Windows 7: Win7 32bit Home Premium to Win7 64bit Ultimate: Possible without Clean

I just bought a ThinkPad T400, and 8GB DDR3 upgrade kit. After first log on, I realized the Windows 7 is 32bit. How can I upgrade to Ultimate x64 instead?

Thanks for your help.

I think you have to Wipe and reinstall. You can't go from 32bit to 64bit over the top of the 32bit.

Changing architectures is not an upgrade. You'll have to do a clean install.

Obviously, you'll need a license for whatever version you're moving to.

You're entitled to use either 32- or 64-bit with each license so I would Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 with the installer in tutorial using the $100+ value Product Key on COA sticker on bottom of laptop.

If you actually need the few extra expensive features in Ultimate then you'll have to buy a retail Upgrade. Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows

Greg are you sure about that with a OEM version?
I thouight OEM was either 32 or 64 but not both as the Retail is.

Thanks for the tips. OK, if I download the following:

Windows 7 Ultimate SP1-U ISO English x64: X17-59465.iso

http://www.mydigitallife.info/offici...digital-river/

Is it going to be different than the RETAIL Windows 7 Ultimate SP1-U ISO version? Or are they the same?

I would really appreciate a speedy response, since I need the upgrade ASAP!

Thanks!

You are entitled to use either 32- or 64-bit Windows 7 with any license. It is not something a PC manufacturer can overrule even if they don't make drivers or software available for a certain architecture, because it is governed by the Windows licensing EULA.

This is one reason why MS requires on every Factory OEM PC a COA sticker with Product Key that transfers activation from the OEM to MS Servers so that they can protect you if an OEM tries to restrict your rights for any reason.

To Gregrocker:

I understand that, but I was no clear on your statement:

"If you actually need the few extra expensive features in Ultimate then you'll have to buy a retail Upgrade. Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows"

Does it mean that the the following ISO link, is NOT retail?

Windows 7 Ultimate SP1-U ISO

English x64: X17-59465.iso

Yes Windows 7 installers are for retail or OEM. But you need a Product Key to activate it and since you own one which came with the PC, you should be sure you need the extra features in Ultimate before wasting the Home Premium license.

To get a price break you can buy an Ultimate Anytime Upgrade which unlocks the few extra expensive features but you will have to first reinstall 64 bit Home Premium (if that came preinstalled with your PC as it's specs say) to use Windows Anytime Upgrade - How to - Windows 7 Forums

Thanks for clearing that up for me Greg.

To the OP

You should be able to use that ISO of the 64bit version with your License/COA sticker IF your system came with Ultimate. If it came with Home Premium or Pro then you would need the ISO for those version, whichever the sticker is for.

If the sticker is for HP or Pro and you want Ultimate then you will need to buy a Retail copy or maybe a System builders OEM version.