New laptop with 32 bit, change to 64 bit

gregrocker · 29 Dec 2009

Yes, it can be done - we do it all the time here.

The Win7 license stickered to the laptop is a batch key so it requires a robocall to MS to sort out the exact key number. You can audit the exact key using Attachment 44442

However, every license for Win7 is able to be either 32 or 64 bit, your choice. Either can be switched during reinstall and are viewed as the same license.

So the question is the installer. In Windows 7 as Vista all of the installers are the same, with versions hidden by the presence of an ei.cfg file in Sources folder.

So if necessary to activate your license, extract the ISO to your desktop, remove that file, recompile the ISO using this Vlite to burn to DVD an all-versions installer: Bootable ISO - Create from Installation Files

Wait until after install to activate with key at Computer>Properties link.

DocBrown · 29 Dec 2009

I have the All in One 32 bit & 64 bit that I made from my Technet subscription.

But it does not have OEM on it & I believe the OEM key is tied to the specific OEM DVD's from the Mfg.
So contacting the mfg for a 64 bit DVD would be the best bet

" Doc "

gregrocker · 29 Dec 2009

Doc, the manufacturer's OEM does not use a separate installer in Vista or Win7.

Only XP and before, to my knowledge.

Don't know about System Builder OEM since I don't use it, but I believe it is also same installer.

The version is determined only by the key.

klumsy bot · 29 Dec 2009

Anand suggests it requires fiddling to create a "One Disc" (or rather two, one for x64 and one for x86!)
AnandTech

Thankyou greg I will investigate this further. I will try to make my friend a "One Disc"

mckillwashere · 29 Dec 2009

If he is not running more than 4 gb of ram there really isnt a reason
I know there is more to x64 than there is x86, iv'e been an x64 fanboy since mid xpx64

klumsy bot · 29 Dec 2009

He is running 4gb of ram.

I am using the efi remover utility and burning a Universal x64 disk now.
ei.cfg Removal Utility (Windows 7 Universal CD) – Repair Tool of the Week | Technibble

Going to use a DVD-RW in case it carks it.

Testing this on my laptop seems to work fine, i get the choice of home basic, premium, pro and ultimate. So it is just the installer which is being a pain. Interesting.

klumsy bot · 31 Dec 2009

Seems it wasn't successful. He downloaded the ISO from here
Windows 7 ISO x86 and x64 Official Direct Download Links (Ultimate, Professional and Home Premium) My Digital Life

For home premium x64 and tried the HP key under his laptop, nothing. I'm trying to find out what the error message was.

gregrocker · 31 Dec 2009

I don't understand why you are downloading an ISO.

You have the 64 bit Ultimate installer so extract the files, edit out ei.cfg from Sources, recompile into an ISO to burn an all-versions DVD - all using the tutorial linked 2 days ago: Bootable ISO - Create from Installation Files

Vlite, which is used in SIW2's tutorial, will even burn the ISO from the same drop-down menu which creates the ISO.

Then boot the DVD, select your licensed version, Custom install and use Drive options to delete all partitions, format, install.

Activate with laptop license sticker Product Key. A call to MS may be required; just tell them you reinstalled.

Suggest you save a Win7 Backup Image externally first so you can reimage the HD if necessary with the current installation.

klumsy bot · 01 Jan 2010

Going to try to call MS on monday, public holidays today.

edit: he called ms and tried to activate over the phone - was told this key is already activated or has reached the limit of users. Was put through to a CSR and was given the activation code so it was achieved in the end.