Win 7 32 bit to 64 bit upgrade...

[chasgroh]

...I need to upgrade my laptop with Win 7 64 bit...presently I'm in Win 7 32 bit...once completed, will I be able to use my 32 bit license on another machine? Also, the disc for 64 bit that I will be using is for Ulimate, will the fact that the the 32 bit version is Professional have any issues?

charlie groh

 

[richc46]

If you have one license and have a 32 bit and 64 bit dvd, you can use either, but only one machine at a time. The number of key numbers determine who many machines can use Seven at one time

 

[Petey7]

Well, lets make sure we are all clear on a couple issues. Do you have separate key for each? If so, is the key for the 32-bit Windows OEM or retail? If it;s OEM, then you can't use it on another computer. since you are going to be going from 32-bit to 64-bit you will have to do a custom install. That means either you can do a clean install or you can install on the same partition and have all your files moved to a windows.old folder. It is recommended that you back up any important files either way, in case anything is some how lost in the process.

Do you have anymore questions? Can I clarify anything for you at all?

 

[chasgroh]

...I get it, thanks for the reply! What's the best RAM out there...should I go 8GB?

 

[richc46]

32bit 4gb max. For 64 bit I have 6gb and that is more than enough, but it can easily handle 8 and much more. Every user is different.

 

[JamesR404]

Windows 7 license key valid for both 32 and 64 bit installations?

Correction, for 32 bit Windows 7 the GB limitation is 3 GB.

I'm still not clear if I can use any Windows 7 key for either a 32 bit install or 64 bit install.

My laptop came with a 32 bit Windows 7 but I can't see all my memory, so I want to upgrade/reinstall so that I have 64 bits.

I don't care about backing up everything, I'm willing to reinstall, but before I uninstall I want to be sure that my license key would work for a 64 bits install....

 

[Darician]

Yes, the license keys are interchangeable for both 32 and 64-bit. All you would really need is the DVD Media with the 64-bit version and you'll be fine.

 

[richc46]

Yes that key is for either 32 or 64. You can change your mind and use the other, but one machine at a time. Yes 3gb is correct for the max ram, if you are talking usable..

The choice of 64 or 32 is your smallest concern, if you are willing to reinstall if you do not like it.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Correction, for 32 bit Windows 7 the GB limitation is 3 GB.

I'm still not clear if I can use any Windows 7 key for either a 32 bit install or 64 bit install.

My laptop came with a 32 bit Windows 7 but I can't see all my memory, so I want to upgrade/reinstall so that I have 64 bits.

I don't care about backing up everything, I'm willing to reinstall, but before I uninstall I want to be sure that my license key would work for a 64 bits install....

Hello JamesR404, welcome to Seven Forums!



As you say there's nothing on the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) that you care to save, the method in this tutorial at the link below is the best to use to over-write everything on the entire HDD so you will have the best possible space to install Windows 7 to.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

 

[JamesR404]

Sweet, thanks all for the tips! =] Will be reinstalling next weekend probably, with the tutorial. ^^

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Glad we could help and be sure to let us know how it sorts out.