Custom installation not available 32bit -> 64bit

[KmD]

Hi

Currently, I'm using the 32bit version of windows 7, and for reasons i have to install the 64bit version. Apparently that's easier said than done.

I have a MSI gx723 laptop, with windows 7 home premium edition, and therefore no CD. When i tried to reinstall windows by using the integrated tool, an error occurred. I couldn't use the tool. I don't know why. Therefore i used the MSI restoring function, by pressing F3 while booting. This erases all information on the partition windows 7 is stored on, while it afterwards gets reinstalled. This wouldn't be a problem, if it wasn't for the fact that i can't choose custom installation. Somehow, after accepting the license terms, I'm only allowed to choose windows update settings, network settings etc.

Besides that, I'm dual booting with XP, which is stored on another partition, that isn't involved in the deletion process.

Can i simply not choose anything but 32bit, due to the fact that I don't have the CD? This would be odd, especially because MSI are pro 64bit, as far as i know.

Is it because another OS(XP) is already installed on another partition?

Would it be different if i formatted the partition?

If nothing else would world, is it then possible to somehow download it from somewhere, and then use my key?

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Kristian D.

 

[theog]

Is the MSI gx723 notebook, Recovery Partition or Recovery Disks 32bit or 64 bit?

   Information

We always assume you have made your Recovery Disks using the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Media Creator app the first day you had your new PC.
& made the Startup Repair CD.
startup repair disc-create
​

Did you make the OEM manufacturer's Recovery Disks?




Video of MSI Factory Recovery:
MSI's Channel - YouTube


You can order Recovery disks from:
MSI Online Customer Service

 

[ignatzatsonic]

You can easily download a legal Windows ISO file from Mydigitallife.info and burn it to disc. Then use it to install.

But I'm NOT sure if your current Product Key restricts you to 32 bit if that is what your laptop shipped with.

Someone else will have to confirm how that works. If your key is valid for either 32 or 64 bit, then you could download the 64 bit ISO.

 

[KmD]

How do i know if it's 32bit or 64bit? Since I'm not allowed to customize, one would think that it's 32bit, although i guess the only options available in the customization isn't choosing between 32bit and 64bit, but choosing the partition on which you wanna install the OS.

No i didn't make a recovery disk. I didn't think it was necessary. I though that was the idea of the backup/recovery partition..

Is it really necessary to order a recovery disk?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks.
Kristian D.

 

[jimpz]

The 'Recovery' discs or partitions in all oem mahines are to 'recover' to the original out of box configuration. If your machine is 32 bit, thats all the recovery process will allow. It's not a full copy of Windows that allows you to do custom installs. As stated above, your key may or may not support 64 bit version of the system.


Jim

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Go to control panel, then system.

Look for the words "system type".

Does it say 64 bit operating system or 32 bit operating system?


When you buy a retail version of Windows, you receive and have the right to install either 32 or 64, your choice. But I'm not sure how that works on an OEM machine.

 

[KmD]

There's no way to ensure that I'll be able to install it with my current key?

I'd appreciate any sort of confirmation on the matter.

Thanks
Kristian D.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

There's no way to ensure that I'll be able to install it with my current key?

I'd appreciate any sort of confirmation on the matter.

Thanks
Kristian D.

Yes. There is a way.

The way is to have someone with specific knowledge about the finer points of OEM licenses to comment in this thread.

Someone likely will come along.

Just guessing--I'd guess you are restricted to 32 bit, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

Did you show 32 bit in the control panel?

 

[KmD]

Go to control panel, then system.

Look for the words "system type".

Does it say 64 bit operating system or 32 bit operating system?


When you buy a retail version of Windows, you receive and have the right to install either 32 or 64, your choice. But I'm not sure how that works on an OEM machine.

Thanks, but it was an answer for "Is the MSI gx723 notebook, Recovery Partition or Recovery Disks 32bit or 64 bit?"

I might have misunderstood this, if the answer is just the one that you've written.

Anyway, i have ensured that my system is 32bit, as well as i have ensured that my XP is 32bit.

