Questions about 64-bit Windows Vista..

I saw a thread about upgrading from Windows Vista 32-bit to 64-bit, and while it said that the keys of 32bit and 64bit are interoperable, it wasn't really answered whether or not one could use the key from an OEM Vista i.e. one could use an official Windows Vista Premium 32-bit key for a 64-bit one, although I want to know whether or not my Acer Vista Premium key would work..

Also, has anybody tried dualbooting two same OS's (for example Vista) that are 32-bit and 64-bit, or is it not allowed or something?

 

Dual Booting should work, I believe people have done it.

You willmost likely have to call Microsot for an activation key when using an OEM license.

 

Yes, dual booting should be possible. You might need two licenses for dual booting though. The way I understand is, you have 1 Vista Home Premium license. This license is good for Vista Home Premium 32-bit OR Vista Home Premium 64-bit but not both. Same applies to Vista Business and Ultimate. Of course that's how I always understood it...feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

That so? I'm not really sure if I'm willing to fresh-install a 64bit Vista, and I'm thinking about the compatibilities with programs etc., although if there is a way to just upgrade your 32-bit OS into a 64-bit one without altogether reformatting the computer, maybe I'll go for that..school's coming up again and I don't think I'd have the time to do a fresh install and download different drivers and stuff while doing so..

 

You have to fully reinstal - there is no way to just "upgrade":

 

you should be able to transfer the activation with the ABR tool you find on this forum. (activation backup and restore).

never tried to transfer the activation from a 32bit to a 64bit. but it should be possible, and dualboot should be possible, too.

 

I used my OEM Windows Vista Home Premium 32 bit key of my hp laptop and have successfully upgraded to Vista Home Premium 64 bit using a retaild disc downloaded from Microsoft and have activated online successfully.

Tip: when you click activate online for the first time, it will tell you that your license key is invalid, then it will prompt you to enter a new key, re-enter the SAMe key you have entered previously and try to activate again and it will work this time weird but it works.

Where's my rep point?

 

Okay, rep point it is. Haha. How did you upgrade to 64-bit? Made a fresh install over your 32-bit one? Is it possible to, for example, replace my 32-bit OS without removing the recovery partition, yada yada? Or should I just install in the 2nd partition?

EDIT:

I do think Microsoft offers WinVista 64bit for download, although I don't know where it is exactly. Can you provide a link?

 

All I did was insert the Vista 64-Bit DVD, restart your PC, then boot off it, upon getting the options to install, just choose to format your C:\ partition then install it there, you will have to start out fresh you cannot upgrade. make sure you got the 64 bit drivers from your manufacturer's website before doing this.

Just a lil tip, I always use Acronis True Image to make an image of my whole c: partition incase anything goes wrong you can always revert back to your previous partition within 12-15 minutes, I recommend you get it. I think they have a free version also which only works on Windows Vista which should be good enough for you

Lemme try to find you the links bro

 

check your PM dude

 

I've been looking to do this for ages so if you can point me in the right direction too MaXimus i'd be really thankful.

I've been told sometimes ringing Dell and asking for a 64bit disk also works, anyone had any experience of this?

 

I do it. I dual boot using my vista 64bit key.

 

yes - got the 64bit delivered for free in 2008.

 

What did you say? I'm a bit anxious about ringing them.
Would it matter if my laptop was out of warranty?