Windows 7: I am sooo confused...Can someone PLEASE help me!?!

I really want to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit when it comes out. I am currently running Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit. I know that my computer can support 64-bit so that is why I want to get that version of Windows 7.



Here is what I would like to know and I will explain it very carefully. I am a college student and I registered for that deal where US College students are able to purchase the upgrade version to Windows 7. This is where my question comes in...Can I order that $30 upgrade version of Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and use it to get Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit on my computer??? I understand that going from Vista 32-bit to Windows 7 64-bit is not an upgrade. I know I would have to do a custom/clean install(or whatever you call it). But if I order this upgrade pack for $30 and get the 64-bit one...Will there be an option to "upgrade" by a clean install to get Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit on my computer?

I really hope I was clear about my question. I want to get Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit on my computer...This $30 college student deal is an amazing deal and I want to know if I can do this deal and be able to get Windows 7 64-bit on my computer. Thank you in advance for all your help.

You will not be able to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit. You will have to do a clean install.
I do not believe that the Upgrade version will include a regular installer package.

Then why does it say something different here:
Upgrading from 32bit windows xp pro to 64 bit windows 7 using just the windows 7 64bit upgrade dvd

I see your point. I also was able to find this:
Perform a Clean Install with a Vista Upgrade Disc | Vista Rewired
Should work with 7.
So yes, you should be able to do a clean install with the Upgrade disk.

look I understand that I won't be able to do an upgrade...I want to know if I can use the upgrade disc to do a clean install

Yes, though its not a true "clean" install. What will happen is that your programs from your current install will be placed in a folder called windows.old. This will leave you with a "fresh" install of windows 7. Of course you will have to reinstall all of your programs, but you probably knew that all ready. It also might be a good idea to get all of the drivers that you might need just in case..

PS.. Welcome to SevenForums..

Alrighty...I did know that I would need to reinstall all of my programs. But what drivers would I need to get? I'm not following that part. Like I'm pretty decent with computers...I know about updating drivers but I'm not too sure how or why i would go about getting the driver I might need. do you mean updating my drivers after i install Windows 7?

I will be able to tell you more if you fill out your system specs as thoroughly as possible.. If you're not sure, run dxdiag and save the report it generates to your desktop. Just copy and paste the details from the report into your system specs...

PS.. if your not sure where your system specs are located, click on the link in my Sig