please help a noobie out with this OEM crap!!!!!!!

will a 32bit OEM licence key work with a 64 bit version of vista or is this luxury afforded only to the retail buyers? this forum has always been helpful, so thanks again.

 

Contact your OEM - it should with an OEM version of the 64Bit version.

You may also want to consider contacting MS if the OEM isn't helpful.

And a side question? Have you searched the forum?

 

yes, i did screen the forum and i found that there were mixed responses to this. which is why i decided to ask around. because i suddenly found out that the 64bit version may be put to use on my machine.

one more thing ... can i do a clean install with this 64bit version?

 

Mixed responses because some people got a key from the OEM - problem solved, some managed to activate an OEM key.
And others failed and were stonewalled by their OEM...

There is an edit funtion you know

And what version of 64Bit? You can't "Upgrade"
Check my sig for a little read on it

 

If you bought a 32bit OEM license key it won't work for 64bit. There's a reason why the retail version have both disc. It has both a 32 and 64bit disc but one key with activate either one.

 

This is not always true. My my 64 bit vista key (OEM) worked fine when I installed my 32bit retail vista.

 

Well, I don't how that works, but kaneshi is right, if you buy the OEM disk from newegg.com for example, it will only work for that version, 32-bit or 64-bit.

 

Niet. I have 3 Vista HP keys and continually swap x64 and 32bit between them. The only time they gave me trouble was when I used the same key one the same system for both 32/64 bit at the same time.

 

Like I said, I don't know how that works, because you receive the key from HP. It could be that HP included both the key for 64-bit and 32-bit. What I'm referring to, is when you purchase a license and disc from a retailer for example newegg. If you purchase a 32-bit OEM disc and license, that key will let you install only on a 32-bit install. And you only get a 32-bit disc and license.

 

But does the 64bit key make it a 64bit OS or does it remain in 32bit? I believe you can activate a 32bit OEM key from a 64bit key but not vice-versa. BTW if you upgrade to Windows 7 you're giving up the previous OS's activation key in return. It's a form of robbery! For example, if you buy Vista Ultimate for $$$ then ungrade to Win7 for $$$ you just lost your original cost for Vista! Is this fair? NO!

 

All my Copies of Vista were bought from newegg as OEM copies. While yes, you only get one version on the dvd, the key is good for both.

 

The key is the key. Its not tied to 32 bit or 64 bit. As long as you have the right dvd, it will work with either.

 

The 'key' is the clincher. A 32bit key will not activate a 64bit OS unless you bought the retail version. It will not work with OEMs. BTW the activation key on the bottom of the laptop is not OEM!

 

The key on the bottom of your laptop will fail automatic online activation. It will also fail the automatic over-the-phone system. You'll then be directed to an actual person, who will probably activate you manually if you let them know that you reinstalled your OS, and the license is being used on only one computer.

 

keys work for both 32bit and 64bit, as long as you have only 1 OS using that key (no dual booting 32bit and 64bit). OEM keys work with online activation.