Installing Win 7 64bit over Win 7 32bit.

I have a new computer on which I have installed Win 7 32bit which is working fine.

However as the computer is quite powerful with an Intel i7 processor and 6gig of 1600 DDR3 ram I am sorry now that I did not install the Win 7 64bit version.

Would there be any problem installing the 64bit version over the 32 bit version?

Cheers.

As far as I know, you won't be able to do that. It's a fresh install unfortunately, but on a system like that I would strongly recommend x64 otherwise the power goes to waste

Ian - thanks for the reply - perhaps I did not put my question very clearly.

I have Windows 7 Home Premium Edition and would like to know if I can change from 32bit to 64bit by just inserting the 64bit disk in my hard drive and install it "instead of" the 32 bit version, i.e a fresh install?

Would I require any preparation of the hard drive before doing this or is it just a matter of inserting the 64bit disc into the drive and following the on screen instructions?

Thank you.

It would be in your best interest to format the drive when you are asked to choose a location for the install. This will wipe the drive so be sure you have all your data off before doing so.

Many thanks for the reply - since my machine is virtually brand new I am not too concerned about loosing existing data - although I will have to re-install quite a few programs.However your further advice regarding formatting the hard drive would be appreciated, i.e I cant remember being asked to choose a "location for the install"and if I am asked the question - how do I proceed with formatting the hard drive?

Thank you.

Check out this link - Windows 7 Installation (Guide) Walkthrough

Hi there Clifford,

Can I upgrade Vista Home Premium 32 bit, to Windows 7 Pro? Also is Windows 7 Ultimate a 32 bit or 64 bit OS? Thanks for your answer!

Greg Chitwood, AKA kingthat

Hi kingthat - Welcome to w7forums

This chart would best answer your questions - Upgrading your PC to Windows 7

Yes, you can upgrade Vista Home Premium 32bit to Windows 7 Pro, but only in 32 bit.
IF, you do a clean install you can go either the x86 (32bit) version or x64 (64bit).

Since your computer is x64 capable, then I would do a clean install of the x64 version. It will utilize the full capabilities of your CPU and RAM to the fullest. The x86 version will only recognize up to 4GB of RAM, the x64 version will recognize all of your RAM. You have quite a beast of a system so there is no reason NOT to install the x64 Windows 7.

Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate come with both the x86 and x64 install disks. (Retail boxed versions only.) The OEM versions are sold as single discs, either x86 or x64.

hello guys.....i hav a new win 7 64 bit home prem with legit key ....which i want to install on my vaio laptop having a win 7 home basic 32 bit....i have changed the 1st boot priority to internal optical disc drive....still it's not starting to install....gives an error message-this version of windows 7 is not compatible .....any help would be highly appreciated....