Vista HP 32 to Win 7 64 Bit

sup3rsprt said:

Big Dan said:

I realize going from 32 Bit to 64 Bit will require a full reinstall.

If I purchase the upgrade disc will it work going from 32 to 64?

I sure hope so, for the sake of anyone who wants to upgrade from 32 to 64. Sorry I don't have a definitive answer.

Does anyone know if that was possible with the Vista upgrade media? (besides doing the trick where you upgrade it over top of itself)

Thanks Super Sport. As is always the case, I find an answer after posting on a forum. I did some searching on MS's site and came up with this: Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows on the 'step 1' page this is what's said:

32-bit or 64-bit: Which version of Windows 7 to install?

If you're running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only upgrade to a 32-bit version of Windows 7. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only upgrade to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. Otherwise, you'll need to use the Custom option to install Windows 7. {emphasis mine}
Both 32-bit and 64-bit installation discs are included in the Windows 7 package. 64-bit operating systems can handle large amounts of memory—typically 4 gigabytes (GB) of random access memory (RAM) or more—more efficiently than 32-bit operating systems. However, not all computers are 64-bit capable.
To find out which Windows 7 installation disc you can use, do the following:

1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools.
2. Click View and print details.
3. Under System, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running next to System type, and, next to 64-bit capable, whether you can run a 64-bit version of Windows.
   If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.

What if I can't choose the Upgrade option?

Some versions of Windows can't be upgraded with the installation disc you're trying to use. For example, you can't upgrade a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version, or upgrade from a higher edition of Windows, such as Windows Vista Ultimate, to a lower edition, such as Windows 7 Home Premium. If this is the case, you'll need to use the Custom option during installation.
However, unlike Upgrade, the Custom option does not preserve your files, settings, or programs. You'll need to back up your files and settings before installing Windows 7, restore them after installation is complete—and you'll also need to reinstall your programs using the original installation discs or files. For a step-by-step tutorial on how to perform a custom installation, see Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation).

Even though it's not made crystal clear it appears as if I can purchase the 64-bit upgrade and just do a custom install (format & reinstall), which I want anyway, it should work fine. Do you get the same thing from reading that?

If this is true then it appears everyone will be able to do a fresh install using upgrade media

Hi Big Dan.. Welcome to the Forums! This seems to be one of the most asked questions, as release day approaches, but what you want to do is possible. When you finish installing you will have a folder called windows.old. You can browse that folder for any documents, pics etc. that you want to save and then delete it.

Windows is pretty good about installing the correct 64bit drivers, but Id still start gathering all of the drivers from your mfgrs website... Let us know how it comes out..

Just remember that an OEM version is tied to the machine that its installed on.. If you change out your mobo you will need to call MS for a new key....

Big Dan said:

Thanks Tews. :) As it is now all my hardware works out of the box with Windows 7. When I connect to Windows update it finds a few updates but everything just works.

@SuperSport: Looks like that's what I'll do. I always drag and drop back up to an external anyway, so I'll just drag all my folders over the external and go to town on the upgrade.

However I do wonder if I'm just better off spending a few more dollars and snagging an OEM copy from NewEgg.

This has been a hot topic. Guess we'll see in a couple of days.

It would seem like MS would make the 32bit to 64bit cross over option included, as they will send you the equivalent 64bit OS that you already have for shipping cost.
sup3rsprt may have mentioned the reason/answer, the 64bit installer doesn't work from a 32bit OS.

Another option might be to ask your OEM for the 64bit OS version (Vista in your case), as most of them will send it to you for shipping cost or free.
Most of them seem to refuse on the first request, mine did, but finding the right place to ask will help. Go to the OEM users forum and search the subject, you will likely find the answer.
Hopefully MS will make this un-necessary by making this possible from the Win7 upgrade disk.