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    Can I install a 64-bit Windows 7 over Vista 32-bit?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Gunsmith_Cat, Jan 22, 2009.

  1. Gunsmith_Cat

    Gunsmith_Cat Notebook Evangelist

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    Hi all,

    I am currently running Vista Home Premium x32 and have been considering an upgrade to a 64-bit OS so that my 4GB RAM could be fully recognised and utilised (I was told that a 32-bit Vista only utilises up to 3GB if you have 4GB or more).

    I am hearing a lot of mixed things about Win 7 and wondered if it was worth a try. Is it even possible to install a 64-bit version of the new OS over a 32-bit version of Vista?

    What happens about my 32-bit drivers? Will an installation of the public beta test of Win 7 in a 64-bit version detect my hardware and search for 64-bit drivers to install for me? (I saw on a You Tube review that it detects and installs drivers really well).

    I'm just worried that things will start crashing and freezing if the 32-bit drivers remain on my system if I were to trial the new OS in 64-bit.

    Please let me know your thoughts... and throw any advice you have at me. I don't have much knowledge of OS bit upgrades and what would happen to everything I already have installed.

    Thanks!
     
    Gunsmith_Cat, Jan 22, 2009
    #1
  2. Qwakrz

    Qwakrz Notebook Consultant

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    I don't think you can upgrade from Vista 32 to any 64bit O/S as the directory structure changes. All 32 bit apps under Vista 64 / Windows 7 appear in a folder called Program Files (x86) and the registry has an extra branch for 32bit programs.

    I think you would be doing a clean install and re-installing all your applications if you do want to use W7 64bit.
     
    Qwakrz, Jan 22, 2009
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  3. upurscore

    upurscore Newbie

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    I agree with Qwakrz. You would probably have to do a fresh install.
     
    upurscore, Jan 22, 2009
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  4. Full-English

    Full-English Notebook Deity

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    As said above, windows 32 bit won't let you upgrade to a 64 bit. A fresh install is in order.

    What you could do, is dual boot. Leave your 32 bit vista there, then install windows 7 on a different partition. That way, you've got your 64 bit OS (with 4gb RAM) till the beta expires, by then, another beta or RC may be out, or if you like it that much, wait till it's released. This way you still have vista x86 to fall back on. I wouldn't consider using windows 7 as your only OS purely for the fact it is a beta, you never know what problems your going to encounter.
     
    Full-English, Jan 22, 2009
    #4