Can I use any 64bit Ultimate disk to install when I want to switch from 32?

[Gary Mount]

Can I use somebody else's 64 bit ultimate disk since I only have the 32 bit
disk?
I would be installing the same version that I have now.

I notice that in the order for the 64 bit disks, there is no mention of my
product key which makes me wonder if any disk would do.

Also, I did an anytime upgrade to Ultimate but my order only says Home
Premium 64-bit DVD.
Would I install 64-bit Home Premium, then go to my digital locker to
retrieve my license for ultimate then stick the disk back in and install
Ultimate?
( actually I saved a copy of my license to my computer/usb memory stick )

I won't have a 64 bit system to install this in for about another year as I
am waiting for Intel's next generation platform to come out.
Also I am running the retail upgrade, not an OEM version. I know that
activation by Internet won't work when the time comes, but the phone call
method will (or should if I no longer have it on my old computer).

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

A Vista disk contains all the features of all versions, it's just the
Product Key that unlocks the ones you get for each. With a retail key, there
is no reason you can't use someone else's retail 64-bit disk as your license
allows you to install either 32 or 64 bit (but not both simultaneously)
using the same Product Key.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com