Vista 64-bit FULL upgrade

1ddqd

So I remember seeing Microsoft had a website that allowed you to upgrade your 32-bit edition of Windows Home Premium to 64-bit for something like $20, with a valid 32-bit key. I can't seem to find this website despite my best googling. Anyone know what I'm talking about? It'd be nice to move to 64-bit without having to buy the system builder version.

*ack* the very next string I tried got me here: Vista Alternate Media.

ugh. Sorry, problem solved!

TheSinisterMinister

1ddqd wrote: »

So I remember seeing Microsoft had a website that allowed you to upgrade your 32-bit edition of Windows Home Premium to 64-bit for something like $20, with a valid 32-bit key. I can't seem to find this website despite my best googling. Anyone know what I'm talking about? It'd be nice to move to 64-bit without having to buy the system builder version.

*ack* the very next string I tried got me here: Vista Alternate Media.

ugh. Sorry, problem solved!

how? I would like to know if this is possible

PeregrineFalcon

TheSinisterMinister wrote: »

1ddqd wrote: »

So I remember seeing Microsoft had a website that allowed you to upgrade your 32-bit edition of Windows Home Premium to 64-bit for something like $20, with a valid 32-bit key. I can't seem to find this website despite my best googling. Anyone know what I'm talking about? It'd be nice to move to 64-bit without having to buy the system builder version.

*ack* the very next string I tried got me here: Vista Alternate Media.

ugh. Sorry, problem solved!

how? I would like to know if this is possible

1. Click link
2. Follow instructions

DHS Odium

It should be noted that there is no difference between a 32-bit Vista license key and a 64-bit Vista one. You can just borrow a 64-bit disc from someone and use your key. Microsoft's method is only for those who can't get the disc another way, so they'll trade just the installation media (similar as to if you need installation CDs instead of DVDs).

And for the record, Microsoft does not, in any way shape or form, care how you get the installation media if you own a valid license. This may be unpopular to say on the boards and might get me in trouble, but if you torrent the 64-bit disc or something, it will work fine, just use your valid key. Trust me on this, I used to work for Microsoft, and they actually told us to just download a pirated copy of Vista and use the valid key they sent, because they couldn't get us discs in time for an expo.

PeregrineFalcon

DHS Odium wrote: »

It should be noted that there is no difference between a 32-bit Vista license key and a 64-bit Vista one. You can just borrow a 64-bit disc from someone and use your key. Microsoft's method is only for those who can't get the disc another way, so they'll trade just the installation media (similar as to if you need installation CDs instead of DVDs).

And for the record, Microsoft does not, in any way shape or form, care how you get the installation media if you own a valid license. This may be unpopular to say on the boards and might get me in trouble, but if you torrent the 64-bit disc or something, it will work fine, just use your valid key. Trust me on this, I used to work for Microsoft, and they actually told us to just download a pirated copy of Vista and use the valid key they sent, because they couldn't get us discs in time for an expo.

Hell, I haven't installed XP from original media in ages. Slipstreamed service packs make that more than a little useless - and while it might look like a total pirate version to have my CD-R sitting there labeled "XP SP3" with a slip of paper showing my key, it's legit.

Daedalus

PeregrineFalcon wrote: »

DHS Odium wrote: »

It should be noted that there is no difference between a 32-bit Vista license key and a 64-bit Vista one. You can just borrow a 64-bit disc from someone and use your key. Microsoft's method is only for those who can't get the disc another way, so they'll trade just the installation media (similar as to if you need installation CDs instead of DVDs).

And for the record, Microsoft does not, in any way shape or form, care how you get the installation media if you own a valid license. This may be unpopular to say on the boards and might get me in trouble, but if you torrent the 64-bit disc or something, it will work fine, just use your valid key. Trust me on this, I used to work for Microsoft, and they actually told us to just download a pirated copy of Vista and use the valid key they sent, because they couldn't get us discs in time for an expo.

Hell, I haven't installed XP from original media in ages. Slipstreamed service packs make that more than a little useless - and while it might look like a total pirate version to have my CD-R sitting there labeled "XP SP3" with a slip of paper showing my key, it's legit.

Yeah, same here. I get my copies of Windows from MSDNAA, and that means I just download the .iso file right from Microsoft's servers and burn it myself.

It's sometimes faster than bittorrent, and sometimes slower.

TheSinisterMinister

I'm not sure why I never clicked the link.. at any rate, what I took away from it was that there was a way to upgrade your 32-bit to 64-bit (without formatting and reinstalling the OS), and that was my question. Alas, when the time comes I will have to do it the hard way. Thanks guys.

1ddqd

I think I'll hit up a torrent site - I thought it'd be nice to have the 64-bit disc itself... but then remembered something.

Windows Anytime Upgrade is basically a full Ultimate 32-bit disc. The only factor is the key you enter at installation. Hence, if you own a Ultimate key, you will be able to install that version. I have a HP key - I can install HP with that same disc.

Completely forgot about that. Thanks!