Can I use 64-bit without paying for another license?

[muzicman82]

Hello all,

Back in October, I attended "The New Efficiency" event in Baltimore, MD. At the event, Microsoft gave attendees free copies of Windows 7. I'd like to use 64-bit on the system that this copy is installed on. Does anyone know if I can get 64-bit media for this key or is it going to be a 32-bit only license?

I don't mind paying for a new 64-bit license, but I just want to check out my options before I go spending money.

 

[Lordbob75]

You should be able to. Just download or borrow a x64 bit disk and use your key.

~Lordbob

 

[muzicman82]

I'll give it a try!

 

[Tepid]

It all depends I think, it never hurts to try of course, but I think if it is OEM, then no, if it is retail, maybe.

 

[joel406]

You can do it. You just need a x64 disk.

You will have to do a clean install. So be ready to reinstall all your applications.

In other words.

Don't forget to backup all your important data first.

 

[muzicman82]

Oh, I'm not worried about the clean install. I do that every 2-3 months anyways. I've got that down to a science. Wipe, clean install, restore in about an hour.

I have both x64 and x86 in OEM flavors. I'll try that. I don't have a retail disc though...

 

[joel406]

Dosent matter whether its a retail disk or OEM your key will fix everything.

 

[muzicman82]

Dosent matter whether its a retail disk or OEM your key will fix everything.

Really!? That's good news! Different from Vista then...

 

[joel406]

Vista was the same way.

I use OEM keys with retail disk and visa versa all the time. Same with XP.

 

[muzicman82]

Vista was the same way.

I use OEM keys with retail disk and visa versa all the time. Same with XP.

I'm pretty sure I tried that a couple years back and it didn't work. Clean install too. Ended up buying another license.

 

[joel406]

I have been doing it for years.

In fact...I'm doing it right now.

 

[gregrocker]

Every Win7 license can be used with either 32-or 64-bit, and can be reinstalled - including from one to the other - as often as you like.

Vista was the same way.

I use OEM keys with retail disk and visa versa all the time. Same with XP.

I'm pretty sure I tried that a couple years back and it didn't work. Clean install too. Ended up buying another license.

Starting with Vista, the installer is the same for OEM or retail.

All versions are included and can be unlocked with this tool to install with your Product key: Ei.cfg Removal Utility Lets You Use Any Product Key With Your Windows 7 Disc

It is the key which determines the version and whether Upgrade or full Retail.

 

[joel406]

I made my disk manually. By making a ISO image and removing the file and reburning. I never tried the tool. I just keep the ISO on a drive if I need a new copy I just burn 1.

 

[muzicman82]

Every Win7 license can be used with either 32-or 64-bit, and can be reinstalled - including from one to the other - as often as you like.

Vista was the same way.

I use OEM keys with retail disk and visa versa all the time. Same with XP.

I'm pretty sure I tried that a couple years back and it didn't work. Clean install too. Ended up buying another license.

Starting with Vista, the installer is the same for OEM or retail.

All versions are included and can be unlocked with this tool to install with your Product key: Ei.cfg Removal Utility Lets You Use Any Product Key With Your Windows 7 Disc

It is the key which determines the version and whether Upgrade or full Retail.

Ohh, so you have a modded disc? I know about the tool, just never tried it that way. I know the Vista/7 installers are image based.

 

[joel406]

Good luck muzicman82 I'm sure you will be fine... but just in case if you do have a problem find Gregrocker he can help you through anything.

I have a HP laptop getting a upgrade to Win7 pro x64 from HPx64 and 100gigs of backup first.

 

[muzicman82]

Good luck muzicman82 I'm sure you will be fine... but just in case if you do have a problem find Gregrocker he can help you through anything.

I have a HP laptop getting a upgrade to Win7 pro x64 from HPx64 and 100gigs of backup first.

Thanks... I'm pretty Windows savvy, just wasn't clear on the licenses. I may just start my wipe in a few minutes...

I won't gain that much, but Adobe Master Collection CS5's Premiere Pro and After Effects are 64-bit only.... Finally. Photoshop and Lightroom already are. And Office 2010 is 64-bit. Yay!

Not enough RAM in this laptop though.

 

[Lordbob75]

Every Win7 license can be used with either 32-or 64-bit, and can be reinstalled - including from one to the other - as often as you like.

I'm pretty sure I tried that a couple years back and it didn't work. Clean install too. Ended up buying another license.

Starting with Vista, the installer is the same for OEM or retail.

All versions are included and can be unlocked with this tool to install with your Product key: Ei.cfg Removal Utility Lets You Use Any Product Key With Your Windows 7 Disc

It is the key which determines the version and whether Upgrade or full Retail.

Ohh, so you have a modded disc? I know about the tool, just never tried it that way. I know the Vista/7 installers are image based.

You still need the x64 bit disc.
The modded disc only covers x32 or x64, but all versions.

~Lordbob

 

[Tepid]

Starting with Vista, the installer is the same for OEM or retail.

It is the key which determines the version and whether Upgrade or full Retail.

Or OEM, if it is OEM, you will not be able to move it. Or am I wrong? And I thought that OEM was 32bit or 64bit specific also.

Although,, it is my understanding that those Freebie Handouts at events are Full Retail License though, in which case, you should have no problems installing 64bit.

****************Off Topic***********
I have a USB key that can install every edition, both x32bit and x64bit flavors of Windows.
I need to add Enterprise though. I very much like the new image way of windows install. And being able to place multiple images in one WIM file.

I have been trying to get to creating custom WIM files with multiple images that I can install using an unattend script.
****************End Off Topic***********

 

[gregrocker]

Starting with Vista, the installer is the same for OEM or retail.

It is the key which determines the version and whether Upgrade or full Retail.

Or OEM, if it is OEM, you will not be able to move it. Or am I wrong? And I thought that OEM was 32bit or 64bit specific also.

Or OEM. But OEM like all Win7 can be installed in either 32- or 64-bit with each license.

Manufacturers may try to restrict a certain model to 32 bit or 64 bit but they are violating the EULA and the consumer's rights.