Upgrading from 32 bit

joha · 12 Oct 2009

I currently have the 32 bit vista ultimate that came with my dell computer. I bought Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade - 64 bit from Windows 7 US Online Store - Student Registration

I already know that my computer can run 64 bit, but I am not sure that it is possible to upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit. I've already bought the upgrade from the site above, so I am looking for a way to make it work. I read that a 32 bit vista serial will work on a 64 bit version; is this correct? Can I use the key that came with my os disk from dell to register a 64 bit version of vista and then upgrade to windows 7, if I cannot go directly from 32 bit vista to 64 bit windows 7?

Thanks

Night Hawk · 12 Oct 2009

Hello joha Welcome to the Se7en Forums!

You won't be able to use the Vista product key since you will be using the product key that comes with the upgrade disk itself for the new version of Windows. The key for the preinstalled copy of Vista is bound to the existing Vista installation only.

For upgrading from the 32bit Vista into the 64bit 7 Professional you won't be seeing a direct upgrade but will need to perform a custom install that will replace the Vista installation entirely since you don't the direct upgrade path available even if that had been Vista Business to 7 Pro. You can't directly upgrade a 32bit Windows to a 64bit version but simply have to see a nice new clean install of 7.

The existing Vista preinstall will be rolled up into the Windows.old folder for retrieving personal data from user account folders and other files before seeing that removed entirely from the drive.

Lee · 12 Oct 2009

Yes. You can upgrade from 32 to 64, however, you cannot go the other direction. And, yes again on the 32 to 64 bit key as long as both version came on the same disc or in the same box.

Also, Welcome to the "Seven Forums" if you any questions please feel free to ask. They are some pretty smart Win 7 folks here that are always looking to lend a hand. Also, if you get a chance please fill in you System Specs in the "CP" section. This will help in the long run whenever you need help.

Night Hawk · 13 Oct 2009

You may want to calculate that one on the upgrade chart for XP and Vista upgrade to 7 seen at http://**************.com/news/windows-7-upgrade-chart/

The 32bit Vista Ultimate to 64bit 7 Ultimate simply requires a custom install since there is no direct upgrade path to find. The best place for real advice however besides that article is of course referring to the guide on how to go about an upgrade from Vista to 7.

Upgrade Install with Windows 7