How to upgrade windows 7 ultimate 32 bit to 64 bit

[lastyear]

i want to upgrade windows 7 ultimate 32 bit to 64 bit for gaming coz the system requirements for the great gaming is only using 64 bit, but i can't solve it. i have already installed windows 7 ultimate 64 bit ISO but after i clicked the setup.exe, the box appeared and it was written "the version of this files is not compatible with the version of windows you're running. Check your computer system to see whether you need an x86 (32 bit) or x64 (64 bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher." I have no choice but to post this. please answer ASAP. your answer will be very welcome

 

[Kari]

You cannot upgrade from one bit version to another (32 bit to 64 bit or vice versa). A clean install is the only possibility.

Backup your personal files, wipe the hard disk empty, boot computer with 64 bit install media and install it, then reinstall all your software.

See this tutorial for instructions in creating a Windows install media from your ISO file: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31541-windows-7-usb-dvd-download-tool.html.

 

[AddRAM]

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[LMiller7]

Comparing the GUI of 32 bit and 64 bit systems, or even looking at the files with Windows explorer, one might reasonably conclude that the differences were relatively minor and an upgrade no big deal. A reasonable conclusion, but very wrong. Internally 32 bit and 64 bit systems are very different. Most of the system files are different, and different in very significant ways. It could not be otherwise. Microsoft concluded that an in place upgrade from a 32 bit to 64 bit OS would not be practical and made no provision for it. A 64 bit OS can run most 32 bit applications but only because a complex subsystem was created to make this possible.

A clean install is the only option.

 

[gregrocker]

The ISO and everything else needed to get and keep a perfect http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[lastyear]

thanks for the answers all. but which one should i do the clean install windows? windows 32 bit or 64 bit?

 

[gregrocker]

If you intend to keep 3gb RAM then I would use 32 bit. If you plan to upgrade to 4gb RAM or more then I'd install 64 bit.

 

[lastyear]

i'm currently use 32 bit, but i want to use 64 bit. it means i do the clean install on 32 bit right? and then i will create a Windows install media from my ISO file with USB...

 

[Kari]

thanks for the answers all. but which one should i do the clean install windows? windows 32 bit or 64 bit?

Of course the 64 bit.

You have now a 32 bit Windows and judging by the fact that you did not mention a single issue with it you can continue using it without reinstalling as before. However, as for the reason for getting a 64 bit Windows you told this:

i want to upgrade windows 7 ultimate 32 bit to 64 bit for gaming coz the system requirements for the great gaming is only using 64 bit, but i can't solve it.

If this, gaming requiring 64 bit is in your opinion really a valid reason to start using a 64 bit Windows and you really want to do it, then you should perform a clean install of a 64 bit Windows.

Short:

• If you are happy with 32 bit Windows 7 there's no need to reinstall.
• If you need to / want to a 64 bit Windows 7 you must perform a clean install.

Kari

 

[gregrocker]

i'm currently use 32 bit, but i want to use 64 bit. it means i do the clean install on 32 bit right? and then i will create a Windows install media from my ISO file with USB...

You are missing that this decision is based on the amount of RAM you have or plan to add. Under 4gb RAM i would use 32 bit for best performance, over 4gb RAM then use 64 bit.

If your goal is to install 64 bit then I would upgrade my ram.

 

[lastyear]

Thankyou Kari for the answer. i really appreciate it. but but after i clicked the setup.exe of 64 bit installation, the box appeared and it was written "the version of this files is not compatible with the version of windows you're running. Check your computer system to see whether you need an x86 (32 bit) or x64 (64 bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher." what should i do? create 64 bit installation with media? Thanks.

 

[lastyear]

i'm currently use 32 bit, but i want to use 64 bit. it means i do the clean install on 32 bit right? and then i will create a Windows install media from my ISO file with USB...

You are missing that this decision is based on the amount of RAM you have or plan to add. Under 4gb RAM i would use 32 bit for best performance, over 4gb RAM then use 64 bit.

If your goal is to install 64 bit then I would upgrade my ram.

i have ram 3 gb and i have checked it was capable with 64 bit in Performance Information and Tools.

 

[gregrocker]

Yes, it's capable but that doesn't mean it will run fast. Especially if you use the PC for gaming then installing 64 bit without upgrading the RAM from 3gb is going to make it run slower. At least that's my experience.

 

[Kari]

The installer, the program in your ISO which performs the installation, is also a 64 bit program. Therefore it does not work on 32 bit Windows. From your existing Windows desktop you can only launch 32 bit programs.

As told earlier in this thread the only way to install the 64 bit Windows to your computer is to boot the PC with 64 bit install media. You have had plenty of advice in this thread about how to create a Windows install DVD or USB from your ISO. Follow the instructions given.

To see the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit Windows, and to see how to check if your PC can run 64 bit Windows, see this Microsoft article: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions - Windows Help. This article is also a good read: Taking the mystery out of 64-bit Windows - Windows Help.

I agree with my fellow geek Greg, I wouldn't use a 64 Windows with just 3 GB of RAM.

Kari

 

[lastyear]

Yes, it's capable but that doesn't mean it will run fast. Especially if you use the PC for gaming then installing 64 bit without upgrading the RAM from 3gb is going to make it run slower. At least that's my experience.

ohhh.. ok i got it now. thanks for the answer. i really appreciate it . i want to upgrade my ram with 8 gb maybe. haha

 

[lastyear]

The installer, the program in your ISO which performs the installation, is also a 64 bit program. Therefore it does not work on 32 bit Windows. From your existing Windows desktop you can only launch 32 bit programs.

As told earlier in this thread the only way to install the 64 bit Windows to your computer is to boot the PC with 64 bit install media. You have had plenty of advice in this thread about how to create a Windows install DVD or USB from your ISO. Follow the instructions given.

To see the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit Windows, and to see how to check if your PC can run 64 bit Windows, see this Microsoft article: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions - Windows Help. This article is also a good read: Taking the mystery out of 64-bit Windows - Windows Help.

I agree with my fellow geek Greg, I wouldn't use a 64 Windows with just 3 GB of RAM.

Kari

Thank you very much for the answer. i would upgrade ram first

 

[gregrocker]

If you have an older Dual Core processor then you might find it maxing out with half of the RAM unused if you add too much. My guess would be around 4-6 gb. Others may have suggestions about the optimal amount if you will update your System specs in the bottom left corner of post with mobo and PC model numbers. Speccy - Advanced System Information Tool - Windows 7 Help Forums

You can look at how many slots you have, which are used and open, and find your RAM specs by running the Crucial System Scanner software to find out what type of memory is in your computer.
You can make a screenshot of the findings to post back for us to advise you further: Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums - Windows 7 Forums