Is it possible to alter an OEM 32-bit installation of Win7 to 64-bit using the same key?

Hey all,

I have a question. Let's say I have a Dell that shipped with an OEM copy of Win7 32-bit and the dvd that shipped with it is also only for 32-bit. Is it possible to clean install a 64-bit version of Win7 and apply the Dell OEM license to it so I can run Win7 in 64-bit mode?

 

You can download a free copy of Windows 7 64bit from here. (Not Illegal either)

 

That doesn't answer my question. I didn't ask where I can download a copy of Windows 7 legally, I was asking whether it's possible to replace a Win7 32-bit installation with a 64-bit installation using the same OEM license as long as I install the equivalent version (e.g. Home Premium, Pro, etc)

 

It's definitely not possible. There's no way an universal key would work on both 32 and 64 bit versions of same OS. The key magically knows where it was used first and refuses to install on anything else after that.

Or, maybe it just works. If you want to be certain, you could do some searching in this forum to find multiple threads about the same thing

 

That one license key you have, can install either 32bit or 64bit, AFAIK.

 

Microsoft shipped the student version Win7 Home Premium/Pro with both the 32-bit and 64-bit disks. The license key works for both.


I'm not so sure about OEM licenses. I guess it's down to looking around. I visited the sticky threads and even went back a page or two...nothing. Guess it's time to start hammering the search function.

 

"The Key' knows nothing.

Microsoft knows what OS and hardware signature/inventory a key was used to activate and will refuse to activate other installations.

So, if you have already used your student version key to activate a 32 bit install, the msft servers will refuse to activate another install even on the same hardware. 32 or 64 bit, makes no difference.

You might however be able to call the msft activation help line and plead your case. The msft people might be able/willing to invalidate your previous installations and 'reset' your key. If this happens you are back to square one AND your previous 32 bit install will be black-listed as being now invalid. One OS, one key, one machine. One ring to rule them all (sorry, couldn't resist).

Choose wisely, grasshopper.

 

Oh no, I'm more concerned about an OEM version installation. Dell still ships some notebooks with 32-bit Win7. Why? I don't know! If given the option, it would be nice to be able to switch to Win7 using the same key!

 

OEM keys are usually issued by the OEM System Builder and are generally tied to a hardware config and OS version including the 32 or 64 bit question.

Why not call Dell to see if you are entitled to some kind of upgrade to 64 bit? Any responses you get here will be guesses as to what Dell might be willing to do for you.

 

Unfortunately, that is probably the case:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com...l/thread/5ccbb066-51ae-45bf-a521-116cc8567afa
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=1514&page=2

Retail licenses are for both 32 and 64bit, but it looks like OEM licenses aren't.

 

Thanks for the input guys! Mods, feel free to close thread.

 

A bit odd considering that on most Dell laptops I've seen,a 64bit "upgrade" is usually 0$.

Also I could've sworn many people in the MSI forum had used their keys to install 64bit versions of their Windows(it was Vista though), but then again, idk if MSI uses OEM keys or retail ones.

 

Technically OEM licenses are both. Key works in both versions.

Official stand was that switch to another version is supported IF the OEM provides restore disc/drivers for both versions.

Of course that doesn't mean that user cannot install other version by himself. It means that manufacturer/system builder does not need to provide drivers to any other version than the one machine was shipped with unless it wants to.

 

I have done the same thing you ask. You can read it:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=6170268&postcount=27