 

[KmD]

The 'Recovery' discs or partitions in all oem mahines are to 'recover' to the original out of box configuration. If your machine is 32 bit, thats all the recovery process will allow. It's not a full copy of Windows that allows you to do custom installs. As stated above, your key may or may not support 64 bit version of the system.


Jim

Seems odd, if you aren't able to choose anything but the predetermined settings. Although it seems that you're right.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Seems odd, if you aren't able to choose anything but the predetermined settings. Although it seems that you're right.

If you use the recovery partition or recovery disks, you will be returned to factory specifications.

That would include all the software that was included by default from the factory.

You can always download a 32 bit ISO and install with it---that would avoid the "bloatware" and whatever other crap came on the laptop from the factory. You may or may not find that preferable to a factory setup.

That leaves aside the issue of whether or not you are entitled to a 64 bit installation with your current Product Key.

 

[seavixen32]

If your computer has an OEM copy of Windows then you can only use that version i.e. if you have Windows 7 32-bit then that is all you can use and a 64-bit ISO would be no good to you.

If you have a retail copy of Windows you can use the same product key for both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

As for the recovery partition, it's always prudent to create a set of recovery discs in case the recovery partition becomes corrupted or is deleted.

In terms of recovering your system, a recovery partition is far quicker than using the recovery discs, which is why it doesn't always pay to delete it.

 

[theog]

Anyway, i have ensured that my system is 32bit, as well as i have ensured that my XP is 32bit.

If you have 32 bit, you order 64 bit Disks.
You can order Recovery disks from:
MSI Online Customer Service

You need to do a Repair of Win XP.

 

[gregrocker]

Under the EULA you are entitled to use 32- or 64- bit WIn7 with any license, and no manufacturer can restrict this.

Some don't make 32 bit drivers available though they're almost all available in the installer, via optional Windows Updates or searching on the web.

When you clean reinstall Win7 with the Product Key on your COA sticker you change the activation from manufacturer to the control of MS Activation servers so your manufacturer has no say in this beyond that point anyway. They may not tech support the clean reinstall (don't tell them) but it cannot void your hardware warranty.

In your case the problem is that you must boot the installer to change from 32 bit to 64 bit or vice versa, and cannot run the installer from the OS. A proper clean reinstall should be booted, and you need the DVD or flash stick installer for repairs anyway.

Here is the latest official Win7 ISO download: Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download. Burn to DVD or write to flash stick using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool.

Then follow these steps to get a perfect clean reinstall to the Win7 partition: Reinstalling Windows 7. Afterwards install EasyBCD 2.02 to add XP to a new Dual Boot menu.

You may need to make the quick robocall to activate to record your hardware signature in MS Activation servers.

 

[KmD]

Thanks for the answers. I appreciate your help.

I'll try gregrocker's method, and hope I'll be able to use the key for the 64bit version, although some of you pointed out, that it might not be possible.

Kristian D.

 

[theog]

I would stay with 32 bit as The MSI gx723 Notebook, has no 64 bit driver support.

 

[alphanumeric]

I just skimmed though this thread so if I missed something I'm sorry. It doesn't matter if your product code is OEM or Retail as far as 32 bit 64 bit goes, it good for both. If you buy Retail you get both disks, 32 bit and 64 bit. If you buy OEM you have to specify and only get one DVD, 32 bit or 64 bit. Your product code is still good for 32 or 64 bit, but you only get one DVD. Confused yet? The recovery option will only re-install what was originally installed, if it was 32 bit thats what you get. To switch you need to obtain 64 bit install media and do a clean install. You can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit.

 

[KmD]

I just skimmed though this thread so if I missed something I'm sorry. It doesn't matter if your product code is OEM or Retail as far as 32 bit 64 bit goes, it good for both. If you buy Retail you get both disks, 32 bit and 64 bit. If you buy OEM you have to specify and only get one DVD, 32 bit or 64 bit. Your product code is still good for 32 or 64 bit, but you only get one DVD. Confused yet? The recovery option will only re-install what was originally installed, if it was 32 bit thats what you get. To switch you need to obtain 64 bit install media and do a clean install. You can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit.

You were right and you actually made it very clear.

Thanks.