Upgrade from Windows 7 32bit RC1 to Windows 7 64bit

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  1. Posts : 17
    Windows 7
       #11

    I have a Dell XPS. It came with Vista, 32-bit.

    As a test I grabbed a x64 version of Vista SP2 (from MSDN) off of Usenet and did a clean install with it. If I'd pleaded I think Dell would have sent me one. For the cost of shipping MS would have sent me one.

    I entered the serial that came with my Dell.

    Windows made me go through a phone activation (you alternate entering info on the phone and your PC) but it did eventually recognize my system as legitimate.

    YMMV.
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  2. Posts : 18
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #12

    pparks1 said:
    I'm not sure that you are going to be able to do this with the "upgrade" disc. i believe when you change from 32-bit to 64-bit...you have to buy the full version.

    In the past, you could insert your previous OS disk to prove ownership. My understanding is that Win7 upgrade will actually need to see an installed and (here is the key) activated copy of Windows running in order to perform an upgrade. So, unless you have 64-bit installed and activated...I don't think you will be able to upgrade your 32-bit to 64-bit.
    Thats what I was thinking, but everyone seemed to say that it would work no problem. The only loophole that I could come up with is to format the drive, install a 64bit RC of windows 7 (technically I have the serial key for it, it is activated, and I do get updates for it) and then "upgrade" to the final release version when that comes out in October.

    is there a flaw in my logic, here?
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  3. Posts : 627
    Windows 7 7600.16384 x64
       #13

    sirdizzle said:
    Thats what I was thinking, but everyone seemed to say that it would work no problem. The only loophole that I could come up with is to format the drive, install a 64bit RC of windows 7 (technically I have the serial key for it, it is activated, and I do get updates for it) and then "upgrade" to the final release version when that comes out in October.

    is there a flaw in my logic, here?

    Well legally yes, because you don't own the previous OS to upgrade to if you are going to hack the RC to upgrade to a full release with an upgrade disk. I am sure if you try to upgrade, it will see the previous version of Windows 7 and stop the upgrade process.
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  4. Posts : 18
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #14

    I own a copy of vista 32 bit, which came preinstalled on my laptop.

    And technically speaking, I do own windows 7 RC... just because it was free doesn't mean it doesn't belong to me, right?
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  5. Posts : 627
    Windows 7 7600.16384 x64
       #15

    No one owns windows but Microsoft, you own a license to use it. Windows 7 RC, you get a license that expires in August 2010.
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  6. Posts : 627
    Windows 7 7600.16384 x64
       #16

    it seems your only upgrade path is going to be your OEM Copy of Windows Vista 32-bit that came preinstalled on your laptop to the Windows 7 32-bit upgrade. (but you must suuply the prior disk or have the OS installed on a partition)

    If you want to go to 64-bit, you will have to buy a copy of the 64-bit Windows 7 that is not an upgrade (either retail or OEM)

    Which one is right for you?
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  7. Posts : 115
    windows 7 7137 x64
       #17

    sirdizzle said:
    Thats what I was thinking, but everyone seemed to say that it would work no problem. The only loophole that I could come up with is to format the drive, install a 64bit RC of windows 7 (technically I have the serial key for it, it is activated, and I do get updates for it) and then "upgrade" to the final release version when that comes out in October.

    is there a flaw in my logic, here?
    just do this method but with windows 7
    Clean Install From Upgrade Vista - Vista Forums
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  8. Posts : 18
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #18

    Alright, thanks!
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  9. Posts : 627
    Windows 7 7600.16384 x64
       #19

    sirdizzle said:
    Alright, thanks!

    Sorry I hope I was clear and helped.
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  10. Posts : 18
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #20

    It makes sense....so far.

    Do you suggest I upgrade to 64bit using the rc or do you suggest i wait till the final upgrade disc comes out in a few months?
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