is windows 7 retail 32 bit or 64 bit? what about cross 32-64 upgrades from vista?

I dont see any mention on the pre-order whether windows 7 is a 32 bit or 64 bit os. but windows 7 RC has 2 versions.

I currently own a vista 32. I would do the pre-order if I can change from vista32->windows 7 64 bit. Otherwise I will have to purchase the full windows 7 64 bit, in which case there is no discount advantage.

How does it work

 

Per Microsoft's FAQ, the Windows 7 upgrade comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit disks.

 

What about cross upgrade? (cause thats the only one with discount for preorder)

Vista 32bit -> windows 7 64 bit?

 

That works, but you will need to do a clean install instead of an in-place install. That means that all your data (files, programs, games, etc) will be delete and you will start out with just a fresh OS. A clean install is required any time you go from 32-bit to 64-bit.

You can do Vista 32-bit to Windows 7 32-bit as an in-place upgrade, meaning that all your files and programs remain intact while just the OS upgrades.

 

how is that?

my vista 32 bit is OEM that came with the computer btw. So that means if I get my windows 7 upgrade dvds, I pop it in and it will transfer it to a 64 bit system? Or do you mean it only works for retail vista 32 bit dvds?

 

Read crash's post again. 32 -> 32, in-place upgrade. 32 -> 64, complete install which wipes all existing data.

 

Okok, so does that mean even with OEM vista 32, the windows 7 upgrade retail 64 bit dvd will still install a brand new windows 7 64 on the PC so long as you having to format?

 

No. 32 bit Vista will be completely replaced by 64 bit Windows 7.

 

I know it will. And I will want it to. My question is:

will it work for windows 7 UPGRADE dvd. The one having half price with pre-order right now. The full version has no discount. I don't doubt the full version can replace a 32 bit vista. I am worried if the windows 7 UPGRADE can change a 32bit vista OEM into a 64bit windows 7 retail.

my dilemma is, if the upgrade can only do 32bit vista OEM ---> 32bit windows 7 retail, and I only want 64 bit windows 7, then I am forced to get full version windows 7 and not waste money on the half price upgrade deal.

 

The upgrade disks will work on any genuine Vista install, OEM or retail. As long as a validated copy of Vista is installed on your computer (which it is), then the upgrade should run without requiring further validation - it should detect the Vista install.

As for the difference between clean install and in-place upgrading... any time you change architecture (32-bit to 64-bit, or vice-versa), you will need to do a clean install. This is still and "upgrade" to Windows 7, it just erases all your data then installs the OS.

An in-place upgrade keeps all your data and upgrades the OS without touching your files and programs.

One more point - in order to run the 64-bit installer in a 32-bit environment, you will need to boot from the DVD. That's nothing to worry about, it's just a technical point. There should be instructions on how to do this with the disks (or just post back and we can tell you ).

EDIT: Aargh I posted slowly, but I think the answer to your post is here.

 

I guess you didn't read the FAQ:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/pre-order-faq.aspx

 

ok thanks! I will probably preorder mine today then.

 

At $49, it's a pretty good deal. I think it's still a rip-off they're selling it for $120 full price though.

 

yea thats expensive. I am trying the RC version and to me its like vista with cosmetic changes. I also cant seem to change my start taskbar back to windows xp days.

But I might need to get windows 7 business cause mine is currently vista business so its prob a 100 bucks for me.

 

Yea, Vista Business -> Windows 7 Professional.

 

Is $99 a good deal for Windows 7 Professional Upgrade? I don't care for Home Premium, but $99 seems a little steep. Although, I'm considering subscribing to TechNet Plus, which would make sense I think, instead, to update my two desktops and two notebooks.

 

For multiple computers, TechNet is definitely the way to go. I'm waiting for another deal before I subscribe. Unfortunately, the $100 off deal expired on 3 July; hopefully MS will issue another coupon before 7 RTM is available for download.

 

What? There was a $100 off deal? Crap, I didn't see that. So it was $250 for a year for new subscribers? I would have bit right away then.

 

Think that's a good deal? Around March of every year, MS drops the price to $99. I Google for "technet plus promotion code" at least once a day, looking for the next good deal. I hope MS dangles another $100 coupon soon!