Are 64 bit and 32 bit on the same DVD?

[nate42nd]

This is a real noob question since I've always got the OS with the new computer and with the Windows 7 beta and RC you always choose the correct .ISO for what you want to run.

I am looking around for Windows 7. I have a gift certificate for an online retailer so will be buying Windows 7 ultimate retail from this place. They don't seem to let you choose between 64 and 32 bit. On the Microsoft site it says "this item includes both 64 and 32 bit" if you buy from them. How could they do this without two product keys? I found this quote from technet forums.

The DVD will contain the files associated with the Product key. As was seen in previous versions of Windows operating systems, the Product Key will allow the installation of the files designed for the appropriate 32 or 64 bit install to occur.

So....how do you know which product key you have?

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Full - Operating Systems

Is there going to be an option at install for us to choose between 64 bit or 32 bit or am I missing something. I need to make sure I get 64 bit for myself and 32 bit for my friend. Thanks for any input. I'm sure this is another easy one for most of you.

 

[Zidane24]

This is a real noob question since I've always got the OS with the new computer and with the Windows 7 beta and RC you always choose the correct .ISO for what you want to run.

I am looking around for Windows 7. I have a gift certificate for an online retailer so will be buying Windows 7 ultimate retail from this place. They don't seem to let you choose between 64 and 32 bit. On the Microsoft site it says "this item includes both 64 and 32 bit" if you buy from them. How could they do this without two product keys? I found this quote from technet forums.



So....how do you know which product key you have?


Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Full - Operating Systems

Is there going to be an option at install for us to choose between 64 bit or 32 bit or am I missing something. I need to make sure I get 64 bit for myself and 32 bit for my friend. Thanks for any input. I'm sure this is another easy one for most of you.

Well I am pretty sure to say that they will let you choose the edition from the DVD (a Dual Layer DVD can support it) and the product key can activate either x64 or x86...if another member knows otherwise please post here

 

[mikinho]

Windows 7 pre-order – available now on Microsoft Store! | Trevin Chow

32-bit and 64-bit versions are included in every version we sell. So if you buy Windows 7 Home Premium, you will get both versions. This applies to both the packaged product as well as the download version.

To clarify the quote, yes you'll have both 32-bit and 64-bit version available to you and your product key can activate either.

 

[zigzag3143]

32 and 624

Well I am pretty sure to say that they will let you choose the edition from the DVD (a Dual Layer DVD can support it) and the product key can activate either x64 or x86...if another member knows otherwise please post here

Its the only way that makes sense. can you imagine having to keep track of 2 dvd's and 2 keys? I cant keep track of one.

Ken

 

[nate42nd]

This is why I'm confused. When I buy, I need to make sure I get the right version. With previous versions you could request a 64 bit version from Microsoft but I don't want to wait for a 64 bit version to be sent. I want to buy one.

I will have to trust that they will give me a way to install 64 bit (and 32 on my friend's computer) when I get my DVDs.

Is this the first Windows version that we have had the choice without a special request?

It sound like it is.

 

[mikinho]

This is why I'm confused. When I buy, I need to make sure I get the right version. With previous versions you could request a 64 bit version from Microsoft but I don't want to wait for a 64 bit version to be sent. I want to buy one.

I will have to trust that they will give me a way to install 64 bit (and 32 on my friend's computer) when I get my DVDs.

Is this the first Windows version that we have had the choice without a special request?

It sound like it is.

I understand your concern. On XP you had the purchase each edition separate. With Vista you could use your key for either edition but as you mentioned they provided 3 types of discs. 32-bit only, 64-bit only and ones with both. Microsoft also ran into some problems w/ their MSDN dual discs at one point but fixed that.

 

[nate42nd]

The answer has to be out there. I have done some searching but found nothing that explains it completely. It sounds like they they will all be the dual disks I would guess. That would seem to be a problem with people who don't even know the difference. I guess I have 2 months to find the answer for sure. Thanks for all the replies.

13 hours later: I have looked everywhere most good answers are on MSDN or Technet. Some people say there will be two disks since 2 versions will not fit on a 4.7GB DVD. Some say it will be a dual layer DVD. If anyone knows please let me know. I don't want to finally get it and have no 64 bit option and have to wait weeks for that to come...

 

[nate42nd]

I called Microsoft licensing and sales. They told me Windows 7 will include 32 bit and 64 bit on the same disk. They didn't seem to have the specifics about how they are doing this but stated "There will be an option at install between x86 and x64 when installing...the retail disks include both versions"

I didn't ask about OEM or Upgrade disks but they are probably the same.

I am trying to figure out how they fit both on a 4.7GB DVD.

It looks like this will be the first Windows OS that will have this option. It sounds like they have thought it out. This is good news!

 

[segobi]

Every buyer will receive a 32bit and 64bit dvd..even the non ultimate custoemrs!

 

[Lee]

There is a good chance that both x86 and x64 will be included; all you will have to do during installation is indicate which one you will be loading. Most Vista installation DVD's contained the full spectrum that MS had to offer, albeit when you installed Vista the key would determine what favor you paid for. Hence, there is a good chance this will be the same for Win 7. The Vista DVD that came with my computer had both the 32 bit and 64 operating system.

 

[swarfega]

Yep its been confirmed that all editions of windows 7 will have both 32-bit and 64-bit dvds included.

 

[nate42nd]

Every buyer will receive a 32bit and 64bit dvd..even the non ultimate custoemrs!

Yes, This is what Microsoft told me. Every retail package.

 

[Wapilot]

What if I want to dual boot windows 7 x86 and 7 x64? Will the key work to install both? I'm guessing I'll have to choose one or the other. I have Sony Vegas Platinum Pro 9 and it does not play well with 64 bit windows.

 

[Robin2130]

Why don't MS put windows 7 X86 and x64 on USB sticks? The installation from a stick is way faster than a dvd.

OT: Vista x86 and x64 are on separate dvd's. So i think Windows 7 to

 

[reghakr]

How do I get a 64-bit copy of Windows 7?

The Upgrade and Full packaged retail product of Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate will come with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs. With Windows Vista, the 64-bit version was only available with Windows Vista Ultimate. Due to the incredible adoption of 64-bit today and customer feedback, we decided to change this for Windows 7. Now all copies of Windows 7 in developed markets will ship with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs.

Update on Windows 7 RTM - Windows 7 Team Blog - The Windows Blog

 

[copernicus]

I guess this'll be the real way to see when RTM is ready, when we stop seeing x86 and x64 iso builds being pumped out separately huh?.

 

[nate42nd]

I guess this'll be the real way to see when RTM is ready, when we stop seeing x86 and x64 iso builds being pumped out separately huh?.

Good point. The MS people told me over the phone they would both be on the same DVD. I have the feeling they were wrong there but we'll see. I think there will be 2 DVDs and one key.

 

[bjg1]

I bought win7 Pro and it had 2 discs one 32 and one 64bit. I also got win7 Ult (a not for resale version) and it only had one disc labeled 32bit.. and there was no option during setup for 64bit. The outer packaging said: dvd included 32- and/or 64-bit disc(s) included.

 

[ickymay]

I have received an ultimate package with my windows 7-680 config book and also bought a home premium retail package , both of these had two DVD's each with 32bit and 64 bit on separate discs

 

[bjg1]

it seems a bit diabolical to go to a win7 developers conference and only receive the 32bit version