried, but it says it will be the 64-bit version of Vista Business. Will the 64-bit media that they will send also be able to install Home Premium or Ultimate if I have the correct key?

 

I currently have an XPS 1530 in production... it's coming with Ulimate (was part of the package, honestly I wanted Home but w/e) and I'll be upgrading to 4 GB RAM when I get it, it has the T8300 as well...

my question is, I've read a lot of posts about how 64 bit doesn't support a lot of drivers and hardware... but a lot of those posts were a year ago so, has a lot changed? should it be safe to run 64 bit?

and another little question... why is 64 bit called x64... but 32 bit called x86? just curious

 

Yes, supposedly (but I have not tried it yet) all 64-bit versions are on each disk. That's what I have read many times!

 

You should not have any problems getting all of the drivers you need from the Dell site and my short experience with upgrading a 1720 was positive. Even my 7 year old HP OfficeJet was supported. Unless you are using some odd or old programs, I don't think you will have any problems. You should see other threads about 64-bit on Dell's.