upgrading Vista x86 to x64

I just bought an hp dv2225nr (dv2000 series) and a gateway (the other for a loved one). My hp didn't come with any disks instead forces you to use your own disc to make "recovery only" disc. The gateway however came with all ready made recovery and upgrade anytime disc, now since all vista upgrade disc are the same I am wondering if I can upgrade my home Premium x86 to x64 with my existing serial number or how does that work? Will I go through re-activation or am i stuck with x86? I'm afraid of the new harsher authentication processes, I don't want to have to call Microsoft and have them tell me I've just invalidated my license or something. I've googled but I get too many differing articles since vista is so new. Bear in mind I have my mind set on upgrading to x64 so don't talk me out of it, I run XP x64 on my desktop and love it. Why doesn't hp still to this day (the last hp i bought was in 1998) not INCLUDE disc instead of making people burn them on there own. Any help is appreciated, I can't wait to upgrade to deal with getting rid of all this hp bloatware.

Doug

 

Sorry. The scenario of upgrading from x86 to 64-bit is never supported. You will be forced to perform a clean installation.

Currently, only 64-bit is allowed to upgrade to 64-bit.

Thanks.

 

To the best of my knowledge, neither system you have includes a x64 disc. The "all discs are the same argument" that is repeated everywhere is somewhat correct, but only really true of retail copies. The OEM versions that HP and Gateway use can be modified heavily from the standard discs. Also, x64 is only included in the retail versions of Ultimate edition, and is on a separate disc. All other retail purchasers have to send away for it, and OEM copies are purchased as either 32-bit or 64-bit. Sorry.

 

Great info guys, thanks. I suppose until time comes for my desktop to be upgraded, I'll live in a 32-bit vista. It may still have a few bugs but it runs rather smoothly. Thanks again!