Different types of upgrade discs?

I read the clean install without activation, but must have missed something along the way. Is there a different type of upgrade disc for XP to Vista than upgrading from Vista to different versions of Vista? I want to make sure I am looking at the proper disc before purchasing. There are several on eBay, all look to be the same type of disc. My goal is to do the clean install, and if possible go from 32 to 64 bit now that I have 4 GB of ram and a t9300 to install.

Sorry for being a dense older guy, I didn't mean it... honest. If I have to read it for myself someplace and dig it out, that's ok. Please point me to where.

 

Items like this, for instance

http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-Windo...320520764QQptZUSQ5fSoftwareQQsalenotsupported

 

The license key decides what type of install(upgrade/full) and which Vista version(Home Premium, Business etc) it installs. The regular retail Vista DVD's or these Anytime discs are no different except for the packaging. You should be fine to use these anytime upgrade discs to do a clean install following Vista reinstallation guide.

 

The license key on the bottom of my notebook? And there are different discs for 32 and 64 bit, right? What about getting a key for another version besides the one that's installed now? I have 32 bit home premium (like a lot of folks)

 

Yeah, the discs are different for 64 bit nd 32 bit. You can use the key stuck to the bottom of your notebook or use the abr backup tool as suggested in the Vista clean install guide. If you want to install another version of Vista then you will have to purchase a new license key. The keys work for both 32 bit and 64bit editions as long as you install the same version.

 

How does one purchase said key? And would a purchased key work with a "copy" of the 64-bit disc?

Thanks for your help, miner!

 

You can purchase it several ways...

1. The key is included in the DVD. Newegg has several options from OEM to retail DVD's...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N=40000368&SrchInDesc=Vista&Tpk=Windows Vista

2. Purchase it from the Microsoft store...
http://store.microsoft.com/home.aspx

3. If you are a student and have a valid .edu email address, you can get Vista Ultimate for $65...
http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

The keys work for both 32 bit and 64 bit as long as you install the same version the key is meant for(as in say key is for 32bit Vista Business, you can install 64bit Business using the same key)

 

So then if I have, say 32bit home premium and I want to install 64bit home premium, I can do it with my existing key... as long as I do a clean install at that time with a 64bit disc?

Just trying to gather as many facts as I can and prepare for any eventuality, this is my only computer so if I have a problem I'm really screwed and can't get any help. I have both 32bit and 64bit discs coming, so maybe I can experiment... clean install w/32bit first and see how that works, later do 64bit.

 

Yeah, thats exactly what I did with my Vista Business license which originally shipped with 32bit business and used it to install and activate 64 bit Vista Business.

I presume you are going to use the key on the bottom of the laptop for which you might (not always) have to call in and activate since large OEM's pre-activate the systems. In any case you should still have the restore DVD's and they should act as your back up plan.

 

hey miner do you know where i can get a 64 bit upgrade disc? most of the ones on ebay seems to be 32 bit or they aren't clear what kind it is

 

Sorry, no idea. Maybe gtotripower might be able to help. I got mine when my brother purchased a license through the Ultimate steal website.

 

miner, do you think it would work having the key saved with the activation backup (ABR) method which is mentioned elsewhere on this site?

I bought this dv9535nr Spt. 2007 and never made a recovery disc at that time, a mistake I'll never make again (along with getting it from a big box store). BestBuy made discs, which I have, but which would also contain the stuff I want to rid myself of with a clean install. I have a disc I bought from HP but have heard that's not necessarily a good way to go, either. I have both 32bit and 64bit discs coming (bought on eBay) and will do some experimenting. I have a faster CPU and 4GB ram I'd like to go with eventually, and then when that 500GB Seagate comes out.... well, you see where I'm going.

 

Yes, abr will also work. I have used it on my tx2500 to go from 64bit stock Vista to 32 bit, so vice versa should work fine as well.

The restore DVD's contain bloatware but atleast you will have a way to get back the system to factory state in any eventuality.

 

kevinf, if you email the sellers and ask, they should be able to tell you what versions they have if their ads are a bit vague. The auction I won for 32bit (actually a buy it now so I bought it) said to ask about 64bit, so I sent an email inquiring. I was told he had copies of the 64bit disc for $10 so I'll be getting both discs from the same source. That was on Friday, and if you search under "completed listings" maybe you can find the seller and he might have more of what you seek.

 

Thanks miner, you helped a fellow West Virginian (gone from there many years, originally from Beckley though)..

Montana Semper Liberi (sp)

 

kevinf here is a new auction, same seller. 64bit is mentioned so email him and ask.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Windows-Vis...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318