Win7 32 to Win7 64

[ElMeanYo]

Hello all, I went to the MS release party today and got my copy of Win7 install DVD, but found out when I got home that its 32bit. I currently am running Vista 64. Can I still upgrade to Win7 64 somehow or am I screwed? Thanks, T

 

[clifford_cooley]

Hi ElmeanYo - Welcome to w7forums :ciao:

Take a look at this chart - https://www.w7forums.com/upgrading-your-pc-windows-7-a-t1444.html

 

[ElMeanYo]

Thanks for the reply. So from this chart, it says I have to do a custom install. But why would I go down from 64bit to 32bit? I have 8mb of ram...

You see what I was hoping was that the copy of Win7 they gave me was 64 bit, so I can upgrade to Win7 from Vista64 and still use my 8mb of ram. On the case of the copy they gave me, it says 'DVD Included, 32 - and/or 64-bit disc(s) inside'. So I assumed the 64 bit version was in there, but it was the 32 bit.

With only the 32bit version of Win7, its useless to me, as not only do I not utilize my ram, but I'll have to do a custom install and lose all my settings/programs if I go down to 32bit. Is there anyway I can get an upgrade from Win7 32 to Win7 64? Or somehow trade this disk in for Win7 64?

 

[davehc]

It would probably be legal to sell it and put the cash towards a 64Bit release?
But, as I understand it, both editions are on the same DVD, unless the one you have was a special edition.. You obviously have the 32BIt key. Maybe the handout with the key was deliberate, but perhaps a phonecall to your local MS office would provide you with the 64Bit key.

 

[SIW2]

Hi,

The keys are not bit version specific.

Just get hold of the 64 bit installation media ( borrow from a friend - or any way you can ) - and use the key you have.

How come they aren't holding any of these events in Europe - that's really annoying.

 

[clifford_cooley]

I have 8mb of ram...

For the record, that would be 8GB not 8MB

I wouldn't know what to add to what the other guy's have stated here. I am still using the 32Bit myself and just now thinking about going with the 64Bit version. I do hope you get it worked out though.

 

[Ian]

It's strange how they haven't provided 64 bit media. I know with Vista there was a way to order x64 alternate media online if you only had the 32 bit version (the Vista page is here). They may do the same for Windows 7, although I thought that all editions would be dual media (even promo ones).

 

[Kougar]

I have to agree with what SIW2 said, the key should work on a 64bit version of the same 7 edition if you can find safe 64bit install media to use.

It's strange how they haven't provided 64 bit media. I know with Vista there was a way to order x64 alternate media online if you only had the 32 bit version (the Vista page is here). They may do the same for Windows 7, although I thought that all editions would be dual media (even promo ones).

Wow, I didn't know such a thing existed... In that case one would expect the same to be offered for Windows 7 once it launches, especially since MS as much as anyone wants to push for the 64bit transition.

 

[ElMeanYo]

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies. I'm really hoping SIW2 is right and I can get an upgrade to my 32 bit version once the OS is released.

Right now this DVD is kinda useless for me.