Error saying I cannot upgrade

[azulitabijou]

The problem: I get 2 errors, stating that I cannot upgrade a 32 bit to a 64 bit, but also cannot upgrade a 64 bit to a 32 bit. I am guessing it has something to do with my "Program Files(x86)" folder. Is there a fix for this, or will I need to do a clean install? I didn't want it to wipe my computer, I have tons of software loaded on it for school (Animation tools, games, and Adobe master collection). Any information is much appreciated. Thanks!

Current Windows: I am running a 64 bit system (Vista)

PC Specs:
System Manufacturer/Model Number: Home Grown
OS: Vista 64bit (Trying to upgrade to 7 64bit)
CPU: Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD5 ATX Intel Motherboard
Memory: G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 1066
Graphics Card(s): VisionTek Radeon HD 4870 X2 900250 Video Card
Monitor(s) Displays: ASUS VK266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor
Hard Drives: Seagate Barracuda LP 1TB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W Power Supply
Case: CASE XCLIO|XCLIO 1000 BK/SIL RT

 

[gregrocker]

You cannot upgrade between 32 and 64 bit or vice versa. You have to do the clean install by booting the DVD.

If you have a 64 bit Win7 that is upgradable from your 64 bit Vista, then you can do the in-place Upgrade. But run the Upgrade advisor first to work through any compatibility issues.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

 

[azulitabijou]

That's the thing... My pc is a 64 bit system, and I am upgrading to a 64 bit system.....

 

[CassieFWinTeam]

Even if your PC is capable of running 64-bit, if you are currently running Windows Vista 32-bit, you will only be able to upgrade to Window 7 32-bit. In short you can only upgrade from 32-bit to 32-bit, or 64-bit to 64-bit.

If you want to go from Vista 32-bit to Windows 7 64-bit, you can still purchase an upgrade version of Windows 7, but you will have to do a clean installation.

FAQs - 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

Is this clear?

Cheers,
Cassandra
Microsoft Windows Outreach

 

[sygnus21]

Current Windows: I am running a 64 bit system (Vista)

PC Specs:
System Manufacturer/Model Number: Home Grown
OS: Vista 64bit (Trying to upgrade to 7 64bit)

What is the version of Vista you are running?

Click Start, right click Computer, click Properties.....


Notice the red dots.

Sorry for over simplifying this if you already know it

Also have a look at this - Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows

 

[azulitabijou]

I am running 64 bit. When I click properties, it says 64 bit, which is why I said 64 bit in my first post. I am running vista 64 bit, and upgrading to 64 bit Windows 7; however, I keep getting this error.

I only have the x86 program files in addition to my real program files folder because some of my programs are 32 bit I am guessing. But if I have 64 bit Vista, shouldnt still upgrade to 64 bit 7, without deleting the 32bit programs (Adobe master collection, etc)

 

[Bill2]

What edition of vista are you running and what edition of win7 do you want to upgrade to? Not all upgrade scenarios are supported. Check the link below, it'll tell you whether what you are trying to do is possible.

Windows 7 Upgrade Paths

 

[azulitabijou]

Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Ultimate

 

[Bill2]

Is it Vista SP1 or Vista SP2 or plain Vista?

 

[gregrocker]

What is the exact error message you are getting when you attempt the Upgrade.

Please describe exactly what happens and type the exact wording of the error message, or post a screenshot. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9717-screenshot-paint.html

When you run the Win7 Upgrade advisor, what issues does it present? Please post these as well.

 

[sygnus21]

I only have the x86 program files in addition to my real program files folder because some of my programs are 32 bit I am guessing. But if I have 64 bit Vista, shouldnt still upgrade to 64 bit 7, without deleting the 32bit programs (Adobe master collection, etc)

You do not and should not delete, or need to delete, any Program Files folder to do an upgrade. Do not confuse yourself by thinking you have to delete stuff before upgrading.

Please look at the links I or Bill2 provided to see your upgrade options from Vista Windows 7.

Also, as a side a 64-bit OS (Windows) WILL and SHOULD have two Programs Files folders and you DO NOT want to delete one of them for ANY reason.

Some programs will run in 32-bit mode even if they are on a 64-bit OS, example Microsoft’s Office 2007.

In short, when you install a program it will install in the appropriate Programs File and work. If you delete one of those folders you will screw-up your system.

Hope this helps.

Also if would be helpful to us as well as you if you answered the questions we asked. Also let us know if you looked at the links.

Just trying to help. Thanks.