Win 7 OEM, possible to switch between x32 and x64??

Hi All,

I remember it was possible to use ABR in the Vista clean install guide, to switch between x32 and x64. Is this possible in a Win 7 OEM install if I have a X64 disk?

Thanks!

 

It depends on the licence that you have. Some OEM Keys will allow and some will not. You can try it out and see if your licence works for both editions.

 

elixiash, thanks!

Seems a little strange. Luckily I havent't unwrapped the x32 i bought, I'll just return it.. Won't take that chance..

 

where can you check if you're eligible ?

 

I dont think there a site that allows you to check that. Maybe you can call Microsoft activation hotline to check for product suitability.

 

Although not with Windows 7 .... but I received my ThinkPad with Vista 32bit, and had no trouble installing Vista 64bit with the same key. As far as I know all keys are good for both versions of the operating system, both in Vista and Windows 7.

 

I think so.

Just like lenardg, my X61 comes with 32bit Vista and I had no problem putting a 64bit Vista on it using the same license key.

 

So the keys will work in both versions, as said previously.

The only thing with OEM versions is that OEM versions never include both media of the operating system. So if you buy an OEM version Windows 7 x64, that will only contain the x64 media.

The actual retail package (either full or upgrade version) will contain 2 discs in the case of Windows 7: 1 disc for the x86 (32bit) architecture and 1 disc for the x64 (64bit) architecture. All versions of Windows 7 that are sold in stores should come with 2 discs. You can use the included product key to install either one.

(sidenote: only Windows Vista Ultimate contained both discs in the retail package. Other versions of Vista were either 32 or 64 bit versions. But Vista keys themselves are valid for both versions! So even if you only got say the 32 bit version as a DVD, you can still use the same key if you manage to get a 64 bit installation disc.)

(sidenote2: do not be fooled that you get two discs, the retail package still only contains ONE licence to use the operating system. The exception to this is if you buy a family pack (available in certain territories around the world) which contain more than one licence. Basically: 1 key == 1 licence)

 

if you don't have the disk just try download one off the internet. as long as you're using a legal serial number it doesn't really matter where the disk is from.

and yes, afaik, you can use a 32bit s/n on a 64bit system, as long as it's the same version, e.g. oem win7 home premium, or volume licensing win7 professional, and so on

note : when you're looking for the disk on the internet make sure you get the correct version - oem s/n cannot be used on volume licensing disks, retail s/n cannot be used on oem disks, and so on.

 

i'll be getting an copy of window 7 with my x200t, will i be able to install it on the rest of my computers around at home with just one key?

 

What version windows do you want to activate? Did you buy it separaately, or did it come with the notebook? (If you purchased it, where did you?) I can give you a link from microsoft (Digital river media osmething?).

 

"if you don't have the disk just try download one off the internet. as long as you're using a legal serial number it doesn't really matter where the disk is from."


Using regular civilian windows, you're right it doesn't make a difference ...but to MSDN code it does make a difference.

Renee

 

That is a negative. First of all, you will probably not get an install media with your x200t, just the recovery partition on the computer. Even if you burn it to discs, it can be used to restore your x200t to factory default settings, but you cannot for example make a clean install of Windows with the restore media.

And besides, one retail / one OEM key can be used to install 1 copy of Windows. Especially with OEM keys you don't even get reactivations, since you are supposed to use that copy on only that one PC it was purchased with.

But generally if you have multiple keys, you can install from one disc onto many computers and use a different key for every one of them. So if you want to install W7 x64 on 3 computers you will need at least one disc with the x64 version of Windows 7 and three CD keys/serials.

 

if you have msdn subscription you can probably just download it off msdn...

plus i thought msdn is just (yet) another variation of the windows disks (like oem or vol and so on)

 

oh yes you do...otherwise how are you supposed to reinstall windows on your own computer? an oem disk can allow you to use that oem key to install windows

in theory, yes you can installed the same win7 on all your computers around the world, but that would just mean you're installing a pirated copy. so why not just find a pirated volume licensing key.

 

I have both T500 and Dell desktop installed with Win7 Pro 64-bit. And I'd like to upgrade them to Win7 Ultimate 64-bit because of multi-language features, what what options do I have? What is the cheapest way, please?

 

What I meant with reactivations is that on a different/changed hardware. If you use the same key with same hardware, I did not count that as reactivation. In that case you could even "transfer" your activation, without the need to contact Microsoft either by phone or internet.

 

You should probably check out Windows Anytime Upgrade.

Description of what it is:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-anytime-upgrade

Description on how to do it:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/upgrade-to-another-edition-of-windows-7-by-using-windows-anytime-upgrade

Might not be available in all regions around the world.

Also, you might be able to purchase Anytime Upgrade packs at a computer store.

 

oh...well, still, in real life, or at least from my experience, you can still reactivate windows on different/changed hardware

you might need to call microsoft, but a tiny lie will get you through

DISCLAIMER : YES, AS YOU PROBABLY GUESSED, THIS IS ILLEGAL