64 bit and 32 bit

[Skbar247]

Hi Guys, this is my first post so please be gentle!

I have Full Retail Windows 7 and have installed the 64 bit version on one harddrive. I would like a second install on my second harddrive (both HD are identical make/model) also, my Q is, can I legally install the 32 bit version to the 2nd drive or do I need to purchase a further full retail box?

Thanks in advance.

Stu

 

[severedsolo]

i see no reason, as long as you own the licenses why this should be a problem, obviously the licenses will be bound to that machine until you uninstall it, but i cant see this being an issue, question: why do you want both?

 

[Skbar247]

Thanks for prompt reply

I like one set up for games, email and work and another for video stuff(nothing serious, holiday movies etc).

I only have one machine.

Stu

 

[severedsolo]

ahh right.... just curious is all anyway, glad i could help

 

[Skbar247]

May I ask you this, please

If I install the 32 bit and activate it will it block the 64 bit version from working/updating?

Stu

 

[severedsolo]

did either copy of windows come preinstalled?

 

[Skbar247]

No same box.

 

[severedsolo]

in that case i forsee no errors as long as you use different license keys, the only "difficulty" i could see was maybe with an OEM installation, i would recommend letting the first one make the 100MB system reserved partition though, otherwise if the first one gets wiped out youll lose the MBR for both

 

[Skbar247]

Ok so I do need to buy a second copy of Win7 in order to have 32 and 64 bit running concurrently.

Thanks

 

[severedsolo]

again no problem, im 99% sure thats right, if not im sure someone will correct me

 

[gregrocker]

It is against the EULA however quite a few have reported doing it successfully.

Use Disk Management to shrink your current Win7 installation, boot from the DVD, use Custom>Drive Tools to create and format a partition in the space, then install and test drive it for 30 days before you try the activation.

What should happen when you activate at Computer>Properties is it will see it as a reinstall on same hardware and allow activation without the robocall. But even the robocall may pass activation, so it is worth a shot.

If for some reason it won't activate, then you may need to buy another license. However there are numerous reports of people dual booting 32/64 with both holding activation.

 

[Skbar247]

Thanks, I did think it might be against the EULA. I'll just have to part with the £109 and run a legal 2nd set up. Being a tight fisted Scotsman, this will be very painful

 

[severedsolo]

well if what gregrocker says is right.... i probably shouldnt be saying this, but give it a go, see what happens,

 

[gregrocker]

This seems similar to the way MS is looking away from the millions who are using a dual boot right now to transition to Win7, when under the EULA XP/Vista is not supposed to be used again once used to qualify for Win7 Upgrade.

Since you do regard the EULA as do I, it comes under not having Win7 installed on more than one machine at a time. So it is a gray area. You are entitled also to run either 64 or 32 bit with each license, whichever you want at any time.

I also would try it, if only to see if it is the setup you really want to buy.

Use any version of Windows 7 free for 120 days

 

[severedsolo]

well its tied to the mobo right? so technically, i think its legal....