32-bit / 64-bit memory

[Richard G. Harper]

You cannot upgrade any 32-bit version of Windows to any 64-bit version of
Windows, it doesn't work. You would have to install the 64-bit version
clean, wiping the hard drive and starting fresh.

As for the OEM key, I don't have a clue. Retail keys would work in this
manner. OEM keys might not - this is the chance you take when you buy
discounted software.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

So if someone bought a copy of vista 32bit OEM and built their own
machine,
could they upgrade to 64bit vista of the same version by using the CD key
from the 32bit and the DVD of the 64bit they had sent to them? As a fresh
install is recommended.

1. No. This is an OS limitation, and cannot be bypassed.

2. Your upgrade rights depend on where you got your copy of Windows. If
your version of Vista didn't come with both discs AND is a retail
version,
you can order the 64-bit disc for a nominal charge. If your copy of
Vista
is an OEM copy your "upgrade" rights to get a 64-bit version are
determined
by the OEM who sold you the CD. You may or may not be able to get the
64-bit disc.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

Ok, so we all know about 32-bit vista being unable to realize 4gb of
memory. Currently, because my video card has 768mb of memory, my 4 gigs
of
system memory is only displaying as about 3gb (as expected).

I have two questions:
1) Are there any registry hacks to open up extra available memory
mapping space
2) Does windows offer a trade-up program? I mean comon, I purchased
vista upgrade for 32-bit, but now need 64-bit. I have a 64-bit version
of
windows XP just sitting around that I could easily upgrade to Vista-64.
Anyone know of a Vista "swap" program?

 

[Brian W]

You cannot upgrade any 32-bit version of Windows to any 64-bit version of
Windows, it doesn't work. You would have to install the 64-bit version
clean, wiping the hard drive and starting fresh.

As for the OEM key, I don't have a clue. Retail keys would work in this
manner. OEM keys might not - this is the chance you take when you buy
discounted software.

OEM keys are interchangeable, I have tested it (32-bit key on 64-bit DVD,
and vise-versa).

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

So if someone bought a copy of vista 32bit OEM and built their own
machine,
could they upgrade to 64bit vista of the same version by using the CD key
from the 32bit and the DVD of the 64bit they had sent to them? As a fresh
install is recommended.

1. No. This is an OS limitation, and cannot be bypassed.

2. Your upgrade rights depend on where you got your copy of Windows.
If
your version of Vista didn't come with both discs AND is a retail
version,
you can order the 64-bit disc for a nominal charge. If your copy of
Vista
is an OEM copy your "upgrade" rights to get a 64-bit version are
determined
by the OEM who sold you the CD. You may or may not be able to get the
64-bit disc.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


Ok, so we all know about 32-bit vista being unable to realize 4gb of
memory. Currently, because my video card has 768mb of memory, my 4
gigs of
system memory is only displaying as about 3gb (as expected).

I have two questions:
1) Are there any registry hacks to open up extra available memory
mapping space
2) Does windows offer a trade-up program? I mean comon, I
purchased
vista upgrade for 32-bit, but now need 64-bit. I have a 64-bit
version of
windows XP just sitting around that I could easily upgrade to
Vista-64.
Anyone know of a Vista "swap" program?

 

[Kieran]

Fantastic news, thank you very much.

You cannot upgrade any 32-bit version of Windows to any 64-bit version of
Windows, it doesn't work. You would have to install the 64-bit version
clean, wiping the hard drive and starting fresh.

As for the OEM key, I don't have a clue. Retail keys would work in this
manner. OEM keys might not - this is the chance you take when you buy
discounted software.

OEM keys are interchangeable, I have tested it (32-bit key on 64-bit DVD,
and vise-versa).

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

So if someone bought a copy of vista 32bit OEM and built their own
machine,
could they upgrade to 64bit vista of the same version by using the CD key
from the 32bit and the DVD of the 64bit they had sent to them? As a fresh
install is recommended.




:

1. No. This is an OS limitation, and cannot be bypassed.

2. Your upgrade rights depend on where you got your copy of Windows.
If
your version of Vista didn't come with both discs AND is a retail
version,
you can order the 64-bit disc for a nominal charge. If your copy of
Vista
is an OEM copy your "upgrade" rights to get a 64-bit version are
determined
by the OEM who sold you the CD. You may or may not be able to get the
64-bit disc.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm


Ok, so we all know about 32-bit vista being unable to realize 4gb of
memory. Currently, because my video card has 768mb of memory, my 4
gigs of
system memory is only displaying as about 3gb (as expected).

I have two questions:
1) Are there any registry hacks to open up extra available memory
mapping space
2) Does windows offer a trade-up program? I mean comon, I
purchased
vista upgrade for 32-bit, but now need 64-bit. I have a 64-bit
version of
windows XP just sitting around that I could easily upgrade to
Vista-64.
Anyone know of a Vista "swap" program?