Dual boot question

[SupermaNn]

I want to dualboot Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, and a 32 bit version. I currently have 64 bit installed, i want to dual boot with the same OS, but a 32 bit version. Can i use the same key for both? or will i have to get another one

 

[M1GU31]

You would have to get another key but my question is why do you want to boot the same operating system twice expect one is 32bit and on 64bit why not just choose one? You either activate the 32 bit version or 64bit version can't activate both with same key you must choose one. Unless you have another windows key then they can have both activated on this same machine. You can use the same key for either 32 or 64 but only one , but can change it to say from 32 to 64 if you reinstall and use the same key you used on 32bit version for your 64 bit OS.

 

[SupermaNn]

i have hardware that is only 32 bit compatible

 

[gregrocker]

I would run 32gb in that case, especially with only 4gb RAM. Just clean reinstall with the 32 bit installer following the steps given here: Clean Reinstall Windows 7 Factory OEM

 

[M1GU31]

Then install the 32 bit version of windows 7 and activate it with that key. A 32bit OS can be used on both 32bit and 64bit hardware. So if you were to use 64bit hardware then you OS would still work and you could change it to 64bit OS.

 

[seavixen32]

I can confirm that you can use the product key with both versions.

By virtue of the fact you can't physically run both versions at the same (providing you have installed both versions on the same computer) the same product key will activate both the 32-bit and the 64-bit.

However, as M1GU31 asked, it would be interesting to know why you want to do this. I don't know whether you are aware, but 32-bit programs will run on the 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

They will appear under Program Files (x86) while 64-bit programs will be listed under Program Files.

 

[SupermaNn]

the problem im having is not with software, its hardware. it only has a 32 bit driver. so you're saying i can run them both on the same laptop, same harddrive because they're not going to be used at the same time?

 

[gregrocker]

What hardware do you have that you think can only run in 32 bit? (A driver is software, by the way.)

 

[SupermaNn]

Adaptec Gamebridge. I already asked the manufacturer and they said it only has a 32bit driver.

 

[SupermaNn]

i dont want to get rid of my 64 bit version cause everything on it is perfect and running great. dont want to have to go through installing all my programs and stuff again. can anyone else confirm that i can use the same key when i dualboot the same os? as long as they're not running at the same time?

 

[M1GU31]

You can't have both activated even if one is off, you have to choose one or the other.That's how Microsofts way of activation works to avoid two people or more using the same key. Can only be activated only on one OS not two with a single key.

 

[gregrocker]

We are not going to advise you to do something in contravention of the EULA even if it is possible.