Win7 64-bit on Sony Vaio

Hi
I do a clean install of Win Ultimate on my Sony Vaio VGN-SR19XN (after deleting the Sony recovery partition to get the full disk) but even though the system reports that it has 64-bit capability, I can only do a 32-bit install. Questions:
a) is there a way (command line?) to force Win7 to install 64-bit.
b) at what point in the installation process does Win decide it's going to install 32 or 64 bit, and can this be intercepted to force a 64-bit installation?

Thanks

First of all, I hope you made recovery disks before deleting the recovery partition? If you did not, you can still do it. Recovery disks are a good safety net, in case you want to revert to the factory install.

Second, what kind of disk are you trying to a clean install from? Remember 32 bit windows and 64 bit are not contained in the same disk, so its not that you need to choose at any point. A 32 bit disk will install 32 bit windows, 64 bit disk will install 64 bit windows.

Thanks for you reply.
Everything I've Googled over the past 24 hours says that the 32 and 64 bit versions are both on the Ultimate DVD? That's also what the shop said.

Yes, what that means is that the retail package comes with 2 separate disks- one 32 bit, the other 64 bit. You can use the same key to install either, but not both.

Oh I see. Thanks

Hi there
just another piece of information you *might* need.

you can't run the 64 bit install from your 32 Bit current OS - even if you want to select CLEAN install rather than upgrade.

You will have to BOOT from the 64 bit disc and do your install. Same key will work but it will of course be a clean install.

If you've got any data save it first before doing your install.

Cheers
jimbo

Once you make your Recovery Disks from the Recovery utility in All Programs list, if you still want to delete your Recovery partition then I would use the opportunity to wipe the HD of all code before install to get the cleanest possible slate: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Then choose Custom install>Drive Options to partition and format. It will assign you a 100mb SysReserved boot partition which conveniently places the Repair console on the F8 Advanced Boot Tools menu - normally this is only on the DVD or Repair CD.

Some tips to get a purrfect reinstall based on hundreds done here: re-install windows 7