Is this possible?

Well I picked up the M-6862 for my dad (at the price tag of 425 + tax, I just couldnt say no).

The thing is, my dad will not need the 4 GB of RAM on here. My laptop, the M-152XL, only has 3 GB of RAM so im thinking maybe ill swap a 2 GB stick with a 1 GB stick from his to my laptop since I am more likely to put it good use.

My question is, do you think its possible/legal to take the 64 bit Vista on my dad's gateway and putting it on my gateway while giving him the 32 bit Vista thats on my gateway? I know cdkeys are OEM branded, or w/e you wanna call it, but since both of them are gateways, should this be a problem?

Any input is appreciated.

 

NO! If the Law matters to you. And this thread might get closed. OEM OS license is only sold for one machine, the one it was installed on. If you had a retail version you could run on any system as long as only installed on one at anytime.

 

Oh ok, was just wondering, dun hurt me!

I wonder if Gateway will provide me a CD/CDKEY for downgrading from 64 bit to 32 bit then; my dad really doesnt need the hassle of a 64 bit system.

 

Lol, why dont you just switch pc's? Transfer your files n other stuff over.

 

Because
1) He thinks blue is not proffessional (my laptop is blue vs his gray)
2) Mine has a T8300 vs his T5750
3) I dont really NEED 4 GB of ram, none of us do really. It was just a thought

Now im just gunna try to see if I can downgrade his laptop from 64 bit to 32 bit(gunna call up Gateway and see what they say). Ill just swap out a 1x2GB stick into my brothers laptop, who only has 2x1GB sticks. Such a headache, ugh.

 

It might work. it might not, it's not legal but it might work.

 

Lakjin if you put 4GB's in your M-152XL and 32bit you might see a little over 3GB's? Also you would run symmetric/interleaved dual channel vs asymmetrical dual channel you are now running in? I am not saying needed or much improvement but well wouldn't hurt.

If your brother has Vista yea he would get more from the 2GB DIMM than you. If he is running XP 2GB's is enough.

And Lakjin don't worry I won't hurt you I have become a pacifist.

There goes the neighborhood. I see thread closure up ahead.

 

Try getting a similar version 32-Bit Vista Disc, install and activate via phone, or internet (if possible).

 

Ya hes running Vista, so I agree that 1x2GB stick will be put to best use in his laptop rather then mine or my dad's.

And I ask please, anyone refrain from posting anything that would get this thread closed. Im not trying to do anything illegal, rather just trying to find out if there are ways to get what I need to done, LEGALLY.

 

Well I do have 32-bit Vista OS cd that came with my gateway. On the CD it says "Only to go with Gateway computers", or something to that effect, so I dont think it should be a problem to try to use it to reinstall vista on my dad's laptop since it is a gateway. And this is the Vista OS CD, not a "restore to factory default" cd, so it asks me to input a cdkey when I am installing, therefore it is not system specific.

The problem might be that the cdkey for my dad's laptop is OEM-64 bit, so will it work with 32 bit? I know retail 32 and 64 bits have the same cdkey but I dont know about OEM.

 

Why not just leave the 64bit on his laptop with less than 4gb of RAM? It's not like he's going to run into any problems with it.

And if you want a 64 bit OS, all you need to do is find a 64 bit disc and enter the serial number on the bottom of your laptop.

 

Doesnt 64 bit run slower for everyday tasks then 32 bit? As far as I know, 64 bit Vista is only an advantage for programs that can utilize the 64 bit form, otherwise its just a problem. Not to mention compatibility issues for some select programs (the one I am thinking of right now is Adeona).

Its not that I want 64 bit OS on my laptop, but rather if its possible I would like to know in case in the futuer I decide to go that path. Just to confirm, the cdkey for my laptop will work in a 64 bit OS even tho its OEM-32 bit? And vice versa I assume? I have cds for both 32 and 64 bit, but I was thinking maybe the cdkeys are bit specific.

 

Ok, I feel really stupid right now.

Someone pointed out that, apparently, the computer vista OS cd that came with the M-6862, has BOTH 32 and 64 bit on it, and the computer comes with a piece of paper that has instructions on how to get to 32 bit. I just assumed that the M-6862 would be the same way as my M-152XL, i.e. only having CD/Support for the specific 32 or 64 bit windows it came with, so I didnt even bother to look through the documents.

Man do I feel stupid. I guess that issue is moot now.

 

also whoever told you 64 bit OS is slower for everyday tasks is wrong. There is no noticeable difference between the two.

And I used my OEM 32bit cd key to activate 64bit Vista.