How to upgrade from Window 7 32 bit to Windows 7 64 bit ?

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  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
       #1

    How to upgrade from Window 7 32 bit to Windows 7 64 bit ?


    Hello,
    I'm currently running Windows 7 Ultimate (32 Bit) and am contemplating upgrading to Windows 7 Ultimate (64 Bit) so I can use install and use more RAM.

    I only have 4GB RAM and want to upgrade to 32GB.

    If I do this I believe that I have to back up my hard drive first so that I can re-install (in one go) all of my current application etc.

    Is there a way for me to back up my entire hard drive to an external hard drive, do the upgrade and then re-install all of my files and applications so that I can carry on as if nothing has changed?

    The other way is to loose everything and start again re-installing all of my applications one by one, I'd (naturally) rather not have to do it this way.

    I know that some of my applications can be upgraded to the 64 bit versions but I can do that at my leisure.

    Any advice would be very welcome...
      My Computer


  2. Arc
    Posts : 35,373
    Microsoft Windows 10 Pro Insider Preview 64-bit
       #2

    There is only one way to upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit .

    Clean Install Windows 7
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for that information.

    What's the best way to transfer all my applications to an external hard drive and then re-install them?

    Can I do this?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #4

    As Arc correctly states, you cannot upgrade from 32-bit Windows to 64-bit Windows; it has to be a clean install.

    Clean Install Windows 7

    32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

    You cannot just transfer your applications to another hard drive, you need your installation discs so that you can re-install the software when you've clean installed your 64-bit version of Windows.
      My Computer

  5.    #5

    Follow these steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

    Easiest method is to drag your User profile or active User folders to external, then after install open each User folder, on Organize tab Select All, drag the entire group to the corresponding folder in the Explorer bar at left. Don't release the left click until the Explorer bar fully unfolds and hypertext confirms where you are copying them.

    You'll need to reinstall all of your programs and latest Updates. The best method is in the tutorial above.
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  6. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thank you all for your help / advice; it's very much appreciated... :)
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #7

    You're very welcome.

    Post back if you need further advice or help.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 742
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
       #8

    About the memory upgrade to 32 GB, you need to check whether your motherboard supports that much memory. Check the manufacturer's site for this model how much memory you can add. 32GB looks very impressive, but many people do not need that much memory right now. May be in the near future you may need that much memory. Currently 16 GB itself is a very good quantity for your system. With all the extra memory, you may also run VMS on your machine.

    Along with extra memory you should have a faster multicore (preferably quad core)processor and a faster, larger SATA HDDs to support the system to prevent any bottle necks.

    For all these upgrades, you must have something in your mind to make use of this revamped system (fully charged), I am hoping you wanted to use this system for graphic manipulations or video encoding or for some CAD programs.

    You can make a list of applications you most wants and get the install disks with serial numbers, registration procedures with the manufacturer etc. You will be needing them for reinstalling the needed softwares.

    If any softwares you do not need that much, you can ignore them but still keep a copy for backup purpose.

    Based on the apps you are planning to use, calculate really how much muscle and steel you want for your computer. Keep leaner muscles just so that you will have what you need. Nothing more nothing less.

    Be frugal about spending money on these items. Take only what you really needed.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #9

    I have to agree with rraod. Many consumer level boards don't support 32 GB of memory. The reason is, aside from a huge server, there's no need or real way to use that much memory. I have a Dell PowerEdge Server running 6 virtual servers on 24 GB of memory for an entire company. If you need that much for some unique purpose...make sure your motherboard can handle it. If not, you can take that as an area to save some cash.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #10

    I mainly use my laptop for image editing using either Photoshop CS6 or Capture NX2.

    I've noticed that with each upgrade of the applications you need more memory to keep up.
      My Computer


 
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