can 32 bit oem versions of windows vista be upgraded to 64bit for free?

[Jeff]

can an oem 32 bit version of windows vista be updated to 64 bit through a
download at microsoft like retail versions are supposedly able to be
updated? anyone with info please let me know. thankyou.

-jeff

 

[Guest]

There is no upgrade path for x64 version of Windows. The machine must be
rebuilt.

 

[Robert Firth]

Yes, but the question is will you be able to get the 64 bit version of oem
vista later if you get 32 bit oem vista now. This isn't an install/upgrade
question but more and availability question.

Sorry, I don't know the answer, just clearing things up. I image that you
could, but you never know.

--
/* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Robert Firth *
* Windows Vista x86 RTM *
* http://www.WinVistaInfo.org *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * */

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Not true.

There is no upgrade path for x64 version of Windows. The machine must be
rebuilt.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

You have to boot with the x64 dvd. The only limitation in what you want to
do is that the download is a set of files, not a dvd image. Be sure to
order the x64 dvd at the time you order the x64 upgrade edtion, even if you
know how to make a bootable dvd with the download files.

You will boot with the dvd and enter the product key. You will then be able
to perform a custom install to switch from x86 Vista to x64. You will not
be able to preserve the files, settings, and apps so use the Windows Easy
Transfer wizard to save your files and settings to intermeditate storage.
You will need to reinstall your apps after Vista x64 is installed. The x64
upgrade edition does not have to be the same edition as the OEM.

 

[Jeff]

my question was about the free (except for a shipping and handling charge)
dvd that microsoft offers those who have a 32 bit version of vista and want
to have a 64 bit copy. and i've found the answer to the question. it is that
microsoft will only do that for a retail 32 bit copy of windows vista.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx

-jeff

 

[Rock]

my question was about the free (except for a shipping and handling charge)
dvd that microsoft offers those who have a 32 bit version of vista and
want to have a 64 bit copy. and i've found the answer to the question. it
is that microsoft will only do that for a retail 32 bit copy of windows
vista.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx

Correct, that's only for retail versions.

 

[LaRoux]

Since media isn't all that hard to come by, I suspect that the question that
is important to you is can a key from x86 OEM be used to activate an x64 OEM
installation. I don't know the answer to this question but thought that by
restating the question this way, we might get an answer.