question on 64 and 32 bit versions of Vista

[Rage Skywolfe]

I just got a vista computer yesterday. the people I had gotten it from said
they installed a 64 bit system and 32 bit is what is reads on the system is
32 bit. what my question is. is the product key that is on the computer for a
64 bit or a 32 bit. and since a32 bit system was installed. if it should ever
have to be reformatede, could it be done with the disk they gave me or does
it have to be a 32 bit?

 

[Curious]

If you bought a retail version of Vista then the Product Key is valid for
either the 32 bit or the 64 bit version of Vista you purchased.
If you bought Vista Ultimate then both the 32bit and the 64bit installation
disks came in the package along with a single product key. If you bought
another version only the 32 bit installation DVD came in the package and you
have to purchase the 64 bit installation DVD from MS for about $10 the key
that came with the 32 bit version will work with either.
If the Product key is an OEM key such as one that came with a sticker on the
computer then the key is normally only good for either 32 bit or 64 bit but
not both.
It sounds like your hardware system is 64 bit capable but came with 32 bit
Vista installed which is very common today.

 

[Rage Skywolfe]

yeah they did. the one they gave me is an OEM software that was to be
distributed with a PC. but yes I did buy that operating system along with the
computer. the Invoice had 64 bit on it and they gave me a 64 bit disk... just
the person who installed the OS gave me 32 bit lol 32 bit is fine which is
basicaly what I wanted in the first place. and here are the specs on that..

running Vista home premium Service pack 2
Internet explorer 8
Processor is AMD ATHLON 7750 Dual Core processor. 2.70 Ghz
3GB RAM
--
Four Generations Of Trust And Betrayal...One Legacy

Skywolfe

If you bought a retail version of Vista then the Product Key is valid for
either the 32 bit or the 64 bit version of Vista you purchased.
If you bought Vista Ultimate then both the 32bit and the 64bit installation
disks came in the package along with a single product key. If you bought
another version only the 32 bit installation DVD came in the package and you
have to purchase the 64 bit installation DVD from MS for about $10 the key
that came with the 32 bit version will work with either.
If the Product key is an OEM key such as one that came with a sticker on the
computer then the key is normally only good for either 32 bit or 64 bit but
not both.
It sounds like your hardware system is 64 bit capable but came with 32 bit
Vista installed which is very common today.

 

[David B.]

If you bought and paid for Vista OEM x64, and they installed Vista OEM x86,
then your running an unlicensed operating system.

--


------

yeah they did. the one they gave me is an OEM software that was to be
distributed with a PC. but yes I did buy that operating system along with
the
computer. the Invoice had 64 bit on it and they gave me a 64 bit disk...
just
the person who installed the OS gave me 32 bit lol 32 bit is fine which is
basicaly what I wanted in the first place. and here are the specs on
that..

running Vista home premium Service pack 2
Internet explorer 8
Processor is AMD ATHLON 7750 Dual Core processor. 2.70 Ghz
3GB RAM

 

[Curious]

64 Vista comes with both the 32 bit and the 64 bit version of IE.
So you may be running the 32 bit version of IE8 on your 64 bit OS.

yeah they did. the one they gave me is an OEM software that was to be
distributed with a PC. but yes I did buy that operating system along with
the
computer. the Invoice had 64 bit on it and they gave me a 64 bit disk...
just
the person who installed the OS gave me 32 bit lol 32 bit is fine which is
basicaly what I wanted in the first place. and here are the specs on
that..

running Vista home premium Service pack 2
Internet explorer 8
Processor is AMD ATHLON 7750 Dual Core processor. 2.70 Ghz
3GB RAM

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Curious - and Skywolfe.

So you may be running the 32 bit version of IE8 on your 64 bit OS.

Yes, especially since, by default, Vista x64 runs the 32-bit, not the 64-bit
edition. To get the 64-bit edition, we have to Browse to the \Program Files
(NOT Program Files (x86)) folder and run the version of iexplore.exe that we
find there.

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX
(e-mail address removed)
Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8064.0206) in Win7 Ultimate x64

 

[Rage Skywolfe]

I didn't know it was 64 bit until I saw it on the invioce. it wasn't
something that was rewuested it was just put on there.

"64 Vista comes with both the 32 bit and the 64 bit version of IE.
So you may be running the 32 bit version of IE8 on your 64 bit OS."

but why wouly it say in the computer system info that is running a 32 bit
Operating system when it is 64? and where can I find out if it is 64 or not.

 

[David B.]

Right click "computer" and select properties, it will state either 32 bit OS
or 64 bit OS under System Type.

 

[Rage Skywolfe]

yep, and it says 32 bit

 

[David B.]

I'd be back at the shop demanding they install what I bought, paid for, and
am licensed for, then I'd find a new shop as they obviously are pretty
clueless on Microsoft's licensing.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

I didn't know it was 64 bit until I saw it on the invioce. it wasn't
something that was rewuested it was just put on there.

"64 Vista comes with both the 32 bit and the 64 bit version of IE.
So you may be running the 32 bit version of IE8 on your 64 bit OS."

but why wouly it say in the computer system info that is running a 32 bit
Operating system when it is 64? and where can I find out if it is 64 or
not.
--

Four Generations Of Trust And Betrayal...One Legacy

Skywolfe

The statement you quoted about Explorer has nothing to do with your question
or you misunderstood the quoted text. Only the 64-bit OS has both the 32
and 64-bit versions of IE. Think about it.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Hi, Curious - and Skywolfe.


Yes, especially since, by default, Vista x64 runs the 32-bit, not the
64-bit edition. To get the 64-bit edition, we have to Browse to the
\Program Files (NOT Program Files (x86)) folder and run the version of
iexplore.exe that we find there.

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX
(e-mail address removed)
Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8064.0206) in Win7 Ultimate x64

RC, 64-bit IE is on the All Programs menu by default. No need to go to
Program Files.

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Colin.

It's good to hear from you again! ;<)

Yes, 64-IE is on the All Programs menu in Win7. But I don't recall finding
it there in Vista x64. Maybe CRS strikes again. :^{

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX
(e-mail address removed)
Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8064.0206) in Win7 Ultimate x64

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Hi, Colin.

It's good to hear from you again! ;<)

Yes, 64-IE is on the All Programs menu in Win7. But I don't recall
finding it there in Vista x64. Maybe CRS strikes again. :^{

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX
(e-mail address removed)
Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8064.0206) in Win7 Ultimate x64

Hi. Yes it is on the AP menu in Vista x64. I'm looking at it right now.