Computer came with 32-bit, can I use the "Key" for 64-bit install?

[clselby]

Computer came with 32-bit, can I use the "Key" for 64-bit install?

Hi, my Toshiba laptop came with win 7 32 bit with 2 GB of ram. I upgraded the ram to 4 GB and I know with the 32 bit it will only use around 2 GB of ram. I want to install 64 bit. Can I use the key on the bottom of my laptop for a 64 bit installation?

 

[Kari]

Yes, you can use the product key as it is edition but not bit version specific. A normal retail box for instance contains both 32 and 64 bit installation DVDs but only one product key. it's then up to user to deicde which bit version he wants to install, the product key is the same.

By the way, a 32-bit Windows can use about 3.2 to 3.5 GB.

Kari

 

[whs]

Since your system came with an OEM version of Windows, the key it is currently running under cannot be used for a new installation (unless you have a Toshiba installation disc for 64bit). You can, however, use the key on the COA sticker that is on the bottom of your laptop.

The 32bit version should use about 3.25GB of your RAM. If not, something is wrong. Don't expect a lot more performance from a 64bit version. It will be marginal.

Here is a very good tutorial that will give you guidance:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

 

[gregrocker]

I still use 32 bit on 4gb or less RAM. But a Clean Reinstall will always be better than the factory install so go ahead an try it to see. You may want to try both.

 

[clselby]

Since your system came with an OEM version of Windows, the key it is currently running under cannot be used for a new installation (unless you have a Toshiba installation disc for 64bit). You can, however, use the key on the COA sticker that is on the bottom of your laptop.

The 32bit version should use about 3.25GB of your RAM. If not, something is wrong. Don't expect a lot more performance from a 64bit version. It will be marginal.

Here is a very good tutorial that will give you guidance:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

Hey if i was to download "Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1 U (media refresh)" from http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/14-windows-7-direct-download-links That means its 64 bit right and burn it to disk could I use my current "key" and it work? Right now I have Windows 7 Home Premium sp1.

 

[whs]

If you have a retail key, yes. If you have an OEM key, you have to use the key from the COA sticker that is on your PC.

 

[clselby]

If you have a retail key, yes. If you have an OEM key, you have to use the key from the COA sticker that is on your PC.

I just have the key thats on the bottom of my toshiba laptop? will that work?

 

[whs]

Yes.

 

[clselby]

Yes.

Have you ever downloaded from that site? Is it legit?

 

[whs]

I never needed to download an iso. But other people from here have downloaded from this site. I think it is legit. Have not heard any complaints.

See also here: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[Kari]

Downloads on that site are links to genuine Microsoft ISO files on Microsoft's official digital distribution partner Digital River's servers. In other words, those ISO files are the real ones, risk free and valid.

 

[clselby]

Well everyone here said this site was legit. Well seems it wasnt for me. Downloaded the same iso three times and its an invalid corrupt file.

 

[Kari]

Well everyone here said this site was legit. Well seems it wasnt for me. Downloaded the same iso three times and its an invalid corrupt file.

For your information: those download links are to Digital River, an official Microsoft online distributor. If you buy a downloaded version of Windows from Microsoft Store, it's these same Digital River downloads you will get.

A Windows ISO could not be more official. In your case the issue is not the validity of the download source, you need to to search the issue somewhere else. If you burned a DVD, it might be you burned it too fast or your burning software has issues, or any other burning or download related error.

I repeat: those links are official Windows ISO download links on the official Microsoft digital distribution partner's site, the exactly same ISO files you would need to download if you bought Windows from Microsoft Store.

Kari

 

[whs]

Well everyone here said this site was legit. Well seems it wasnt for me. Downloaded the same iso three times and its an invalid corrupt file.

Something must have happened during the download. I'd try again another day.

 

[clselby]

Says the iso file is invalid when i try to burn to usb. what should i use to burn it to usb

 

[whs]

How about trying to burn it to DVD with ImgBurn. Or don't you have an optical drive on this system.

 

[gregrocker]

Says the iso file is invalid when i try to burn to usb. what should i use to burn it to usb

The tool is provided in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 along with everything else needed to get and keep a perfect install.

 

[clselby]

When i start downloading that file it says its 3.01 gb but always finishes up at 2.00. I have burned it with many different softwares and tried using iso to usb and get invalid on the one mentioned above.

 

[clselby]

Just tried image burn and im getting that same message "a required cd/dvd device driver is missing" at the beginning of installiation.

 

[clselby]

How big is that ISO file supposed to be? What should I do? I'm stuck.