How to obtain 64-bit Vista Home Premium?

[Cleo]

I'm currently building a new system, and I know I want it to run 64-bit Vista
Home Premium. But I can't quite figure out how to buy the 64-bit version
specifically.

I've read something about buying the retail box, which is 32-bit, then
sending away to Microsoft for the 64-bit version. But since I'm looking at
ordering online, this seems really silly, to wait a week for someone to ship
me an OS I don't even want so I then know how to ask Microsoft for the OS I
do want, and then wait another 2 weeks (!) to get it.

Is there a shortcut here? A way to buy the 64-bit version directly? Please?

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

64 bt Ultimate is at NewEgg.com
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116493

64 bit Premium:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

 

[Curious]

But the retail 32 bit version. Order the 64 bit version for $10.
Then borrow a 64 bit version from a friend till yours arrives. The key that
came with the 32 version is yours and can be used with any copy of the 64
bit version.

 

[Cleo]

I saw that, but I'm having a hard time understanding the licensing
differences between the OEM version and the Retail version.

 

[Curious]

The OEM version is only for the release you buy 32 bit or 64 bit and it can
not be moved to another motherboard configuration after it has been
installed
You should get the standard retail version for both current and future
flexibility.

 

[Cleo]

Thanks. I should definitely get the retail version, then, because I
specifically plan to upgrade the motherboard at a later date.

 

[Cleo]

Okay, but I don't have any friends who already have it, so I'm stuck waiting.

I don't get it. I can apparently buy an upgrade to 32-bit Vista via digital
download. But to get a new 64-bit Vista I'm stuck waiting for the Pony
Express?

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

'fraid so... and there is no 'upgrade' from a 32 bit to 64 bit operating
system. You MUST totally clean install. Since the license you get for 64
bit will cancel the license for 32 bit, you will have to format your hard
drive to remove the 32 bit Vista when changing to the 64 bit so remember to
backup ALL those files you will need onto an external hard drive or multiple
DVDs etc.

 

[Curious]

The problem is that you can not run the 64Bit install from a 32 bit OS. So
you must install direct from a DVD. However, I thought that you could
install into a partition that contains a 32 OS and that your 32 bit files
would be stored into a Windows.Old folder and in fact I thought that you had
to do this if you are using an Upgrade license and not a full license.

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

NEVER ever install two operating systems in the same partition.

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

That should indeed be the case.... just remember to return the DVD in case
they need it to reinstall.

 

[Pete Stavrakoglou]

Just trying to find out if it's ok (for those who don't have their own
installation dvd i.e. it's lost or damaged, or maybe they never had one
), to borrow one - as long as they use they own product key.

I presume an OEM product key would mean you need to borrow an OEM dvd
of the same bit version ?

Yes. OEM keys will not work with a retail version and vice versa.

 

[Curious]

Siw2,
What exactly are you trying to determine if it "is right"?