Windows 7: Upgrading W7 32-bit to W7 64-bit?

I am currently running Windows 7 Pro 32-bit. This was my error, I bought and installed this version without doing my homework properly. I am now interested in installing the 64-bit version of this OS for several reasons. I can get a cheap copy of the Win 7 Pro 64-bit UPGRADE VERSION since I am a student. Is it possible to use the 64-bit UPGRADE VERSION to install on my comp that has the 32-bit version already on it? I do not mind doing a clean install, I'm just not sure that the new UPGRADE VERSION will recognize my current 32-bit version and let me upgrade/install.

Hope this makes sense. I read the FAQ above on upgrade paths but it only covers Vista or XP as the current OS's...nothing on if you are trying to upgrade from 32 to 64-bit versions of Win 7 Pro.

Any suggestions/thoughts on how to get this done?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

THANKS!

You can use your licence key for 32bit & 64bit, no need to buy new licence.

ok ok, i like where this is going. so what, do i just DL a new copy of the 64-bit version from a torrent site or somewhere...or is there a legit site to DL it from? also, what would the procedure be exactly to upgrade this sumbitch? just pop in the 64-bit version and run a clean install or what?

sorry, kinda newbie.

With the 64 bit platform you can do a clean install.
Just get the copy on a 64 bit platform.

Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version[2]=General Tips

Retail full, retail upgrade come with 32bit & 64bit DVD's.

i only have the 32-bit version as i have the "System Builders" version that only comes with 1 or the other.

so sorry guys/gals but i'm still confused. what do i need to do to be able to update my system to a 64-bit Win 7 OS? Do I basically need to buy a brand new copy of Win 7 Pro 64-bit? or is there an easier/cheaper way since i already have Win 7 Pro 32-bit running?

I would try calling MS and explaining the situation. They will probably verify your key number, and send you a DVD for shipping plus a small mark up.

The 100 plus cost for a new OS is for the key not the DVD

Good Luck

I doubt that Microsoft will supply a copy of the X64 install disk, as xhellionx has a system builder's (OEM) version. I'd be happy to be wrong about that.

I'd try laying hands an an X64 install disk. (I think that the .iso may be available online, and not from pirate sites.) You may have to genericize it by removing ei.cfg, but I'd place a small bet that the 32 bit key will work, if only for a clean install.

I agree 100% that the key will work. The poster just needs the DVD,now.

i like you. i can guarantee i will be able to find a copy somewhere of the X64 Pro iso. so would i just navigate to the ei.cgf file and delete it completely?