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    Vista 32-bit to 64-bit

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by dgposton, Oct 14, 2008.

  1. dgposton

    dgposton Notebook Consultant

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    I've heard conflicting information on how one would upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit Vista. It seems from Microsoft's website that if you already have the 32-bit OS, you simply have to pay for them to ship you the 64-bit install disks. However, retail stores sell the operating systems as separate, meaning they want you to buy both. Which is it? If you buy the 32-bit OS (OEM version), do you buy the rights to get the 64-bit media and install it on your machine, and vice-versa?
     
    dgposton, Oct 14, 2008
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  2. findvikas

    findvikas Notebook Deity

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    You cannot upgrade from 32bit to 64bit, it should be a clean install.
    If you have the RETAIL version of Vista (any version 32bit or 64bit) you can order the media online from here - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/64-bit.aspx

    You need to pay just the delivery charges.

    EDIT: Human error... thanks for pointing that bangert, I meant RETAIL
     
    findvikas, Oct 14, 2008
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  3. Full-English

    Full-English Notebook Deity

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    You have to do a clean install with vista 64, no way of getting round this.

    BUT- If you have an OEM version of Vista, you CANNOT upgrade through the microsoft website. You basically have to buy a new version. If you have the retail version you can upgrade. I've just been on the phone to microsoft about this. Basically, as most people are aware i guess, the OEM version is cheaper as the system builder e.g. acer, hp, etc buy the licenses in bulk, so you are not eligable.

    When you type in you OEM product key on the website it just comes up with an error:

    "We're sorry, the following error(s) have occurred:
    No Offer Found
    Order Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 Alternative Media"
     
    Full-English, Oct 14, 2008
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  4. eleron911

    eleron911 HighSpeedFreak

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    Curious, I received 2 OEM disks, vista 32 and 64 with my former laptop, and both versions installed with the same key...
     
    eleron911, Oct 14, 2008
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  5. findvikas

    findvikas Notebook Deity

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    You can use you KEY with any version of Vista, even with the retail version. All the Vista DVD contains all the variants of Vista (Home, Business, Enterprise, Ultimate) . You Product Key decide which version to install.
     
    findvikas, Oct 14, 2008
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  6. ArmageddonAsh

    ArmageddonAsh Mangekyo Sharingan

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    i want to install 64bit version but for some reason it just doesnt want to install :(
     
    ArmageddonAsh, Oct 14, 2008
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  7. Full-English

    Full-English Notebook Deity

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    are you doing a fresh install as the vista 64 disk won't run in windows.

    Are you getting any sort of errors.
     
    Full-English, Oct 14, 2008
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  8. ArmageddonAsh

    ArmageddonAsh Mangekyo Sharingan

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    when ever i install it it just says something about some software errors.
     
    ArmageddonAsh, Oct 14, 2008
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  9. Full-English

    Full-English Notebook Deity

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    And your running the disk from startup and not in windows???
     
    Full-English, Oct 14, 2008
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  10. ArmageddonAsh

    ArmageddonAsh Mangekyo Sharingan

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    i tried it from both ways and got it the same error, i might try again lading from disc first.
     
    ArmageddonAsh, Oct 14, 2008
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