Windows 7 forum: Can I upgrade Vista 32-bit to Windows 7 64-bit

1.) Your computer can run Windows 7 x64.

2.) You can purchase a Windows 7 x64 upgrade DVD/license (at the reduced cost).

3.) You will need to perform a clean installation (wipe everything and start from scratch) since you cannot directly upgrade/convert from 32-bit to 64-bit operating systems (or vice versa).

4.) You will not need a BIOS update.

5.) Aside from being able to use more than 4GB of RAM, you likely will not notice much of a benefit unless those multimedia applications are available in 64-bit versions. 32-bit versions will work, but see little/no performance boost.

6.) Each copy of Windows 7 will include both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs, so you can choose to 'convert' now or down the road.

Hope this helps,
John

I've already made sure that my laptop is dual core ready and everything.
<span>1. Where can you find the Windows 7 x64 upgrade DVD/license for the reduced cost?
<span>2. Do you know how much RAM can I cram in after the Windows 7x64

If you don't read the directions and lose more than you intended then that was your fault.

Research these tools.

DBAN
ERASER
Active@ Kill Disk Free Version
Autoclave (noteable since old machines may not run the prior 3.)

But about swiping my hard disk. You may suffer some broken limbs if I catch you doing that.

Bob

Do you mean a law? If so, which country would have made that law, and how would it be enforced in other countries?

Mark

and what instructions did the web site give for the installation?

Mark

Can I upgrade from Vista 32 Bit to Vista 64 Bit then Upgrade to Windows 7 64 bit? Or upgrade to 7 32 then 7 64? Or would i have to just use 32 bit? Because I'm not wiping out my hard drive.

You cannot upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit, regardless of which Windows version. You can do a clean install, but not an upgrade. Your only option is to backup everything you have, and do a clean install if you want 64-bit

how do i convert windows vista 32 bit to windows 7 64 bit? i do have the windows 7 64 bit, but im just trying to figure out how to convert it

This was helpful but i just have 1 question, So when you say <b>"You will need to perform a clean installation


(wipe everything and start from scratch)


since you cannot directly upgrade/convert from 32-bit to 64-bit operating systems (or vice versa)"</b> are you saying that if i want to upgrade from Windows vista 32 bit to Windows 7 64 bit I'll have to wipe my HDD clean and start from scratch?<div>
I want to know cause I have files that I'll want to keep and if I'll have to wipe my HDD clean I'll be wanting to back up my files before I do so.
</div>

You cannot upgrade, you have to do a clean install. 64-bit shows a slight performance increase and most programs are compatible anyways. It lets you use more than 3GB of RAM, where as 32 bit only allows up to 3GB.

burn it to DVD (be sure to burn it as iso, not as a file), set the BIOS to boot from the DVD and go ahead.

Kees

I only have an 'upgrade' disk for 64-bit Win7, and 32-bit Vista installed. Will this disk still allow me to do a clean install?

Also, since I'm presently unable to back up my files, I've been recommended to create a new hard drive partition, and attempt to boot up the new operating system in that, then presumably transfer files and systems across the partition when Win7 installs.

I was wondering how I might go about this, and how safe it is to my files?

I bought it from rm.com/thebasement which is a place I have bought other discs from. They provide discs intended only for students and faculty staff within the UK and discounted price.

I'm unable to back up my files as I'm at uni and my external HDD is at home.

A friend told me that since I only have about 113Gb free on a 250(223)Gb hard drive, the partitioning idea may not be great - as it'd be difficult to transfer my files across the partition.

rm.com and their FAQ at http://www.rm.com/shops/thebasement/content/View.aspx?cref=PSGEN1409461#4

Why is their software so cheap?

"The Basement is a special initiative that RM Education has launched for
students to purchase educational software and hardware at discount rates. As a Microsoft gold certified partner and Adobe authorised reseller, we are allowed to offer hugely discounted software to students and their parents, encouraging the use of ICT to boost learning and achievement. These unbeatable deals stem from our strong, long-term relationships with Microsoft and Adobe - and they benefit everyone"

Now that's fine on the surface. But what is a little worrying is their claim that they are "Microsoft Gold Certified partner" and "Adobe authorised reseller", and yet the two logos, Microsoft Certified and Adobe are just images, and are not click through to those companies to confirm what they say.

I couldn't find this web site or company in Adobe's Reseller's finder page here;
http://adobedealreg.force.com/PartnerSearch?lang=uk

May be you can.

I didn't try Microsoft, but that all makes me suspicious.

Mark

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7install/thread/550b8c94-62b8-48c6-bb81-598f125eadba/