Windows 7 32bit to 64bit

[Mitch656]

Hi,
So I got windows 7 Home Premium back in 2009, however I got the 32bit version, and right now im thinking I want to get the 64bit version. However the problem that I face is that I only have a 32bit disc as they did not send me a 64bit version and I got Windows 7 cheaper via the student deals...

Is there a place where I can download Windows 7 Home premium 64bit legit and for free, and will my 32bit key work on 64??

 

[marsmimar]

It's my understanding that the product key that came with your Home Premium 32-bit can also be used to activate Home Premium 64-bit. (One or the other, but not both at the same time.) It should not make any difference if the original Home Premium 32-bit was a retail version or an OEM/System Builder version*. Sometimes people experience problems activating online, but Microsoft has a telephone activation process that can get around that. Just explain you did a clean install from Home Premium 32-bit to Home Premium 64-bit.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

You can get an official ISO of Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit from Digital River (an official Microsoft download site.) Download the ISO and save it to your desktop. Then burn it to a DVD at no more than 4x speed. Many folks recommend using the free ImgBurn.

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

The Official ImgBurn Website

*NOTE: An OEM/System Builder operating system and its product key will always be tied to the original computer. You cannot legally move the OS or use the product key on a different machine the way you can with a retail version.

 

[Mitch656]

It's my understanding that the product key that came with your Home Premium 32-bit can also be used to activate Home Premium 64-bit. (One or the other, but not both at the same time.) It should not make any difference if the original Home Premium 32-bit was a retail version or an OEM/System Builder version*. Sometimes people experience problems activating online, but Microsoft has a telephone activation process that can get around that. Just explain you did a clean install from Home Premium 32-bit to Home Premium 64-bit.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/18715-activate-windows-7-phone.html

You can get an official ISO of Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit from Digital River (an official Microsoft download site.) Download the ISO and save it to your desktop. Then burn it to a DVD at no more than 4x speed. Many folks recommend using the free ImgBurn.

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

The Official ImgBurn Website

*NOTE: An OEM/System Builder operating system and its product key will always be tied to the original computer. You cannot legally move the OS or use the product key on a different machine the way you can with a retail version.

Thankyou for the link. I was reading I have to do a clean install..... Do you think its worth doing for a 64bit system or should I stay on my 32bit??

 

[AddRAM]

You only have 4 gigs of ram, so what`s the point of reinstalling? Unless you really want to just do a fresh install.

Do you have all your program installers handy and any of the keys needed to activate them ?

Have you backed up all your data ?

 

[marsmimar]

Agree with AddRAM. If you're not planning on increasing your RAM, and if you're not having any system problems that would require you to do a clean install, I wouldn't.

 

[Mitch656]

Say if I was to upgrade to Windows 8, do you suggest the 32bit or 64bit??

 

[marsmimar]

Two things come into play. First, if you're planning on staying with 4GB RAM then 64-bit Windows 8 won't provide any meaningful advantage. And second, you can only "upgrade" from 32-bit to 32-bit, not 32-bit to 64-bit. For that you'd have to do a clean (custom) install.

Upgrade to Windows 8 - Microsoft Windows

From the above Microsoft article, MS provides an Upgrade Assistant than can scan your current computer and walk you through the upgrade/purchase process. But as it states:

Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 8?
Yes, but you can't do this using Upgrade Assistant. If your PC has a 64-bit capable processor (CPU) but is currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can install a 64-bit version of Windows 8 Pro, but you'll need to buy it as a DVD and perform a custom installation. If available in your country or region, you can buy Windows 8 Pro from a participating retail store. You can also buy it online from the Microsoft Store in Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.

Please note that the Windows 8 Pro Pack is used to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro, and is not for cross-architecture installs and does not include any media. If you want to change architectures, purchase Windows 8 Pro.

You won't be able to keep any files, settings, or apps when you upgrade from a 32-bit to a 64-bit version.