Windows 7 64 bit on a Dell Studio 17

Hello,

I have Windows 7 Ultimate, versions 64 and 32... I would like to install the 32 bit on my Dell Desktop, which is 2 years old, but wondering if I can put the 64 bit version on my Studio 17, which is about a year old and currently running Vista Home Premium.

Any advice?

Thanks, Skyie

 

I am running Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit on a Studio 17. Everything works fine, hardware works just fine, for some devices I used drivers for Widnows Vista 64bit (some that didn't get recognised by Windows).

Two things that bothered me:

1. Touchpad driver. I was not able to use zoom and scroll, but got that fixed by installing the driver for Synaptic touchpad for Vista 64bit from Dell's website, rather than a CD that came with the laptop.

2. Dell QuickSet wouldn't work properly, but that as I read was a common bug for Studio 17, needed to shutdown the laptop, remove battery and unplug the A/C cable and leave it for 5-10 mins and re-plug back to normal.

Overall I'd say you a have green light to proceed with installation, the workaround for the problems above (if you ever encounter them too, I doubt) takes no more than 5 minutes.

Hope that helped
cheers

 

Did you do a clean install or a upgrade? I am leaning towards a clean install, I'm told that upgrading can cause issues... Thanks!

 

It sounds like you only have one install key. You cannot use the same key for 2 different machines even if the difference is 32bit vs 64bit. Maybe I am wrong at what you are asking.

 

I'm at loss at what you are saying?

7 beta yo can use one key many times

when you can buy 7 on the 22nd then yes only one key per use

and 32 bit and 64 bit are different skus so different keys.

but that has nothing to do with the thread.

 

It sounds like you did understand what I was saying. Just wanted to make sure you were not wanting to install on 2 different machines using the same key.

And by the way, retail Win 7 is one sku for 32 and 64bit with only one key. The one package includes both version for you, just choose which one you want to install and use for your machine.

Sorry about changing your question though...

 

Additionally, if you have Genuine Windows 7 Ultimate, either through MSDN, Technet, VLK, or as a gift for being and running a Windows 7 party, those keys will only allow installation on one system. The beta/RC keys can be used over and over, they're part of a pool of keys that Microsoft randomly assigned to beta testers, open release canidates, and test versions of the software. Final version of Windows 7 has been available since August 2nd. Retail release is this month, on the 22th.

 

I have license keys through TechNet..... Thanks though....

 

What OS is on it now - 32-bit or 64-bit? My Studio 17 was bought last January and if I remember, 64-bit Vista was the only option.

In any event, I've run release candidate and RTM with no issues whatsoever. Always done as clean installs. Where there was no Windows 7 driver available I used the Vista driver from the Dell website.

 

My Studio is 32 bit

 

OK - well assuming the memory and processor are fine for Windows 7 64-bit then you should have no problems at all. All the drivers you need are there, either directly for 7, or for Vista.

 

Apologies for such a late reply, I did a clean install. Upgrade was never an option for me.