64 bit installation

[larbec7]

I have a 64 bit processor with Vista and want to update to 7. My dad and I bought a copy of 7 and his system is a 32 bit where mine is a 64 bit system. Can I use the disk on mine since it is a 64 bit system because when I try to run it ... it tells me I should not?? Thanks

 

[richc46]

With a key, for the version you want, you can install either 32 or 64. You have to format if you are going from one platform to another ie 32 to 64 or 64 to 32.

If you have more thatn 4gb of ram you will lose perfomance if you go from 64 to 32. 64 can utilize more ram than 32. But you would benefit going from 32 to 64 with 4gb of ram or more.

Why not go to MS, Windows Upgrade to determine officially if there are any conflicts.

http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

 

[larbec7]

I have 4 gig of ram and 64 bit....that being said....Should I buy a 64 bit version?

 

[richc46]

Facts from MS.

Memory Limits for Windows Releases (Windows)

You are on the borderline. I would go for 64, It will be the way to go with the next edition of windows. In about a year or 2.

Rumor Windows will only be 64 bit next edition.

 

[Night Hawk]

Welcome to SF! larbec7

Are you using an upgrade or full version disk would be the first question? With a full install disk you would simply reformat or even repartition the drive to see a clean install of 7 either 32 or 64bit. The tool pointed to there is simply used to determine if you system meets the minimum hardware requirements.

With the 64bit Vista already on you shouldn't have any problems installing the 64bit version of the 7 edition you have there. With an upgrade that will want to verify you own the disk from a previous version of Windows even to perform a clean install with that.

With 4gb or memory installed here both the 32bit and 64bit versions of the 7 edition run are installed on different drives. When going to install from VIsta to 7 you will want to look over some of the guides here on how to proceed depending on which edition of Vista you are presently running and the 7 edition you plan to upgrade to.

For the upgrade paths available, http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html

To see a clean install with an upgrade disk, http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

Another one you may want a look at is how to set up a dual boot of both Vista and 7. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5166-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-vista.html

And certainly how to see a clean install of 7. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[SIW2]

I am not sure what you are asking.

Do you each have a product key? You can't use the same key on 2 machines.

You can use the same dvd to install onto as many machines as you like - as long as each machine has a different product key.


The product key is not specific to a bit version - it specific to a machine.

A valid key can be used with either 32 bit or 64 bit installation media ( typically dvd).

If you already have your own product key ( different from your dad's ) - you can use that with either a 32 bit or a 64 bit dvd.

If you have your own key - you only need to get the 64 bit dvd ( if you want to install 64 bit )

I have a 64 bit processor with Vista and want to update to 7. My dad and I bought a copy of 7 and his system is a 32 bit where mine is a 64 bit system. Can I use the disk on mine since it is a 64 bit system because when I try to run it ... it tells me I should not?? Thanks

 

[Night Hawk]

The product key you pay for in order words is the license to run that software on one machine is what SIW2 is pointing out there. For switching from the first Pro install to Home Premium that will now require you to use the custom install option to replace not upgrade out of Pro on the laptop.

In order words plan on a good reformat to remove the Pro installation there and use the Pro key on the desktop where that will be running. You will need to follow the clean install with upgrade media guide posted earlier once the Pro install is wiped off of the drive.