Windows 7 - Moving to 64-bit - some questions.

Based on a previous post I am seriously considering a move to 64-bit (I now have 8GB of RAM). I have done my due diligence and scoured the MS sites, checked hard and software compatability using the download and the website. Is there anything else I need to be aware of? In general terms (I know it may vary with supplier) can I use a 64-bit software free if I own a 32-bit licence? I'm mainly thinking Photoshop CS4, Lightroom 3, Sony Vegas 10, Nero 10 and the like.

You should't have any issues as far as licensing goes, so long as a 64bit version of the software is available, you will be good to go... just make sure that the program is compatible with Windows 7...

Although I am not entirely sure but I would say no, as you would probably have to download the x64 bit versions, and to do that you would need a new product key.

I am not sure as I have no experience but I wouldn't imagine you to be able to do so, but I am sure somone on here who has done it would be able to tell you.

I am basing my thought on it as if you wanted to upgrade your current x32 bit OS to a x64 bit OS, MS would charge you wouldn't they.

No, MS would not charge you... once you purchase the software, they dont specify which version (32 or 64bit) you can install...the key will work on both versions...

As Tews stated, you can install the 32 bit or 64 bit version of windows 7 with the same product code. The hard part sometimes is getting the install media. I bought the X64 version of home premium and I only got the x64 DVD. I could re-install and switch to the x86 version of home premium, and use my current product code, but I don't have the x86 DVD. You can't "easily" download it from Microsoft so finding a reliable source could be a problem. Ideally you would want to borrow a copy of an original disk from someone and make a copy. If you use your product code its perfectly legal. It wouldn't have to match your version ether. If they had Ultimate and you wanted Pro, you just make an ISO and edit or delete the ei.cfg file from the sources folder before you burn it. As long as it's a 64 bit version you are all set.

Thanks for the replies. As I am not networked I'm thinking Home Premium is OK or am I missing something else?

Home premium will fill the needs of 99% of the typical user .... Enjoy Windows 7..

OK I own a 32 bit copy of Win 7 and have just purchased a 64 bit copy.

It sounds like I can (a) use my 32 bit licence key with a new 64 bit install;
(b) make a backup copy of the 64 bit DVD to keep;
(c) resell the 64 bit DVD as an opened but unactivated copy of Win 7 64 bit.

I notice a lot of the copies of Win 7 on sale on fleabay are dual 32/64 versions with 2 DVDs.

I've noticed that at places like Staples there are 32 and 64 bit DVDs in the box. If I buy from say TigerDirect though I have to choose 32 or 64, you don't get both. TigerDirect was half the price of what Staples wanted for the same version even with the shipping added in, so guess where I bought my copy from?

The only piece of software on your list that I'm directly familiar with is Photoshop CS4. If you have Windows 7 X64 installed, you can install both 32 and 64 bit versions of Photoshop. There's a single activation for both. (t's handy to have the 32 bit version, because the 64 bit version can't use 32 bit plugins. I also need it because the TWAIN drivers for my scanner are 32 bit only. The 64 bit version can use more RAM, so it's much faster with large files.