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    Can I install Windows 7 (32 bit) on a Vista (64 bit)

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by venkateshwr, Jan 25, 2010.

  1. venkateshwr

    venkateshwr Newbie

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    Hi

    I need to install Windows 7 (32 bit) on a Vista (64 bit). Will there be any problems in doing so?

    Thanks
    Venkat
     
    venkateshwr, Jan 25, 2010
    #1
  2. Muscle Master

    Muscle Master Notebook Consultant

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    Too make a long story short ... no
    Use a 32bit OS bit if you have 3GB of system or less and 64bit is for computers/lappys that uses 4GB of system memory or more
     
    Muscle Master, Jan 25, 2010
    #2
  3. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    You cant do an direct upgrade from Vista 32 to W7 64bit or vice versa. The Upgrade button will be dimmed out on the Installation Options. You will only be able to choose a custom install (aka clean install)

    See here:
    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7

    Also vice versa for the above.

    To do a proper clean install, you just need to format the partition prior to installing it.
     
    flipfire, Jan 25, 2010
    #3
  4. xTank Jones16x

    xTank Jones16x PC Elitist

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    I thought he is asking to install Win7 32-bit on Vista 64-bit?

    I thought if your machine comes with 64-bit, you can install either 32 or 64 bit. But if the computer is a 32 bit system, you can only install 32-bit, and not 64-bit?
     
    xTank Jones16x, Jan 25, 2010
    #4
  5. davepermen

    davepermen Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    no, it only matters what your processor supports. you can always install anything that your hw supports. if he has a cpu that can handle 64bit, he can install 32bit or 64bit how ever he want.

    any core2 handles 64bit, some atoms do, all amd cpus do. all in all, most systems of today do.
     
    davepermen, Jan 25, 2010
    #5
  6. xTank Jones16x

    xTank Jones16x PC Elitist

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    Ah, ok. I got some of my information mixed up.

    That brings me back to my first question. Isn't the OP asking if he can install Win7 32-bit on a Vista 64-bit computer? And some people are saying no?

    Obviously if the computer already has 64-bit installed, it can surely run Win7 32-bit. Although I don't know why you would want to downgrade, unless you don't have alot of RAM.
     
    xTank Jones16x, Jan 25, 2010
    #6
  7. davepermen

    davepermen Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    indeed, he surely can install it.

    he will just have to clean install i guess.
     
    davepermen, Jan 25, 2010
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  8. Melody

    Melody How's It Made Addict

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    There aren't any technical problems in doing what the OP asks. However, a clean install is the only way to accomplish what he wants (i.e. he can't do an upgrade).
     
    Melody, Jan 25, 2010
    #8