How To Run Windows 7 64 bit In Trial mode

[Chris Nicola]

I am running a fully licensed copy of Win7 Ultimate 32 bit. My chipset is Pentium Duo Core E5500 2.8 Ghz. Some programmes I need will only run on 64 bit so I am considering upgrading to the 64 bit version of Win7 ultimate or perhaps Windows 10. I guess it will take me a long time to install all my programmes and set up my system to see if it will be compatible or stable with Win 7 or 10 64 bit. Is it possible to install either Win 7 or Win 10 in trial mode for a month on a separate HD or as a dual bot to see how I get on before purchasing a product key? I already have the 64 bit DVD of Win 7 Ultimate but I can't use the product key because its already installed as 32 bit. I will need to continue to use my older 32 bit OS for a few weeks while I am setting up the new OS for testing and I don't wish to burn my bridges.

Your thoughts will be appreciated.

Kind Regards
Chris

 

[whs]

I see no reason why that should not work. I myself would make the trials under the control of VMware Player. But that may only be my preference because I am lazy and that is the easy option.

 

[Chris Nicola]

Thanks for your reply. When I go to install Win 7 on another drive will it accept the product key that's already in use and activated as 32 bit? Will it allow me to use it for a month in trial mode?

Kind Regards
Chris

 

[whs]

I know that the 30 day trial should be OK. But I am not sure regarding the intricacies of the activation.

 

[Layback Bear]

You can use your proper Windows 7 key on a 32 or 64 bit system but not at the same time. One or the other.
The same key will activate either 64 or 32 as long as it is for the matching Windows 7 that is installed.

 

[Chris Nicola]

Thanks for this information. After the 30 day trial, if I activate win 7 64 bit do you know if the licence permits me to continue to use the 32 bit system but not at the same time? I understand only one vrsion can be used and the other activation will be lost.

Kind regards
Chris

 

[torchwood]

spare

If you already have a spare hard drive, make an image and copy it across to that.
For all of your other progs just drop the the installers to a usb.

Then just fire up your 64bit on your primary and WAIT for all the updates.
(DONT ENTER YOUR PRODUCT KEY YET)
You have 28 days to play around with your new toy.

Just swap between drives in the interim.

Roy

 

[torchwood]

x2

Chris,
Swapping of hard drives is allowed by MS although if you repeatedly do it they will Suspend the code until you phone them up.

2 or 3 changes in a month is about the max, but the major cause of a blocked key is a motherboard change

Roy

 

[Chris Nicola]

Thanks for this information. I seem to recall that was the way actkvation worked with xp as well. To complete the Win 7 64 bit installation I had to enter the product key otherwise I could not proceed, Now it will allow the updates but I will activate it in a month. If all is well I will not need to revert back to the 32 bit system after activation. I will also have the option to upgrade to Win 10.

I also appreciate the suggestion about cloning my old os to another drive as a back up until I am ready to activate the 64 bit system.

Kind regards
Chris