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#1
Considering buying refurb w/64-bit Windows, but install disk is 32-bit
To elaborate, I found a deal, but haven't yet purchased it, from a Microsoft registered refurbisher. It's on a Dell Optiplex 760 Mini Tower, with Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium installed with COA and reinstallation disc included, but the reinstallation disc is for the 32 bit version.
I infer though that the computer has 64 bit Windows installed on it, because it's advertised as having a recovery partition that will allow me to reinstall 64 bit Windows if/when needed. The seller says that if I like, I can download and burn a 64 bit reinstallation disk (as opposed to relying on the recovery partition). It's this last statement I'd like to verify. Can I really do that, would the download be free, and where would I download it from?
I suppose I may be over worrying, because if the computer never gives me problems, I won't really ever need to reinstall Windows, but what if (theoretically), the hard drive crashes at some point in the future? Then this recovery partition will be out of commission, and the disc he'd giving me is just the 32 bit disc. So I'd think at that point, I'll want a 64 bit install disk.
Also, I'm not sure if when I install peripheral devices, if it will occasionally ask me to insert a Windows disc (maybe to search for drivers). If it does, could I insert the 32 bit supplied disc, even though the installed OS is 64 bit? And it would find whatever it needs? Or maybe I should find and burn this 64 bit disc he speaks of, and insert that whenever I'm prompted for it.
I just want to know what I'm hypothetically in for should I buy this computer, as it seems like a good deal financially, otherwise.
Last edited by Zindar; 28 Aug 2015 at 15:23.