32 bit upgrade to Win 7 64?

[mcleod55]

1st. Can I upgrade (clean install) from either XP or Vista 32 bit system to Windows 7 64?

2nd. If the answer to 1st is yes... If the Win 7 64 bit gives too much trouble, will I be able to reinstall and go with Win 7 32 bit.

I believe the future is going to be 64 but I've never used the 64 bit and really don't know what to expect or how smooth the transition will be. Any thoughts or advice???

 

[skunksmash]

1st. Can I upgrade (clean install) from either XP or Vista 32 bit system to Windows 7 64?

2nd. If the answer to 1st is yes... If the Win 7 64 bit gives too much trouble, will I be able to reinstall and go with Win 7 32 bit.

I believe the future is going to be 64 but I've never used the 64 bit and really don't know what to expect or how smooth the transition will be. Any thoughts or advice???

Hi mcleod55....

1... as far as i know, no you cant upgrade from x32 to x64, it has to be a clean install, & if your H/W fully supports 64-bit there will be no ''transition'' issues.

2..n/a

these days there's really nothing to worry about in terms of x64 compatibility, driver support is a lot better.

x32 has been fine for years, but as H/W evolves & the amount you have increases.... your OS needs to follow suit.

 

[Perrybucsdad]

1) Yes, you can do a clean install from 32bit to 54 bit. Just make sure you boot from the DVD as it will not allow you to do it from within windows (and it is not advised to install that way anyhow).

2) I'm not sure about that one. I believe once you register your key with the 64bit, you will be relegated for that one. What you may want to try is download the 90day RTM W7 Enterprise ISO Trial. This way you can see if it works the way you want and don't have to waste your key. Granted, you will need to rein stall W7 after 90 days, but it will let you see how it works wit x64. As far as I'm concerned though, I have had no issues with my upgrade to x64 from x86.

 

[bobkn]

2) I'm not sure about that one. I believe once you register your key with the 64bit, you will be relegated for that one. What you may want to try is download the 90day RTM W7 Enterprise ISO Trial. This way you can see if it works the way you want and don't have to waste your key. Granted, you will need to rein stall W7 after 90 days, but it will let you see how it works wit x64. As far as I'm concerned though, I have had no issues with my upgrade to x64 from x86.

I expect that you can always clean install the 32 bit version again, but as there is no de-activation process, it may involve telephone activation. (Annoying, but a loss of about 5 minutes.)