64 bit questions

Hi my main problem is will my os (vista 32-bit) use 4gb of ram or if i have to upgrade to vista 64 bit to do so. I have searched forums and phoned dell and now i'm just plain confused. Do i need an Amd or other particular prossesor to run a 64 bit os, do i need special memory(eec), and if my system does support 64bit vista do i need to purchase home premium again?

Thanks for any responses.

Sinbad

 

Core 2 Duo's are 64bit compatible and yes you need to buy the 64bit version of Home Premium to be able benefit from all 4GB of RAM. The only version of Vista that comes as both 32 and 64 is Windows Vista Ultimate.

 

The OEM are 32 or 64bits tied (although the key under your laptop is unactivated, so you can use it if you have a 64bits Vista DVD).

The retail keys are not tied, but the 64bits DVD is only included with Ultimate, for the others you need to order it for $10/get through the other way

 

JCMS is correct about the Vista serial being both 32 and 64bit, but it depends if the version of Vista is retail or OEM. The retail is not activated so it can be used for both 32 and 64bit and only requires the 64bit Vista Home Premium DVD, however the version of Vista that comes with notebooks are OEM versions. OEM versions are specific; they're either 32 or 64bit. Since the laptop you purchased came with a Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit then it will only be 32.

 

You can switch back and forth if you have the 64-bit media and can backup and restore the activation. See my clean install guide for details (in my sig).

PS. there are (legal) ways to get the 64-bit media without buying a new license. That's also covered in my guide.

 

How did this ever become a poll? I'm gonna vote, no to polls.

yes you can run 64 bit OSes. If you bought a computer within the past two years, then you should be able to use a 64 bit OS.

 

you can use AMD 64 bit or core 2 duo processor of intel they sport the 64 bit window.

 

i bought a computer 1 year ago...it doesn't have 64 bit support....

 

are u talking about your HP dv?

 

The key under your notebook is not the one that is used when using the Recovery DVD. If he didn't touch anything, the laptop is using his OEM's master key thus leaving his key unused. Orev has a software to backup activations anyway.

And all the retail versions can be switched between 32 & 64bits like you want

 

Agreed. Why is this a poll? It's pretty straightforward.

 

Will then thats pretty good to know that there are successful ways around this issue.

 

So even an oem license is good for a 64bit edition?

btw the only reason i included a poll is because the guy at dell could have sworn that my system only supports a 32bit os which would recognize all 4gb of ram.

 

tech support should be the last person you should be talking too. They just read whatever it says on the screen or their manual. They will try to get rid of you as fast as they can

If you processor is a Core 2 Duo, then its definately 64bit capable

 

I was going to post this link earlier, but decided it would be too technical for you, but I've since recanted on that determination and am posting it now.

Always check with the manufacturer of the hardware in question directly first. They know better than anyone else!

http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLA3T

According to Intel that processor supports Intel EM64T (Extended Memory 64; AKA INTEL 64 Bit Extentions or 64bit support).

As previously posted, any Intel Core 2 Duo supports EM64T. No current processor shipping from any manufacturer lacks 64bit support to my knowledge.

 

Technically the OEM license cannot be transferred to any OS other than the one it was installed with, but switching to a 64-bit version is still the "same" OS, it's just a different architecture. So as long as you install Home Premium, no matter if it's 32-bit or 64-bit, the key will work and activate.

Please see my clean install guide for more details about that.

 

yeah you can activate on x64 with orev's ABR software

lol somebody voted no in your poll

 

thanks for all the advice everyone, it really helped clear things up!