Really confused about a lot of things, help please.

Okay so I'm really confused about a lot of things regarding Windows 7. Just as background information on my current set up for my computer. I have Vista 32 bit, 4 GB of Ram, Duo core 3.16 GHz processor.

Since I have 4GB of RAM, I want to have a 64-bit Windows 7. It's to my knowledge however that in order to go from a 32 bit OS to a 64 bit OS you have to do a full installation, you can't just upgrade.

This is partly where I'm confused. When you buy Windows 7, you can either buy a full version or an upgrade version. So I would assume I'd want the full version. However, I've read that with the upgrade version of Windows 7 you can do something called a "Custom upgrade" which will be like a full installation. Is this true? Basically what I'm asking is, could I buy an upgrade version of Windows 7 and do a custom installation so I can go from 32 bit Vista to 64 bit Windows 7?

Another question is about the student discount. I'm a student and right now they're selling a Windows 7 professional upgrade version for $30.00. Is there any student discount for a full version of Windows 7? Because I've looked and can't find any such offer.

I've also read though that a custom installation is a hassle and is complicated. Is this true?

Also if I buy the student version, can I buy it on a disk? I'd prefer having the actual disk instead of just relying on the internet, especially if I'm going to do a full install/custom install.

Also one more really important note: I understand that a full installation will not save your current files on your hard drive. I understand this, I do not need anything on my hard drive. It doesn't matter if I lose everything on my hard drive.

Maguscreed said:

Since you have a valid copy of vista you shouldn't have a problem doing a full install from a upgrade disc.
There is a tutorial on the subject located here.
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

Do I need to know the product key for my Vista or any information at all for my Vista? When I bought my computer it came with Vista installed on it already so I don't know the product code.

Maguscreed said:

Find Windows Vista's product key

I only suggest using that if you are certain it's a geniune key though. (since you apparently don't have the sticker on the back which they should have attached)
Otherwise you might get issues with your upgrade disc.

Maybe I got the Vista disk when I bought my computer and I just put it somewhere and forgot about it. I'll look around and see if I can find it.

Thanks.

You cannot upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version.

As far as I'm aware, student versions of Windows are only available as an upgrade version.

Upgrade to Windows 7 - Microsoft Windows

A full (custom) installation will mean you lose anything you haven't backed up first.