64Bit

[Guest]

I have a PC with XP Pro 64Bit OEM installed, I also have an XP Pro
installation CD, can I use the upgrade version of Vista Ultimate to install
the 64Bit version or will I have to install the XP Pro before I can install
Vista Ultimate 64Bit from an upgrade.
Bendog

 

[Tom Porterfield]

I have a PC with XP Pro 64Bit OEM installed, I also have an XP Pro
installation CD, can I use the upgrade version of Vista Ultimate to
install the 64Bit version or will I have to install the XP Pro before I
can install Vista Ultimate 64Bit from an upgrade.

If the PC already has XP Pro installed, then you can simply boot from the
Vista Ultimate DVD and start the install. I should properly detect the XP
Pro installation on your PC and do the install. Note that you can't do an
in-place upgrade of XP 64 to Vista 64 so you might want to leverage Windows
Easy Transfer
(http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/features/forhome/easytransfer.mspx )
to help migrate your data, e-mail and other personal data files.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

In addition to Tom's reply, you have a choice in the single case of XP Pro
x64. Since Vista x64 Setup can run from the XP Pro x64 desktop it is purely
your choice whether you boot with the Vista x64 dvd or start Setup from the
desktop. In both cases, upgrade will be disabled and you must do a custom
installation.

Your XP Pro x64 cd is irrellevant. Vista will never ask for it.

 

[Guest]

Thanks but the problem is the 64bit CD is OEM and the XP PRO CD is not
insalled. Will I have to install XP PRO or will there be some kind of work
roound, I just want to end up with a 64Bit OS installed. If I have to install
XP Pro I would have to install to a seperate partition and wwould give me all
sorts of problems with drivers and future redownloads I think. What I am
hoping is to install Vista on top of the 64bit OEM system and then the Vista
CD asking for the key for XP PRO OS. Could you tell me if that can be the
case how to install VISTA.

 

[Rock]

Thanks but the problem is the 64bit CD is OEM and the XP PRO CD is not
insalled. Will I have to install XP PRO or will there be some kind of work
roound, I just want to end up with a 64Bit OS installed. If I have to
install
XP Pro I would have to install to a seperate partition and wwould give me
all
sorts of problems with drivers and future redownloads I think. What I am
hoping is to install Vista on top of the 64bit OEM system and then the
Vista
CD asking for the key for XP PRO OS. Could you tell me if that can be the
case how to install VISTA.

The key from XP Pro is not asked for in an upgrade to Vista. A qualifying
OS has to be installed to be able to use the upgrade version of Vista.
Since XP x64 is installed (and it doesn't matter if it's OEM or retail),
then you can start the upgrade from either the XP x64 desktop or by booting
from the Vista DVD. Either way you have to do a custom install.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

When upgrading from XP Pro x64 to Vista x64 Ultimate, you have a choice.
You may boot into XP Pro x64, insert the Vista x64 dvd, and run Setup from
the XP Pro x64 desktop; or, if you prefer, you can boot with the x64 dvd
and run the upgrade Setup that way.

Your XP Pro installation cd is irrelevant. Vista doesn't check shiny media.
Instead Setup scans your computer for a genuine copy of Windows following
your entry of an upgrade edition product key.

Your only option, whether you run Setup from the desktop or boot with the
x64 dvd, will be a custom install, so your files, settings, and apps will
not be preserved. Although you will not be able to do an upgrade-in-place,
there will be no problem installing Vista Ultimate x64 using the upgrade
edition.