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    How do you upgrade to 64 bit vista and "flash the BIOS"

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by AmyP, Apr 18, 2009.

  1. AmyP

    AmyP Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm thinking about this laptop.

    Looking through the reviews, a lot of people suggest you upgrade to Vista 64 bit and that "flashing the BIOS" is necessary to solve a freezing issue. Just wondered, how do you go about doing these things, just so I'm prepared to do it when I get it?

    Do you have to purchase or download something extra, and where would I get them from?
     
  2. mullenbooger

    mullenbooger Former New York Giant

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    Vista 64 you'd have to buy and install. To flash the bios, you'd probably have to download something from MSI. Try the MSI forum, they probably have some more info.
     
  3. nacr05

    nacr05 Extreme Overclocker

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  4. nu_D

    nu_D Notebook Deity

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    Regarding Vista 64-bit:

    The reason they suggest that is because you have 4GB of memory in your system and the 32-bit version of Vista can only read about 3.3GB while the 64-bit can read all 4GB. I guess the 64-bit upgrade would be optimal, but well, let's just say you might be better of just sticking with the 32-bit version. I am assuming that you're not exactly an expert in dealing with computers and such, so therefore the 32-bit version will be easier on you, you don't have to worry about any potential compatibility issues or looking for special 64-bit versions of software.

    Now. If you still want to go on with the upgrade--->
    http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx
    Order yourself the 64-bit DVD and go ahead and install it. Or... you can always "obtain" a copy through various methods on the internet which some might deem as being illegal.

    Is it worth the hassle, IMO, heck no. You're really not going to see any noticeable difference....
     
  5. AmyP

    AmyP Notebook Enthusiast

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    Well after doing a bit of research it looks like a couple of the programs I plan to run have compatibility issues with 64 bit, so I'll probably just stick to the 32. Seems a awful waste to have that extra gig for nothing tho...

    Thanks for the help! I didn't mean to come off sounding like a noob, though. I'm sure I could have found out this information by googling instead of asking a question on here (I didn't even try). Chock one up to laziness. Sorry.