Changing from 32 bit to 64 bit - Windows 7 Professional

Hi,
-- Have a problem with getting my newly build system to become a 64 bit awesome machine. A friend of mine who builds computers as well helped me to obtain a Windows 7 Professional & Professional K version dvd with a key code. However, after installing the OS and activating it, it showed up as a 32 bit instead of a 64 bit system. I called him up and he said that somehow I must have lost the original disc with the key code he gave me - which I don’t believe is true - and that’s why it didn’t show up as 64x. So anyways, he gave me another key code [this time a Windows 7 Professional “N” version] to put it at the bottom of the page in windows where you activate it, I put it in, clicked on the activate button, it said it was activated (once again), but it still showed as 32x and not 64x. He then mentioned that for some reason that either the OS or the motherboard bios isn’t recognizing that what has been installed is a 64 bit version and not a 32 bit.

-- He also mentioned that regardless of whether a 32 bit or a 64 bit version of windows is received by a customer that the dvd always carries both vesions and not just one. I guess he is suggesting that a single dvd really has both versions but depending upon the key code that you type in will determine what bit level is really installed. Is this true?
-- My system is going to be used for CAD design work, and hence, really needs the 64 bit version. From what I’ve googled I really need to perform a custom install or simply a fresh install with the proper disk and/or key code. Do I just need to re-install using the same dvd that he gave me but just put in the correct key code initially unlike the first time I installed the OS?

Please assist me,
Thank You ahead of time
MM

Changing from 32-bit to 64-bit or from 64-bit to 32-bit requires a clean install so be sure to save any data you've created or that exists nowhere else to a different place such as an External USB HDD or Thumb/Flash drive, maybe even CD or DVD.

You do need the 64-bit version of the install disc. A few I've done included both discs and the included Product Key worked with either. However, you cannot use the Product Key on but one computer and possibly on a Replacement computer. If the 32-bit version has been activated you'll need to do the re-activation using the process specified when trying, usually requires a phone call to the number given and reading the long numbers to them and putting in the numbers you get back.

thank you very much for your reply's so far. I'll be figuring this out by this week-end or sooner. You've been great!
MM

You're welcome.