Have Vista 64-bit, need 32-bit OS - how?

G

Guest

Recently had a computer built for me at Computer Builder's Warehouse
(unformatted). I bought Vista 64-bit Home Premium (OEM) from them and
installed it. Proceeded to find out that I would need to buy new joystick,
new video editing software, new anti-virus, my old games don't work, new
games get lower FPS, etc.

Tried to take it back and exchange for XP Home. CBW says "can't, you opened
the box, Microsoft won't let us, they will fire us". They won't even
exchange it for Vista 32-bit or give me 32-bit Vista media.

How can I get media for XP home (preferrably) or Vista 32-bit? Microsoft
site only seems to let me order 64-bit media if I have 32-bit.
 
G

Guest

Thanks...Tried it. I get the following message:

We're sorry, the following error(s) have occurred:
No Offer Found

I think it's because the standard "offer" is for owners of 32-bit Vista so
my product key being 64-bit is not "valid" for this "offer".
 
P

Peter Foldes

That is because you have a OEM version. Microsoft will not touch the OEM because it is not theirs. It is an Original Equipment Manufacturer issue and you will have to bring it up with them whoever they are and as it is marked on the disk.
 
G

Guest

Yeah, you're probably right. MS support told me to call their "refund
center" on Monday, but I don't know what they will do.
 
C

Charles W Davis

jlederer said:
Recently had a computer built for me at Computer Builder's Warehouse
(unformatted). I bought Vista 64-bit Home Premium (OEM) from them and
installed it. Proceeded to find out that I would need to buy new
joystick,
new video editing software, new anti-virus, my old games don't work, new
games get lower FPS, etc.

Tried to take it back and exchange for XP Home. CBW says "can't, you
opened
the box, Microsoft won't let us, they will fire us". They won't even
exchange it for Vista 32-bit or give me 32-bit Vista media.

How can I get media for XP home (preferrably) or Vista 32-bit? Microsoft
site only seems to let me order 64-bit media if I have 32-bit.
Click to expand...

No need to buy new anti-virus: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

I would continue and spend what is necessary for the hardware that you need
for your enjoyment. The 64-bit version was made for what you are doing. Most
32-bit programs will run on a 64-bit machine. However, with no additional
advantage in speed. You got what you asked for without doing the research
necessary to protect your investment.
 
J

John Barnes

Why don't you buy an oem copy of XP home. If you have an old windows disk
you can use the upgrade version and its less than $90 us.
 
G

Guest

That's a possibility. Apparently I could also buy an academic vista home
32-bit upgrade for about $65 according to pricegrabber (could give it to my
daughter for her PC and use her XP license for my new one). I would like MS
to get me back the $150 CBW charged me for the Vista 64-bit license though,
since I have no use for it.
 
J

John Barnes

Microsoft is pretty good about refunds within 90 days on their retail
licenses. I hope that is what you got from CBW. If it is an OEM license,
it is less likely, but certainly worth a try.
 
G

Guest

Good news. CBW contacted MS and made arrangements to get me Vista Home
Premium. Problem solved.
 
J

John Barnes

Been a while, but if I remember, Ghost, Partition Magic, Microsoft Reference
Library, DeLorme Topo Maps for a starter. I know there were a number of
others that were just not Vista compatible.
 
C

cquirke (MVP Windows shell/user)

On Mon said:
Been a while, but if I remember, Ghost, Partition Magic, Microsoft Reference
Library, DeLorme Topo Maps for a starter. I know there were a number of
others that were just not Vista compatible.
Click to expand...

Pastel Accounting, Quick Books, the bundled Nero Express 6 that comes
with even NEW DVD writers, most modems and fax software.

Skype currently has problems, but they are fixable; 3.0xx versions
need AGC=0 in a pair of XML files, 3.1x said to be OK but in beta.

Some CAD apps won't work either; Prokon I think was one.

So if you're bound to a particular app, check first!

Apparently, late changes to the beta, close to RTM in November 2006,
caught many vendors out; ironically, often those who had started
developing for Vista the earliest (i.e. on betas that were invalidated
by the late changes, breaking thier readiness).


---------- ----- ---- --- -- - - - -
Click to expand...
On the 'net, *everyone* can hear you scream
 
J

John Barnes

While I like Vista, I have personally spent around $1500 on hardware
upgrades and about $1000 on software upgrades/replacements + the cost of
Vista Ultimate to get a Vista system roughly comparable in functionality to
my XP X64 system, but it does look better (the running waterfall on the
desktop looks cool) and probably safer. :) I see some system builders
offering XP as an option again which has induced MS to announce the cut-off
of OEM XP by year end.
 

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