32 Bit Vista to 64 Bit Windows 7.... How?

Tews · 11 Oct 2009

Hey mjs...

The honest answer is that no one really knows at this point... there has been a lot of conjecture and opinion but until someone actually tries with the upgrade disc that is released on the 22nd we just dont know... maybe you can tell us when you try...

Dave76 · 11 Oct 2009

mjs said:

@Dave76: I think I have been misunderstood. I _know_ you can not "upgrade" from 32bit Vista to 64bit Win7. That is not what I am asking.

I did understand your question, there is a reference from MS (don't have it available right now) that said you can't use the upgrade DVD to install 64bit Win7 onto a 32bit version of Win7. Which would of coarse have to be a custom/clean install as will be required if you have XP.

I was actually saying it doesn't make any sense as MS is basically giving away 64bit equivalent OS to people with 32bit OS, if they request it.

mjs said:

In many cases, the "upgrade" software is in fact the SAME software (iso, disc, etc) as the "full" version, but it will not install without proof that the previous version exists (ie. putting in the disc from your old OS to prove you bought it, and can thus "upgrade").

MS has said that they are changing this from what the Vista requirements were. Evidently to stop the work around ie. just putting in the old OS disk.
Now they are saying that the upgrade must be done on an activated Vista or XP OS.

mjs said:

So perhaps I should have asked my question this way:

1. Does the "upgade" disc of Windows 7 in fact actually include the entire OS just like on a "Full" version?

It seems that way, to upgrade from XP you must do a custom/clean install.

mjs said:

2. If the answer to question 1 is YES, then can that "upgade" disc be used to do a CLEAN install of 64-bit Win 7 by proving I have the 32-bit Vista disc while doing the install.

MS has changed statements on this subject, so we don't know for sure.
They have previously said no to that question. They say that an activated OS will be required.

mjs said:

I am not trying to "upgrade" Windows, I am hoping to do a clean install of win7 (64) using an upgrade disc by proving I have the previous OS.

@Jimbo: You have described a different method. Your method does not preclude the possibility of the method I am discussing, so the question hasn't really been answered, thus the horse isn't quite dead yet.

Frankly, people who are "tired" of this discussion don't have to click on the thread. I never understood people who want to shut down a discussion in which they aren't being forced to participate.

mjs,

The honest answer is what Tews said in the post after yours "no one really knows".
We will all find out after Oct 22.

Some of this thread was referring to the OP question.
The short answer to his question is:
1. Get the 64bit DVD of the equivalent current OS from his OEM. Example: If he has a 32bit version of Vista Home Premium now he can get the 64bit version of Vista Home Premium from Toshiba for shipping costs.
2. Then he can request the 64bit Win7 upgrade from Toshiba.