The upgrade versions of Vista won't complete unless there is an eligible OS
already installed. When going from a 32 bit OS to a 64 bit OS with an
upgrade version the normal procedure is to boot from the 64 bit DVD and
start the install. During the install when you enter the product key the
upgrade will look for an eligible OS already installed. If it doesn't see
one the install won't proceed. If it does see one then a clean installation
will be done. Vista is not like XP where you can insert a CD OS for an
eligible OS. The OS has to be already installed. There is a way around this
but it is not officially supported by Microsoft. Essentially it's this. Boot
from the DVD and when you get to the point where you enter a key leave it
blank.You will then be asked which version you wish to install. Make sure
you pick the right version. Also make sure the option to activate Vista
after the install is not ticked. Once Vista is installed boot into Vista
then insert the DVD. Install it again this time entering the key and picking
the upgrade option. Here is a link with detailed instructions.
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...rade_clean.asp
--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
http://www.vistahelp.ca
"Corky1310" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news

4840D1C-3FFF-4A87-91AA-(E-Mail Removed)...
> This is somewhat complicated, and I could use the advice of the community
> before I go through with this hardware swap an upgrade from 32-64 bit
> Vista.
>
> I was running XP Professional and upgraded Vista Home Premium (custom
> installation) on a system with a motherboard running a Athlon 3200
> processor.
> I have the UPGRADE Version of Vista Home Premium.
>
> I have multiple hard drives and kept an intalled version of XP Pro
> operational. (It came in very handy during the initial release of Vista
> because of compatibility issues).
>
> Recently I had some problems with a Internet Explorer Security upgrade and
> MS said I needed to reinstall Vista as the solution. Since I planned to
> install a new Motherboard with a Athlon 64 X2 3800+, we agreed I should
> just
> wait. Now I have the new motherboard and processor and I am ready to go.
> I
> just ordered the Vista Home Premium 64 Bit Upgrade version, which should
> be
> delivered in a few days.
>
> What I have been able to learn on the knowledge base, tech articles and
> the
> community suggest the basic steps for the upgrade that applys to the above
> is
> a CLEAN CUSTOM installation as follows:
>
> 1. Back up my Vista 32 Bit installation and data by using Windows Easy
> Transfer on the 32-Bit Vista Home Premium DVD. (Is it necessary to
> remove
> the 32-Bit Version of Vista afterwards?).
>
> 2. Swap the current 32-bit Motherboard with the new one containing new 64
> X2 processor.
>
> 3. Set the boot drive to be the one on which XP Pro is installed. (Does
> this matter and is there going to be a key issue since the hardware
> changed?)?
>
> 4. Boot the new hardware from a Vista 64 bit Home Premium DVD [UPGRADE
> VERSION] - Custom Installation.
>
> 5. Call MS to get a new key?? What Number do I call? Is this supported or
> do I have to pay for it?
>
> 6. After the Vista Home Premium 64-bit installation completes, complete
> the
> transition by using Windows Easy Transfer to reload the application data
> ,
> etc.
>
> Is this right? Pros and Cons? What am I missing. I want this to go
> smoothly and not to take a week to do because I missed something.
> --
> Corky