SOS for OS upgrade

I'm learning more about this stuff in the past few hours than I have in past few years. You guys are great!

I have checked out all the links, trying to digest all this new information, and have a much better feel for what needs to be done.

I noticed the Newegg link leads to a 64 bit OS, yet current Vista is 32 bit. My E521 is fitted with a AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor. So... I should be able to run a 64 bit OS with no problem, yes?

Hi TrashZone. The Duel Bay is cool, but I was thinking of installing the Vista into my wife's old laptop (now loaded with XP) and use it to feed live stream net movies on to the family room TV.

I have to say, I joined this forum looking for help and support, and found plenty of both. You guys are great.
Here is where I'm at:
Following the advice of xania I downloaded a Windows Seven Upgrade advisor. Everything checked out for a 32 bit install, but it was noted I was lacking enough RAM for the 64 bit. Glad I checked first, and thank you xania.
Like TrashZone, I discovered that Newegg was out of stock on 32 bit, so I went shopping and located this click here anyone sees a problem with this program, I'll make the purchase later tonight.
I also followed Burn-it's suggestion to download from Dell all the windows drivers onto an USB.
On the subject of drivers, I checked my old WorksSuite box and all the drivers and disks for Vista are there. Two years ago, after a system crash, one of the techs where I work installed a new, larger capacity hard drive for me. When I went to re-load Vista with the new drive it would not take. I got a MS warning that I was using an illegal copy. I contacted MS and explained what had happened, and was given a reactivation code for the program, which, I was told, would work anytime I might needed to once again re-install. Hanging on to or transferring Vista should should not be a problem should I decide to.
I also found all the install discs and drivers for the devices I use.
Following AddRam's advice I downloaded and saved to disc the Partition Wizard Boot. I also located and bookmarked the link for the MajorGeeks Download Double Driver provided by SIW2.
Tonight I'm planing to save all my files to a brand new USB.
Thanks to everyone's help, I'm feeling pretty confident right now that I can achieve what I had planned do.
My one concern though is something xania noted... "When you run the Windows 7 install, unless you tell it otherwise, it will completely wipe your existing C: drive before starting the install - the alternative to this is possible but I would not recommend you try it."
This sounds a bit ominous. Is having a wipe of my C: drive a good thing, or should I tell it not to?
Seriously, I don't have a clue.

Hi TrashZone,

I did checkout new drives and externals and was tempted, but right now I need to be careful of budget.

At the end of July I was on my knees up on the roof putting some patch around one of skylights in the kitchen. I was not being as careful as I should have, and when I stood up I stepped back on the can lid which caused me to slide just enough to go right over the edge.

Thus the username on my account here.

I was only one story up but, landed on my back in a rock garden. Six freakin' large bushes behind the house that could have broken my fall, however I missed them all and landed on a rock.

Until disability insurance kicks in I'm getting by on accumulated sick days and unused vacation pay. And at 63, a bit worried how long I may be laid up so I'm keeping the belt tight until I see how it all turns out.

But I do appreciate the advice and links.