Installing 64 bit from 32 bit OEM

M4dn3ss · 13 Oct 2011

So I've decided I want to try reinstall Windows in 64 bit.
Now the problem is - my Windows 7 is an OEM disk, and it only contains the 32 bit version. Would I be able to download a 64 bit disk, and install that with my cd key?
(Which, if it matters, I had a Vista key, but I had the Windows 7 free upgrade promotion so I got a W7 upgrade key from that)

Additionally, the Windows 7 disk is an upgrade disk

(actually, my Vista disk was 32 bit OEM, and the W7 upgrade disk I think must've been shipped from Microsoft so I don't know if it counts as an OEM disk, but it looks like one and thus I'm pretty sure it only has 32 bit)

Also, should I dual boot the 64/32 bit or reinstall completely?

Maguscreed · 13 Oct 2011

I would switch over completely, as for doing so, do not use it as an upgrade disc install windows 7 standalone, this can be done so long as you vista key is still available.
Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

as to my knowledge assuming your system supports 64 bit instructions (dependent on cpu but most made since about 2005 do support 64 bit instructions) a key is good for either 32 or 64 bit.

I have been using full copies of windows 7 though so you may want to wait for someone with direct experience with the upgrade version to chime in before proceeding.
Either way I suggest the clean install method as using the upgrade method tends to lead to a less stable and slower system.

M4dn3ss · 13 Oct 2011

So would I be able to download an ISO of the retail disk (it's not illegal because I already have the valid key right?) and use that?

Maguscreed · 13 Oct 2011

Once again this is something we'll need input on from someone with personal experience with the upgrade version.
Windows 7 licensing is a bit different than it was with vista or xp, I don't know if you are going to have to work from an upgrade disc or not.

According to a member over on microsoft technet it is apparently possible to use a upgrade key with a retail disc though

Thanks for posting. Yes you can use your retail disk to install Windows 7 with your upgrade key. You will have to have a previous version of Windows when you perform the upgrade or else Windows 7 will fail at activation.

if you can take that route here is the most reliable source for a proper retail image DO NOT GET IT FROM TORRENTS OR USENET if you want to be certain you'll have a legit copy when done.
http://www.mydigitallife.info/window...-home-premium/

M4dn3ss · 13 Oct 2011

Ok, that's interesting. I think I'll try on a Virtual Machine first

gregrocker · 13 Oct 2011

Magnus has it right: You can clean reinstall Win7 Upgrade kit using any retail installer, and as with all Win7 you can use either 32- or 64-bit with each license.

Follow these steps to get a perfect reinstall of factory OEM: Reinstalling Windows 7

Best to borrow a retail CD, extract the ISO using ImgBurn, unlock all versions if necessary, burn to DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed, install your licensed version. If you must download an ISO, search Google for official Win7 ISO download at My Digital Life to get a safe one. If the link is down on your version you'll have to unlock another version using method in my steps linked above.

Maguscreed · 13 Oct 2011

The link I provided gives direct downloads for all version iso's direct from amazon.
They've proven reliable in the past.