upgrade to x64 OS

I have a P-172x-FX running vista home premium 32bit and I want to upgrade to x64 because I have 4gb or RAM and was going to do a clean install of windows soon anyway. My problem is that the CD that came with the computer only contains the OEM version of home premium 32bit. I talked to gateway and they couldnt send me an x64 bit CD and I went to the Microsoft site and submitted my vista serial and requested a x64 disk but they cannot send me one because my computer is running the OEM version of the OS. Where can I get an x64 image to re-format my machine with?

 

The only thing I can think of is that you can POSSIBLY get a copy from a friend and during the installation use YOUR license.

I don't know if that would work, but it seems as if it should. Based on your post, however, it sounds like you don't know anybody with a copy of x64...so I think this post is probably worthless...

EDIT: I'm too lazy...read through this post to see if it helps.

 

Try to get a system disk with 54/32 bit vista from gateway, or a freind, its OEM no need for a licence or key, and yes you will need to do a full reinstall.

 

OEM version of Windows still include license keys. Most "restore" disc's do all the installations for you and it puts the license key in. Once you connect online, you will get an "invalid license" message from Microsoft of you duplicate a license.

Most of the time, PC manufacturers put the license key on the system itself somewhere on their "Microsoft Certification" sticker.

EDIT: I stand corrected as I was not aware that all OEM license keys for the OS were the same. I was basing my statement off the Vista disc that was included with my 7811-FX which DOES require you to input the license key (not the restore disc but a fresh install disc included by Gateway with the system).

 

Not true, I have 4 FX's, and use the same OEM Vista 64bit on all of them, I did not need to enter any license key as Gateway has a OEM license. They do this for many reasons, one of which is for easy reinstallation of the OS for the end user who may not be computer savy like us. The "License" is embedded basically in your motherboard, during install it checks to make sure you are installing on a "Gateway", that's why the Gateway OS will not be valid on a Dell for example.

 

ok Question then, I have a friend with a 64bit Business edition of vista, If I try and install that will my system detect that I am install Business edition and will my OEM key for Home Premium work with that or can I only install the 64bit version of home premium?

 

no, you can only install a gateway OS disk without using a key, if you want to install another version, you will need to get or buy one with a unused key.

 

It depends. If it is a "full/upgrade" version purchased without purchasing a new PC, then yes. Microsoft includes all "versions" of Vista on their disc (basically disabling features your license does not allow). On this version, just make sure you have your license key as you will be required to enter it manually.

If it is an OEM version...I have no idea.

EDIT: If it is an upgrade version, you will have to Google the "upgrade" trick (basically allowing you to use an upgrade disc as a fresh install) to install it OR install a copy of XP first. Again, ensure you have YOUR license key first.