Win 7/32 to Win 7/64?

Hi everyone
I have just built a low cost, low spec system as a favour to a friend who only wants internet access for social and online shopping, no games. Asus P5KPL-AM-EPU motherboard, a dual core E6400, 420 Watt PSU, 2 GB of DDR2 and a Seagate 320 GB SATA II. Only the Hdd is new, most other parts are from machines I had.

I also have a Win7 32bit OEM disc which I could use as the o/s. I have been told by someone with experience apparently greater than my own, that I can use another 7/64 disc to upgrade the 32 bit to 64, using the COA from the 32 bit disc. I am confused and apprehensive about this, as I want the system to go to my friend without any possible problems. Keeping it legal, is this possible?

Hello Bob,

Yes, that's correct. The product key can be used to activate either a 32-bit or 64-bit copy of the same Windows 7 edition on the PC. :)

Hi Brink
Thank you very much, that restores my faith in my grandson's advice!

I would also go with the 32bit. Functionally there is really no difference - especially for the applications of your friend.

But for those kinds of applications, I would go with Linux Mint Mate. It is a lot faster - especially on a modest system. You can download all the instructions on how to setup and customize Mint Mate from my Skydrive - it is a control PDF sheet that gives you access to 9 tutorials.