Downgrading Windows 7 64-bit to 32-bit  

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  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
       #1

    Downgrading Windows 7 64-bit to 32-bit


    I have a Gateway DX4300 with Windows 7 64-bit preinstalled. I need to downgrade to Windows 7 32-bit. I spoke to Gateway chat support in India and they informed me that they could not ship me a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit, the computer came with Windows 7 64-bit preinstalled and the drivers are designed for that OS.

    First question: Is India just blowing smoke up my a_s? Will this computer be able to run Windows 7 32-bit?

    Second question: I'm now in the process of getting a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit retail, so I can wipe my drive and install 32-bit. Can I use my Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit CD-Key with the 32-bit version? Will it cause problems that the version I'm getting is retail?

    Thank you.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 7,878
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #2

    I've never really seen an issue where hardware in a pre-fab computer only has 64-bit drivers and not 32-bit driver support....the other way around....certainly. I'm sure that you will be fine on that front.

    As far as using the same key...100% legit. No problems whatsoever.
    Last edited by Brink; 01 Aug 2010 at 17:51. Reason: Removed content that violates forum rules
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,963
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit
       #3

    As much as I love hate to contradict pparks, he is wrong on both fronts.

    The key you have is only for a OEM copy of 7 from Gateway only. It will not work with a retail copy of 7.

    Although it is unusual, you may not be able to find all the right drivers. You certainly may have trouble getting them from Gateway. I would try to track down the drivers you need before installing 32 bit.

    Why do you want to change to 32 bit? are you having a problem? We may know how to solve it.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #4

    Petey7 said:
    As much as I love hate to contradict pparks, he is wrong on both fronts.

    The key you have is only for a OEM copy of 7 from Gateway only. It will not work with a retail copy of 7.

    Although it is unusual, you may not be able to find all the right drivers. You certainly may have trouble getting them from Gateway. I would try to track down the drivers you need before installing 32 bit.

    Why do you want to change to 32 bit? are you having a problem? We may know how to solve it.
    1) You can use a OEM key with a Retail DVD.

    2) Gateway list 32bit drivers for the DX4300-22.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,963
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit
       #5

    theog said:
    [
    1) You can use a OEM key with a Retail DVD.
    Then why have so many others on here said the opposite?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #6

    Petey7 said:
    theog said:
    [
    1) You can use a OEM key with a Retail DVD.
    Then why have so many others on here said the opposite?
    I have said the opposite to yourself as many others do.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2,963
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit
       #7

    ratePV said:
    You cannot use the oem key to activate a retail version
    I know I have seen a few other post like it in the past three weeks alone, but the search function for this website feels the need to leave out certain words so its hard to find the other threads I've seen.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7,878
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #8

    The retail disc can be used with OEM keys. It's the same install.wim file...it's only the key inserted during the install of Windows 7 that dictates what you have.

    This is a change from Vista.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #9

    You can do this with Vista aswell, not with Win XP.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 7,878
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #10

    Here is a link direct from out tutorial section
    Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create

    The pertinent info in the tutorial at the intro says
    Remember you will still need a valid license key specific to the version you are installing. In addition, Microsoft has eliminated the differences between the retail and OEM install discs with Windows 7, so this disc can be used to reinstall Windows 7 on PC’s where the owner has lost, or is unable to find, the OEM restore discs. In order to create such a disc; just delete and remove the ei.cfg from any Windows 7 ISO to convert that image into a universal disc for all editions of Windows 7.
    @Theog: sorry I wasn't clear. It changed from Vista onward is what I meant to say.....
      My Computer


 
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