Windows 7 install questions

Bucketman

Hello Tech Tavern, I recently learned I needed to upgrade my Windows 7 install from 32 to 64 bit editions to get the most out of my pc. Thats fine I figured, I have the disc. So I dug around and I finally found it, and it says its the Windows Home Premium 7 32 bit 1pk dsp oei dvd. Now, I'm still backing up files but I would assume this means the 64 bit edition isn't included? If so, can I use my key to install an ISO from Microsoft? My other alternative is waiting until next week to get it from school, but I'd rather not if I don't have to. Any advice here? Thanks in advance

SiliconStew

Your OEI disc does not include the 64 bit version. You can't use your 32 bit key even if you get a 64 bit ISO, it would require a new key for the 64 bit version. You can't upgrade from 32 to 64 bit, you have to use the Custom install option to do a full install which will wipe out the existing harddrive contents and require reinstall of all programs. It will copy the old files to a Windows.old folder but you should backup anyway.

Aeyther

Bucketman wrote:

Hello Tech Tavern, I recently learned I needed to upgrade my Windows 7 install from 32 to 64 bit editions to get the most out of my pc. Thats fine I figured, I have the disc. So I dug around and I finally found it, and it says its the Windows Home Premium 7 32 bit 1pk dsp oei dvd. Now, I'm still backing up files but I would assume this means the 64 bit edition isn't included? If so, can I use my key to install an ISO from Microsoft? My other alternative is waiting until next week to get it from school, but I'd rather not if I don't have to. Any advice here? Thanks in advance

Is that the disc that came with the computer? Then you probably did not get the 64 bit installation software.

Silicon is right about simply "upgrading" to 64 bit. It will require a full reinstall to get the 64 bit OS. Which means reinstalling everything.

Edit:

K0dos wrote:

OEM disc's are either 32 or 64 bit and the product key will not work from one version to the other. There is also no upgrade path you will have to wipe and install. If you have a full copy or non oem copy it will have both versions on the disc and the key will work for both.

Ah ok.

K0dos

OEM disc's are either 32 or 64 bit and the product key will not work from one version to the other. There is also no upgrade path you will have to wipe and install. If you have a full copy or non oem copy it will have both versions on the disc and the key will work for both.

Bucketman

ok thanks guys, I'll have to buy it from the bookstore at school next week.

Quantux

In my experience, product keys are interchangeable. I've used the same key for both 32 and 64 bit. As long as the edition is the same (home->home, pro->pro), you'll be fine. You may have to give the automated system a call, but that takes a couple minutes at most. I've had the best luck (as in didn't have to call) by running the full install and not entering the key until later.

Mustachio Jones

Pointing out that the price has more than doubled, the Windows 7 Student deal is still pretty damn nice. This might be cheaper than what you can get at your bookstore.

Windows 7 "upgrades" are full versions, just altered by the key. There's a simple way to trick Windows into thinking that an Upgrade version is the full thing.

Aioua

Quantux wrote:

In my experience, product keys are interchangeable. I've used the same key for both 32 and 64 bit. As long as the edition is the same (home->home, pro->pro), you'll be fine. You may have to give the automated system a call, but that takes a couple minutes at most. I've had the best luck (as in didn't have to call) by running the full install and not entering the key until later.

Have you done it with an OEM key before? I was under the impression that doesn't work. Retail keys, yeah.