Switching from 32-Bit to 64-Bit. Advice please!

[Webbstre]

Well I finally purchased the full version of Windows 7 Ultimate. My time with the Release Candidate only has a month yet, and I had a small discount at the store, so I went ahead and purchased it.

I've been planning this for a while, but when I make the switch I want to reformat my smaller hard drive (only used for the OS) and install the 64-bit version this time. Finally I will be able to use all 4 gigs of my RAM. However, I haven't made this kind of switch before, so I'm not sure what I need. Technically I'll be running the same version (Ultimate) of windows, so I am hoping there is some way to back up my programs and settings for the new way.

Any advice at all is appreciated. I plan to upgrade next weekend when I have a day to take care of it.

 

[richc46]

Very easy, first I will get you the tutorial, and then explain more.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html?ltr=C

It is very easy a few tips.

When asked for your key, do not give it. Use the machine for while and enjoy it. When you are satisfied, using a touch tone phone, you can provide your number. You should then make a system image and update it once a month on an external hard drive.

Yes, you have to reinstall all your programs, but the trick is reinstall them as you need them. This way the task does not seem so difficult. Sorry there is no way to back up the programs. You will need the DVD to reinstall.

When you install, choose custom install and advanced options. It is in advanced options that you are given the opportunity to format.

You can even watch the entire process on YouTube, like I did. When you install it is like you did it already.

The final and most inportant hint is enjoy the new system. It is great.

 

[gregrocker]

There are workarounds to do an in-place upgrade within 32 bit but not if you are changing to 64 bit You need to clean install.

Back up your active User folder to an external drive or secondary HD, then boot the Win7 DVD to custom install using Drive Tools to delete all, create a new partition then format before install.

 

[Webbstre]

Thanks for the answers everyone. I have one more question: How can I remove old windows installations from a secondary hard drive? Some things it won't let me delete because it says I don't have permissions... but no modification of any permissions ever lets me delete it. I just want to clear out a lot of space before I back up what's on the hard drive containing the current OS/user information.

 

[Tews]

You need to take ownership of the files, then delete it..

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1911-take-ownership-shortcut.html?ltr=T