Which version to buy for Vista x64?

Can I buy a Vista Upgrade to get to x64 or do I need to buy the full retail version or a 64-bit OEM version?

I was thinking to wait till September 8th for this Ultimate Steal thing.
http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

Will that Vista Ultimate Upgrade work if I boot off the CD and do the clean install twice method for x64?

 

If you have Genuine 32bit Key with you then you don't need to buy a new one and you can get the OS from MS for ~10$ also remeber we can't upgrade from 32bit - 64bit

 

Exactly right. To go to x64 you will need the x64 media, your genuine key and will need to reformat your drive install the x64 version of Windows.

 

If I buy a Vista Upgrade, does that come with a key and can I get x64?

Or should I buy a OEM/System builder Vista x64?

 

What people mean when they say you can't "upgrade" to 64-bit, that means you cannot choose the "upgrade" installation setting where your files remain intact. "Upgrading" to 64-bit requires a clean install, which you can do with an "Upgrade" disk. I don't know, however, if the upgrade disks come with a new key. Somebody else will have to shed light on that.

 

I am assuming you already have a retail or OEM copy of Vista 32 bit installed. All you need to do is get your hands on a copy of Vista 64. You can use an anytime upgrade disc, Retail media or OEM media, or borrow a disc from a friend. As long as its Vista 64 its fine. It doesn't matter what kind of Vista, Business, Home Premium etc, all the discs come with all the versions. The only distinction is that there are discs that are 32 bit and others that are 64 bit, make sure you get A 64 bit version. As far as the key, you would just use your key that you are using now to activate Vista 64 once you install it. You can get this disc(s) real inexpensively from ebay or the windows market place site. The cost of the discs should be under $20 USD(since you already bought your key the media is not much). Some people say you can call up Microsoft and order the discs directly from them but I don't think this works for OEM versions of Vista.

Another piece of information. You have to stay with the same type of Vista you bought(unless ofcourse you buy another full copy of Vista somewhere with another key)If you have Home Preimum(HP) 32 for example you can go to HP 64, you cannot go to Business 64. You can also go from 32 bit to 64 bit and vice versa but as I said in the last sentence it has to be with the same type of Vista you bought with the machine.

Check out these 2 clean install guides for more detailed information about this topic. They both discuss how to do a clean install of Vista on your machine, but also mention how you can go from 32 to 64 and vice versa for free, once you have bought a version of Vista.

Orev's guide
Stallen's guide

Hope that helps....

 

You can only buy the backup media from Windows Marketplace if you have a retail license: http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=444