Upgrading from Ultimate 32-bit to 64-bit

Hey all,

So today, my master plan to have a kick-ass machine was crushed by lenovo (big suprise... awesome computer but crappy customer support IMHO). I have 4GB of RAM installed and I purchased 32-bit Ultimate Vista from them, in the hopes that I would be able to get a 64-bit CD later from them (in hindsight, I just should have asked for it right away, but I wasn't planning on upgrading to 4GB of RAM right out of the box and thought it wasn't necessary). The Lenovo Canada rep told me that they did not have a 64-bit edition of Vista Ultimate and that the CD key supplied to me for my 32-bit edition would not work. The reasoning behind this is that Lenovo can offer lower prices on their OS's by restricting it to only 32-bit and letting it work on only your computer (latter makes sense). Two questions arise:

1. I am just wondering if it is true because I have heard otherwise that it IS possible to get 64-bit using the same product key.

2. Can I use any copy of a CD for Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit or am I restricted to downloading it from the internet from the "Clean Install Guide (works for 32-bit or 64-bit)" (BTW... that guide is freaking awesome).

Sorry for the long post guys and gals, just wanted to make sure I covered all of my bases.

Cheers.

 

I believe this is correct as long as you're doing the same version.

I would think so, but again only if it's the same version. Might want to pick up the Anytime Upgrade disc.

 

Like zaz said it can only be done with the same version

 

NOOOO

You cant upgrade a 32bit OS to 64bit, you have to do a Clean Install with a 64bit OS disk b/c when you start the Upgrade the 64bit installer cannot see the 32bit OS install

 

Hey all,

Thanks all for the input so far. I already knew I need to do a clean install, the issue is with the actual key working on the 64-bit version or not. I do plan on still using Ultimate, so the same version is no issue as well. Any ideas where I can get one of the anytime upgrade discs in Canada??? I know Microsoft doesn't issue them anymore and eBay came up dry. Thanks again.

 

Yes the Ultimate 32 Key will work on Ultimate 64. In fact you can install any version of Vista with an ultimate key. Since you have a legal key I would look at torrent to get the Vista SP1 64 ISO.

 

Wait !!!

The key is an OEM key. The OP is going to have to have an OEM distribution such as Install everywhere or whatever it is.

A valid key is not valid universally, for example, I have MSDN distribution disks and an OEM key will not be valid and I learned that the hard way.

A valid 32 bit key will activate the same product in 64 bit. Lenovo told you incorrectly. They would not give me 64 bit disks only 32 bit disks because that's the way my machine shipped.

 

So after talking to 7 people at Lenovo and 3 at Microsoft, it looks like it is not possible. The OEM keys supplied are only for the individual installations, whether it be 64 or 32 bit. Since Lenovo doesn't offer Ultimate in a 64-bit version, the key will not work (both the way of using the supplied key from the Vista Clean Install Thread, or the one on the bottom of the system). So apparently the only way I can get ultimate 64-bit is with a $500 purchase... yay . Anyone have additional information I am missing??? Guess I'll just have to upgrade to a 320GB HD to get the performance increase I want. Cheers.

 

Try Orev's tool first. Then try a 64 bit disk with the key on the bottom. I know for a fact that both methods worked on my HP DV9700t.

 

Awesome. Okay... now I just need to get my hands on a copy of Vista Ultimate 64-bit and make a back-up of my computer in case it doesn't work hehehe.

 

FYI....All Vista disks have all versions. For example, a disk labled "Home Premium" will also have Ultimate. Just make sure the disk says "64 bit".

 

actually whats the difference btw 32bit and 64bit?

I also having 4gb ram install on t61p with 32 bit vista business edition here.

 

Hey,

You can read up on this discussion all over the forums, but basically, within 32-bit, only 4GB of memory can be addressed by the system. Since we both have 4GB of RAM, we can not use all of it because those addresses that are addressed by the OS include items on the BIOS, video memory, etc. In total, I can use 3069MB of RAM in Windows even though I have 4GB installed. For a more technical defintion, just type in "4gb RAM 32-bit" in the search box and you will get more results than you can count.

Cheers

 

Quick update. I was able to use ABR to export the OEM key and activiation certificate and 64-bit now works. Needless to say, I was pleasently suprised. So much for Lenovo knowing their stuff hehehe.

Cheers all and thanks!

 

It won't cost you anywhere near $500:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116215

Ooops, didn't read that you had solved the problem.