Can I upgrade Vista 32 to Vista 64-bit?

[Rod Smith]

Or, does the Vista 64-bit have to be a clean install?

 

[PaulM]

No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only
perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you
are running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only perform an
upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

 

[Tyro]

Installing 64 bit Vista over 32 bit Vista requires a clean install. You lose
everything.

Tyro

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Or, does the Vista 64-bit have to be a clean install?

No, you can't upgrade. Yes, it has to be a clean installation.

 

[Ian D]

Or, does the Vista 64-bit have to be a clean install?

It has to be a clean install, but if you install retail upgrade
64 bit Vista in the same partition as 32 bit, it will preserve
your 32 bit Vista in a windows.old folder, provided you
don't reformat. The value of that is, if 64 bit doesn't work
out, you can revert to the 32 bit version. Also, files in
non-OS related folders in that partition will not be touched
by the 64 bit installation.

 

[orthocross]

Installing 64 bit Vista over 32 bit Vista requires a clean install. You lose
everything.

Tyro

As far as I know, it is not possible to "install 64bit Vista over
32bit Vista" in ANY WAY. PERIOD.
64bit Vista MUST be installed "clean" IF a 32bit version is currently
on your HD.

Back up your data before attempting to install 64bit Vista, since you
will lose everything that is not backed up, as Tyro says.

 

[Tyro]

Re-read my post. I said it requires a clean install.

Tyro

 

[orthocross]

Re-read my post. I said it requires a clean install.

Tyro

Tyro, I was not questioning your plain statement that Vista x64 must
be installed clean. I was questioning the first part of that sentence
which seemed to imply that Vista x64 can be installed on top of Vista
x32.

Be clear in your words, since they will be used to judge you on the
Last Day.

 

[Tyro]

It can be as a clean install wipes out everything.

Tyro

 

[orthocross]

It can be as a clean install wipes out everything.

I personally wouldn't call that "Installing Vista x64 on top of Vista
x32", I would call it "installing Vista x64 clean", since it has
absolutely nothing to do with Vista x32, since by the time you start
installing Vista x64, Vista x32 will be non-existent on yer rig.

Also, a clean install DOESN'T "wipe everything out", YOU do, when YOU
format the HD. The install of Vista x64 can't even begin until YOU
have prepared the HD by formatting it.

 

[Tyro]

The OP specified upgrading 32 bit Vista with 64 bit Vista.

Tyro

 

[The poster formerly known as 'The Poster Formerly]

I personally wouldn't call that "Installing Vista x64 on top of Vista

Noone gives a rat's arse what you would and wouldn't 'personally call
that'!! Only you do because you are so ridiculously self-important and
a flaming net nanny.

x32", I would call it "installing Vista x64 clean", since it has
absolutely nothing to do with Vista x32, since by the time you start
installing Vista x64, Vista x32 will be non-existent on yer rig.

Also, a clean install DOESN'T "wipe everything out", YOU do, when YOU
format the HD. The install of Vista x64 can't even begin until YOU
have prepared the HD by formatting it.

Nice comment to Tyro about 'being judged by his words'. I suppose he'll
be judged for not posting clearly enough to please you in this group,
but will you be judged for your self-admitted drug abuse?

--
"Software is like sex, it's better when it's free."
- Linus Torvalds

DRM and unintended consequences:
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/security/?p=435&tag=nl.e101