Another 32bit/64 bit question. Not the normal one thoug

I own a copy of the retail version and I know the product code is good for only installing either the 32 or 64 bit version. I also read that if I activate the key, the key will be tied to that version.

I have 4 computers and 4 retail copies. However, 2 of the computers only have 1 GB of RAM and the 64 bit takes up about 800MB. I am planning on installing the 32 bit version on those computers. NO. I do not plan on buying anymore RAM at this moment.

Since it is retail I am able to move then from computer to computer. I would like to know if down the road I uninstall the 32 bit from one computer and then reinstall the 64 bit on another if there would be any problems?

Night Hawk said:

The product key included with the retail 7 covers both the 32bit and 64bit disks that come in the same retail package. Since you bought 4 pairs of disks each pair will have it's own product key regardless if you change from the 32bit to the 64bit or vice versa.

Obviously with two systems only seeing 1gb of memory apiece the 32bit Windowss would be the best move for each of those. But even for the 32bit 7 you will want to consider upgrading the ram to 2gb for a more stable smoother installation on those two machines.

That extra gig is worth the effort since even back with XP moving up from 1gb to 2gb made a vast difference in overall system stability and performance. This would be something to consider later since memory prices have come down considerably.

To my understanding you only get one product key. That single key can be used to activate either the 32 bit or 64 bit. Once the key is used then that key is linked to that bit choice otherwise I would be able to install 2 products on 4 different PC's.

My concern is I have an older PC that is not going to run the 64 bit. My plan is to just install the 32 bit version and someday when I buy a new computers I can simply uninstall the 32 bit bit from the old computer and then reinstall the 64 bit with the same key on the new computer. I just don't know if Microsoft will let me without calling them first. I am confident that if I needed to call them it would not be an issue.



Does that make sense.

Night Hawk said:

If you have more then one machine in separate locations instead of at home you would then need a volume license rather then the 4 disks you have there. MS isn't worried about how many times you reinstall Windows on your own system.

For what you want there buying only one retail disk with a Multiple Activation Key otherwise known as a Volume License Key would have been less costly for running 7 on more then one machine. If you bought 4 separate retail boxes each seeing it's own product key you would simply choose between the 32bit or 64bit having one pair set aside for one machine.

For use of key on more then one machine this will help explain things in much more detail. Windows Volume Activation | Guide List | Vista & Windows Server 2008

Thanks for the infor on the volume license. The only reason I have 4 retail is because (1) copy is from the Launch Party and (3) copies are at the student price. Essentially I got 4 copies for 90 bucks.

Zidane24 said:

Jacen said:

Thanks for getting back to me and I understand everything you are saying. I guess I am giving to much information.

All I would like to know is:

If I install Windows 7 Pro 32 bit with product key "A" and next year I buy a newer computer that can handle 64 bit, can I uninstall the 32 bit from the other computer and then reinstall the 64 bit on the new one with the same product key?

Yes you can though you might have to contact tech support for them to override the product key. Make sure that the older computer has no remnants of the OS and its activation before making the switch

The only time this isn't possible is with an OEM license due to those being locked into the activated machine's BIOS

That is kind of what I was thinking. My plan is anytime I decide to purchase a new computer, I will reformat the old one back to factory state so i can continue to use my retail disks.