Hopefully simple Vista Ultimate 64-bit upgrade question

I recently purchased this from CompUSA:

http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=M17-1130

It clearly states:
This item can upgrade Windows Vista from a 32-bit to a 32-bit version or a 64-bit to a 64-bit, but NOT from 32-bit to 64-bit or 64-bit to 32-bit.

So I upgrade Home Premium from 32-bit to 64-bit, I got all of the drivers working etc...

I open up the package from CompUSA and it the disc label reads:
This disc contains 32-bit software only.

I try to install it anyway. After entering in my product key it states that I cannot upgrade, only a clean install is allowed (listed in bullet form), paraphrased:

* You are trying to install Vista Ultimate SP1 from Home Premium, you need to install SP1 for Home Premium
* You are currently running a 64-bit Home Premium and are trying to install 32-bit Vista Ultimate SP1, please install a 64-bit Vista Home Premium before continuing.

Yes it says please install a 64-bit (!) - is that just a really bad message, did CompUSA screw up with what they are displaying on their page? Should I call up or visit CompUSA to find out what the heck is going on? Will installing Home Premium SP1 get me any closer to getting this install to work?

 

So you had Home Premium 32 bit and want to upgrade to the Ultimate, x64 with the same key?
Cause I don`t quite follow.
If that`s the case,it won`t work. The same key works for the same Windows type,be it 32 or 64 bit ONLY.

 

Yeah that is wrong, it is well known that the 32-bit key works for the 64-bit installation, I installed 64-bit Home Premium last night and it works fine.

I bought the upgrade from Vista Home Premium to Vista Ultimate SP1, you are supposed to be able to upgrade from 32-bit to 32-bit or from 64-bit to 64-bit but not from 32-bit to 64-bit or 64-bit to 32-bit.

I am going to try downloading Vista Home Premium SP1 now.

 

Installing SP1 (64-bit) now. Going to MSFT's site there does not look to be separate purchasable upgrades for 64-bit vs. 32-bit. So I am hoping the same CD (err DVD) does the job.

 

Frustrating...so I installed SP1 - it took a while, over an hour!

This is the message I get:
- The upgrade cannot be started because you are running a 64-bit version of Windows and are trying to upgrade to a 32-bit version. Cancel this upgrade and start over with a 64-bit version of Windows.
- You cannot upgrade from a non-staged build to a staged build.

Is there such a thing as 64-bit Ultimate upgrade? I cannot find it online.

 

Hi.

try this download it`s the 64bit version.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...4b-32b2-41cc-bd8b-d71eda5ec07c&DisplayLang=en

regards

John.

 

To upgrade to 64-bit, you'll need to do a clean install. You'll need:

- 64-bit Vista DVD
- 64-bit Vista key
- SP1 for x64

Evvverything must be 64-bit.

PS; I wouldn't advise upgrading. Clean installs are... cleaner.

 

yeah I am doing a 32-bit clean install using the upgrade disc (cheaper and less hassle then buying the 64-bit version), then I will "upgrade" to 64-bit, what a hassle. I created the ISO last night for the 64-bit Home Premium - I guess I have to do that all over again for Ultimate, hopefully it does not give me grief about my key which was for Home Premium - what a headache.

 

Bah I cancelled - that I will just return the upgrade disc for the 64-bit clean install copy