Preparing for x86 Vista > x64 Win7 upgrade

Hi there -- My answer probably was not clear either.

Whilst you CAN'T UPGRADE to X-64 from the X-86 version -- to use the 64 Bit Upgrade DVD from the X-86 system you still HAVE TO HAVE THE X-86 version INSTALLED.

You then boot the 64 bit OS install from the DVD and choose CUSTOM whereupon it does a NEW / Clean install.

It obviously saves a file somewhere since if you format your Disk or mess around deleting partitins at the custom Install time you will get a message when you try and activate the OS saying

Activation failed as this is an UPGRADE product.

If you DON'T delete the original 32 bit OS then it all works and activation is fine. You can then delete the WINDOWS.OLD file it creates.

I didn't mean that you could directly upgrade x-86 to x-64 -- but you DO need to have it installed on your system in order to use the upgrade DVD rather than purchase a full new retail copy.

VISTA ULTIMATE Upgrade copies usually contained only the 32 bit OS -- you had to send off for the "Supplemental Media" containing the 64 bit version -- usually only cost a few dollars -- around 5 or so. The same key worked as with your X-86 version.

Sorry if I was mis-understood -- my post is for people who've got VISTA -X-86 ultimate via an upgrade DVD already installed and want to switch to the 64 bit version without paying for a new License (as they are entitled to have the 64 bit version as well even though it's not in the standard retail box).

If they want to go from XP to 64 bit VISTA via upgrade DVD's they will HAVE to install the X-86 version first or bite the bullet and pay for a NEW (non upgrade) version of Vista.


Cheers
jimbo

Hi Jimbo,

Thanks for the reply.

my post is for people who've got VISTA -X-86 ultimate via an upgrade DVD already installed and want to switch to the 64 bit version without paying for a new License

I was posting about upgrading from regular Vista x86 install to 7 x64 using the upgrade dvd - without having to go to the trouble of getting hold of a Vista x64 dvd first.

It looks like we're all on the same page now

In summary I'm going to wait to get hold of the x64 upgrade SKU of Windows 7 Home Premium and then try a fresh install on a second partition (probably to directly replace the current Build 7000 Beta install). The presence of my existing x86 install of Vista Home Premium on the current systems partition should be sufficient to enable the install.

The one question remaining is whether I will be able to buy x64 Upgrade media directly from a retailer, or whether I'm going to have to buy the x86 upgrade version and go through the same process of ordering alternate media again (the delay of which I am sure will irritate me when the time comes).

I suppose I could try a download purchase of the x64 version direct from the Windows store this time, but I do like the idea of having an original Windows DVD rather than burning a copy.

Wonder how long until Windows 7 pops up on Amazon for pre-order. That's usually when we find out the SKU's / Prices........