Upgrading Windows 7 from 32-bit to 64-bit on Lenovo Thinkpad.

Hi, I ordered a system from Lenovo Outlet with 8GB of ram(W510 model).
I noticed that the OS installed is Windows 7 Professional 32-bit. And as I have researched, I will probably only be able to use slightly less than 4gb of ram with the 32-bit OS.

So, is there a way to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit? I understand that I can use the same serial key for the 32-bit with the 64-bit, so that is not going to be a problem I'm hoping. Do I use Rescue and Recovery to perform a system recovery to factory settings and along the setup process, would it give me an option to choose between 32-bit and 64-bit?

If not, then do I have to download a 64-bit from somewhere, burn it to a DVD, and boot from the DVD using my serial key?

Thank you in advance.

Also, I will post my experience with the Lenovo Outlet as time goes along.

 

IIRC download a 64-bit from somewhere, burn it to a DVD, and boot from the DVD using serial key.

 

but does that mean I have to update the drivers manually?
My current T60 has Rescue and Recovery automatically install drivers upon clean install.

 

7 installs most (90%+) of drivers for you automatically. Enough to get up and running.

Then download the Lenovo System Update and it should install everything else if you don't want to choose things yourself.

 

There's no such thing as an upgrade when moving from 32 bit to 64 bit. It's a new install. Borrow the media from a friend and use your key.

 

The drivers aren't a problem. When you first boot, Windows 7 will have enough drivers to get you going at first. Then, you can choose to install Lenovo System update, or install drivers using Windows update. Either will install all the drivers you need, and Lenovo System Update is a more streamlined way of installing drivers and Lenovo's software. Believe me, I've clean installed Windows 7 many times by now (on three different computers) to know that they include enough drivers to get you up and running.

 

Than you all so mich
That solved everything!

 

I originally purchased a T410s with the 32 bit win 7 OS. I installed 4GB of ram and under the 32 bit system the computer only reads 3gigs of ram. That has been an issue since I tend to use a lot of ram and when it drops to about 600-800 mb of free ram for an extended period the colors on the screen get funky. I have to reboot to clear out the ram and return everything to normal. It's more of a pain than anything else and it doesn't happen all the time since I now keep an eye on my ram use. However I did pay for 4 Gigs of ram I might as well use them. So I'm thinking of upgrading to the 64bit OS.

During the "swap" to a 64 bit system does it replace just the OS leaving all of my programs intact or will I have to reinstall all of my programs again? I can search out the drivers like the previous posts have suggested I'm more interested if I will lose my data and programs. I know official windows upgrades keep all your information but is 32 to 64 and upgrade?

Thanks

 

^ 64 bit completely replaces 32 bit OS, you need to reinstall your programs. If you can't get your files onto an external HD, you can chose to allow the previous Windows install to stay on the hard drive as "Windows.old", that will keep your current files on the hard drive, but you still need to reinstall your programs (and it will waste space having the full OS but not being able to use it)

 

Ouch!

Thanks for the info jaakobi

 

Copy your user directory, zip them if possible and any other personal files you may have onto a DVD. Make sure to know where all of these files go.

Install the new OS and layered products.

Replace your directory on the DVD.

Renee

Replace additional user files.