32bit to 64bit

[mshahin88]

Hello all, I have a few questions about the way I need to download what I need. I use to have Windows Vista 32 bit version Ultimate, and when beta for Windows 7 came out I downloaded it. I purchased Windows 7 Ultimate (upgrade) from the store, and downloaded it in 32 bit version.

I just found out my processor is capable for 64 bit, and when I tried to download that it said I don't have the right Windows to do it http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4750/windows1.png . Is this because I had 32 bit vista? and if so, what can I do? And if I do upgrade to 64 bit, will it clear my hard drive? since all my downloads are in 32 bit version, I'm guessing yes but I want to check

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[richc46]

You MUST do a clean install. Format and reinstall everything. If you can really use the extra memory from 64, the work is well worth it.

Bottom line, backup everything or you will lose it.

 

[wallyinnc]

mshahin, just another point: the message was because you were trying to run the 64bit install from your 32bit OS.

You will need to boot from the installation disc and as Rich indicated, do a clean install.

And yes, it will wipe everything in your disc, so you need to either back up or use Windows Easy Transfer to transfer your files and settings to an external drive then move them to the new OS when ready. Please notice that this will not transfer your programs, so if you have downloaded programs make sure you back up the installation program or that you can download them again

Good luck, if you need help in the process let us know

 

[mshahin88]

ok, this sounds good so far. I was thinking I would have to buy a new Windows 7 key cause I had the 32 bit Windows Vista. I wrote all my programs down, and all I would need to re install and that's no problem if I can get this 64bit working

The thing is I thought I was trying to do a clean install from the desktop, then I got that error. For a clean istall how would it be different from "Upgrading"? Since I've always upgraded, it's ther only was I know of , heh.

 

[richc46]

Follow this and you will have a clean install, which is about 100 times better than an upgrade

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html?filter[2]=General Tips

 

[mshahin88]

Sweet! Just finished and everything went smooth, now I'm doing all my updating, and having fun with the drivers

Thank you both very much for your help

 

[richc46]

Glad that it worked out. If you use a lot of RAM with games etc, you will love 64 bit.

 

[mshahin88]

I have 4gb and do game That was my main reason, and I'm hoping it makes things better even though they were amazing already.

 

[richc46]

Mshahin, don't forget you are no longer a guest, you are family, now. Any problems or questions with 64 bit, your entire family (membership) will be happy to help.

 

[mshahin88]

Thanks for the welcome

 

[wallyinnc]

For a clean istall how would it be different from "Upgrading"? Since I've always upgraded, it's ther only was I know of , heh.

mshahin, it is a moot point now that you already did a clean install (the right thing to do) but just to answer, an upgrade from Vista preserves your personal files and programs, as well as all the junk we all accumulate by just using the computer and that make it slower and slower.
Some people regularly do a clean install to "cleanse" their system. I never had the guts and patience to do it, but I can tell that it would make my machine faster, as it was before I started loading stuff.

As Rich said, come back with any question or even better, stay and try to help others too (best way to learn)