Custom installation not available 32bit -> 64bit

ignatzatsonic · 31 Jan 2012

KmD said:

Seems odd, if you aren't able to choose anything but the predetermined settings. Although it seems that you're right.

If you use the recovery partition or recovery disks, you will be returned to factory specifications.

That would include all the software that was included by default from the factory.

You can always download a 32 bit ISO and install with it---that would avoid the "bloatware" and whatever other crap came on the laptop from the factory. You may or may not find that preferable to a factory setup.

That leaves aside the issue of whether or not you are entitled to a 64 bit installation with your current Product Key.

seavixen32 · 31 Jan 2012

If your computer has an OEM copy of Windows then you can only use that version i.e. if you have Windows 7 32-bit then that is all you can use and a 64-bit ISO would be no good to you.

If you have a retail copy of Windows you can use the same product key for both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

As for the recovery partition, it's always prudent to create a set of recovery discs in case the recovery partition becomes corrupted or is deleted.

In terms of recovering your system, a recovery partition is far quicker than using the recovery discs, which is why it doesn't always pay to delete it.

theog · 31 Jan 2012

Anyway, i have ensured that my system is 32bit, as well as i have ensured that my XP is 32bit.

If you have 32 bit, you order 64 bit Disks.
You can order Recovery disks from:
MSI Online Customer Service

You need to do a Repair of Win XP.

gregrocker · 31 Jan 2012

Under the EULA you are entitled to use 32- or 64- bit WIn7 with any license, and no manufacturer can restrict this.

Some don't make 32 bit drivers available though they're almost all available in the installer, via optional Windows Updates or searching on the web.

When you clean reinstall Win7 with the Product Key on your COA sticker you change the activation from manufacturer to the control of MS Activation servers so your manufacturer has no say in this beyond that point anyway. They may not tech support the clean reinstall (don't tell them) but it cannot void your hardware warranty.

In your case the problem is that you must boot the installer to change from 32 bit to 64 bit or vice versa, and cannot run the installer from the OS. A proper clean reinstall should be booted, and you need the DVD or flash stick installer for repairs anyway.

Here is the latest official Win7 ISO download: Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download. Burn to DVD or write to flash stick using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool.

Then follow these steps to get a perfect clean reinstall to the Win7 partition: Reinstalling Windows 7. Afterwards install EasyBCD 2.02 to add XP to a new Dual Boot menu.

You may need to make the quick robocall to activate to record your hardware signature in MS Activation servers.

KmD · 01 Feb 2012

Thanks for the answers. I appreciate your help.

I'll try gregrocker's method, and hope I'll be able to use the key for the 64bit version, although some of you pointed out, that it might not be possible.

Kristian D.

theog · 01 Feb 2012

I would stay with 32 bit as The MSI gx723 Notebook, has no 64 bit driver support.

alphanumeric · 01 Feb 2012

I just skimmed though this thread so if I missed something I'm sorry. It doesn't matter if your product code is OEM or Retail as far as 32 bit 64 bit goes, it good for both. If you buy Retail you get both disks, 32 bit and 64 bit. If you buy OEM you have to specify and only get one DVD, 32 bit or 64 bit. Your product code is still good for 32 or 64 bit, but you only get one DVD. Confused yet? The recovery option will only re-install what was originally installed, if it was 32 bit thats what you get. To switch you need to obtain 64 bit install media and do a clean install. You can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit.

KmD · 04 Feb 2012

alphanumeric said:

I just skimmed though this thread so if I missed something I'm sorry. It doesn't matter if your product code is OEM or Retail as far as 32 bit 64 bit goes, it good for both. If you buy Retail you get both disks, 32 bit and 64 bit. If you buy OEM you have to specify and only get one DVD, 32 bit or 64 bit. Your product code is still good for 32 or 64 bit, but you only get one DVD. Confused yet? The recovery option will only re-install what was originally installed, if it was 32 bit thats what you get. To switch you need to obtain 64 bit install media and do a clean install. You can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit.

You were right and you actually made it very clear.

Thanks.