7 installed in 32 bit

I just received my windows 7 upgrade today having purchased a windows vista laptop about a month ago. When setting up the laptop i didnt understand the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit. I assumed when upgrading i would be given the option again to install in 32 bit or 64 bit but was not is there anyway i can reciefy this situation because im currently stuck having paid for 4GB of RAM and only able to use 3GB

You are entitled to run 32 bit or 64 bit with any Win7 license including manufacturer's OEM. However since you have an Upgrade Kit which is specific to the version that came with the machine, I am not sure they will now send you 64 bit to clean install.

However, thanks to MS insistence most of these manufacturer's Upgrade kits have a clean copy DVD of Win7 enclosed, along with a drivers/apps CD which is surprisingly free of bloatware - so far. The Win7 Upgrade DVD has a product key which is tied like the Vista OEM to the machine's mobo.

I would call my manufacturer and ask if you can be supplied with the 64 bit install DVD to do a clean install since this can be done with the DVD anyway. They may reveal reasons why your model is not suited for 64 bit. Then I would do my own research, starting with the Win7 Upgrade advisor, and decide if it is a worth a try on your own, as follows:

Locate a copy of 64 bit Windows 7 RTM of your version. You can unlock all versions in the RTM by removing the ei.cfg file from Sources, then recompiling and burning the edited ISO: Bootable ISO - Create from Installation Files

Make a Windows 7 backup image of your full HD saved externally so you can easily reimage back to your current installation if necessary.

Boot from the 64 bit Win7 DVD you created and choose your version, Custom install using Advanced drive tools to delete existing partitions, create New as you wish, and format before install. Choose to remain connected to internet during install and plug ethernet.

After install, activate from the key on the Upgrade DVD you received (may require a robo call to MS), get latest drivers from WIndows Updates, and other missing drivers/apps from the Support>Downloads page for your model. Adobe Reader/Flash and Java runtime/free Ofc. are at their websites.

Your mileage may vary.

If you received only one DVD and it is 32 bit, you will have to pay for an upgrade DVD, for 64 bit.

If you receiveed 2 DVD, you can do a clean install for either 32 or 64, even if it is only a upgrade DVD.

I recieved 2 dvds however one is a toshiba disc which uninstalled all the toshiba vista programs and "prepared the system for the upgrade" the second disc is the official microsoft disc and reads "windows 7 upgrade 32-bit/64-bit" however it seems as my version of vista was activated in 32-bit (despite having given me the option when i first switched it on, my mistake, i know) i was not then given the option to install 7 in either format

Also thank you very much for your advice gregrocker but i learned today my collage offers a download of the 64-bit version would you reccomend simply downloading and installing that (ive been told it has some easy transfer facility which doesnt completly scrub your harddrive) if this is not a good way to go about it i will give the DIY reinstall a try or contact toshiba.

Glad you found that college 64 bit DVD, as what you need is a 64 bit installer. Then try activating after install using the key which is on the Windows 7 DVD which came in your Upgrade Kit. Any OEM key like that should activate either 32 or 64 bit unless Toshiba somehow locked out 64 in your case, which I don't think they can do since those OEM license stickers are issued by MS whose policy is clearly either 32/64 with a license.

When you attempt to activate MS might require a robo call to trade numbers; at worst it will connect you to a person who should accept your explanation about wanting 64 bit.

Easy Transfer is on all Win7 DVD's and allows you to save files and settings externally but you still have to reinstall programs. Since you need to back up your files anyway (I just manually copy mine to external and forget settings) be sure to boot from the DVD to get the cleanest possible install, selecting Custom with Advanced Drive tools to format the target partition before install.

I would also choose "Connect to Internet During Install" and plug ethernet to get the latest drivers/updates into the installer during installation. Win7 has almost all drivers since they paid the bill for the WHQL partnership with all manufacturers to build Win7 drivers; Windows Updates will clean up with the newest.