Solved Migrate system from 32bit to 64bit

[sikm]

I did ask a question about this some time ago and discovered that there was no easy way to do it (I'd thought to use Macrium Reflect).

I recently saw that there is now a facility within Macrium Reflect - Redeploy - that reads as if it could be used.

Does anyone know whether this would be possible?

Simon

 

[bigmck]

I am not familiar with "Redeploy" but the only way I know to go from 32 bit to 64 bit is a clean install.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I took a quick look at the Macrium site regarding Redeploy.

Its stated purpose is "There are various aspects of the windows boot processes that will typically cause a boot failure after significant changes to the hardware. The purpose of ReDeploy is to attempt to overcome these issues enabling a Windows installation to run on new hardware."

It appears to be an add-on the paid version of Macrium.

I don't see any allegation that it can evade the necessity to do a fresh install when moving to 64-bit, but I didn't investigate it in depth.

 

[sikm]

I accept...

...that I'm going to have to do a clean install: no probs. However, having installed the 64 bit system, I'd like to make the re-installation of all my existing programs and data as easy - and foolproof - as possible.

Perhaps I'm asking the wrong question, perhaps there is a 'walkthrough' out there which outlines how to go about this changeover. Does anyone know of one?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

The installation process itself is really no different than 32-bit.

You will end up with a Program Files folder and a Program Files (x86) folder. The former is where 64 bit apps land by default. The latter is where 32 bit programs land. Windows 7 recognizes which is which and assigns the apps to the proper folder.

Some of your programs may not work properly or even install on 64 bit, but they are relatively uncommon.

There is nothing special about installing applications on 64 bit systems.

Likewise for putting your data on a 64 bit system.

 

[gregrocker]

Follow these steps to get a perfect reinstall: Reinstalling Windows 7

There is no app that will transfer your programs. This is the opportunity to get them installed cleanly without previous baggage, so that after setup, cleanup and defrag you can save a backup image that will preclude the need for reinstalls in the future.

To back up your files, easiest is to drag your active User folders (Documents, Pictures, Videos, Downloads, Favorites, etc) to external , DVD's, another computer on the network, or 15gb of free storage with each Windows Live ID.

Then after install open each User folder, on Organize tab>Select All, drag the group to the corresponding folder in Explorer tree on the left, waiting until it stops unfolding and hypertext confirms correct location, then release to drop files there.

This is actually much easier than using a file backup or transfer program which adds layers of potential failure.

 

[doctorhifi]

Reinstall 64bit without original CD

Related to this, I am planning on moving from 32 to 64 bits but I was not supplied with the OEM 64 bit version on CD with my Dell laptop- I only have the 32 bit CD.
I do have a 64 bit Windows 7 Pro VUP (upgrade designed for Vista) on DVD.
I am wondering if I can use that 64 bit upgrade version DVD to do a clean install on my laptop, but using the Windows 7 product ID that was originally issued with my 32 bit version.

 

[gregrocker]

Is this a manufacturer's Upgrade kit DVD which came with a Vista computer? Thanks to MS requirements of manufacturers, these are clean copy Win7 installation DVD's in most cases.

What does it say on the front entirely? When you put the disk in to Explore it, what files are in the root?

Is it the same licensed version as on your PC, or if not is their an ei.cfg file in the Sources folder?

You can use either 32- or 64-bit with each license.

 

[doctorhifi]

No, it is not a manufacturers upgrade kit that came with a Vista computer.

It is a Windows 7 pro upgrade kit that was purchased at Best Buy to upgrade a Vista PC to Windows 7. So I have used this license/upgrade kit to do just that. This kit is what I was talking about in my previous post.

I also have a Windows 7 pro 64 bit reinstallation DVD (just found it) that came with a Dell desktop my employer ordered earlier this year. It has the Dell badge on it, and is pinkish/red in color.

I am thinking this may bet the better DVD to use since it must contain the full OS.
Do I need to worry about it containing other files, such as Dell drivers that are specific for the PC that it shipped with or would this DVD only contain the windows 7 pro OS?

 

[doctorhifi]

image of the DVD

 

[seavixen32]

If you try and use the Dell DVD shown on a different computer, the install will fail with a message saying it can only be used on the Dell computer it was supplied with.

If you look, it does say "For distribution only with a new Dell PC".

However, it does contain just the operating system as Dell would have provided the drivers on another disc.

 

[doctorhifi]

So what are my options? I spent hours trying to get Dell to send me the 64 bit version of Windows 7 pro, but was unsuccesful.
Can I somehow use the windows pro upgrade DVDs I bought at Best Buy?

 

[seavixen32]

So what are my options? I spent hours trying to get Dell to send me the 64 bit version of Windows 7 pro, but was unsuccesful.
Can I somehow use the windows pro upgrade DVDs I bought at Best Buy?

Would this do it?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html

 

[doctorhifi]

gregrocker,
Its not that I won't provide the info you requested, its just that I am now at home and I left the upgrade kit from Best Buy at the office so I can't reference anything from memory. I can take a photo of it tomorrow and provide all the info you require.

As I stated earlier, I did purchase a Windows 7 pro retail Upgrade DVD (with Product Key )at Best Buy and used it to upgrade a PC with Vista to Windows 7 pro.
The DVD shown in the photo is one I discovered just before I left and is from another office PC we recently purchased. All of these computers I am talking about are at employer's office. They are all fully legal, purchased copies of Windows. I am just trying to take my Dell Vostro 3700 laptop, which came with 32 bit Windopws 7 pro installed, and change it to 64 bit Win 7 pro so I can more effectively use Photoshop CS5.

 

[gregrocker]

OK I think I have it sorted now: You bought a retail Pro Upgrade at Best Buy which only came with 32 bit and want to now use a Dell-branded 64 bit if possible to reinstall with same Product Key.

I have used manufacturer's branded Reinstallation disks to install on other make or model machines in the past. The only thing extra added is SLP activation file which is ignored by the new machine's BIOS leaving a 3-day activation timeout for you to insert Product Key from COA sticker.

So I would probably try the Dell disk since you have it there.

If it fails download the 64 bit Pro ISO here to clean reinstall with Product Key on COA sticker: Windows 7 Professional x64 SP1 (bootable)
http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-24281.iso
Write to flash stick or burn to DVD using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

Follow these steps to get a Perfect Reinstall

 

[doctorhifi]

Thanks for your advice, gregrocker. I think I will download the iso and follow your excellent instructions for a clean install. I already backed up my important files so I'll give it a go in the morning. wish me luck

 

[gregrocker]

Let us know how it goes.

Besides your files, remember to back up any stored email, export any Bookmarks which in IE is also the Favorites folder.

 

[theog]

I am just trying to take my Dell Vostro 3700 laptop, which came with 32 bit Windopws 7 pro installed, and change it to 64 bit Win 7 pro

Yes, you can use the Dell x64 disk.

 

[doctorhifi]

theog-
just to confirm: I can take the Dell x64 reinstall disk that came with a Dell desktop PC and use it to install win 7 x64 on my Dell laptop- without issues?

 

[theog]

Yes, it is the same disk that Dell would send for x64 install.