i have a new laptop, its got w7 pro 32bit installed
i'm upgrading the storage to a SSD and i want to install w7 pro 64 bit
do i have to pay out for a brand new retail version or do Microsoft offer an oem upgrade?
cheers
Ben
You just need the media. Going back to Vista's release 5+ years ago, the keys work on either platform. You don't need to pay for anything.
next question, can i use oem media disc or will it need to be retail? as i have an oem copy i used to install w7 pro 64-bit on my work computer i could use??
thanks
Ben
OEM reinstall disks are customized to include licensing info and oem logos, wallpapers etc. They are designed to auto-activate windows on the computers they came with. If the workgroup computer is the same oem brand as the home one, it'll work fine, otherwise the disk may simply refuse to install. If they are different brands, best to locate a generic 64 bit installer, google is your friend.
its okay, i've dug out a 64-bit retail as well from another install last year
so in theory i can install my SSD into the new laptop, pop in the w7 64 bit retail that the codes already been used on into the cd drive, and when it prompts me for a code, pop the one off the base of the laptop in and roberts your fathers right? even though its a 32 bit install as standard that came on the new laptop?
also if i use the laptop as is initially, connected to internet etc, then swap to 64-bit later will it all still work? or will it complain when i make the swap after windows has already certified the 32 bit o/s??
sorry for the myriad questions, i just want to get it all straight in my mind before i crack on
The 32 bit key will work with 64 bit install and vice versa any time. If theres any issue, use phone activation.
Activate Windows 7 by Phone
excellent stuff, thanks everyone for the advice, i can go into this with a settled mind now
i've worked with computers long enough to know that until its there, in front of me, working, its a theory ;-) :lol:
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