How do I upgrade from Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit to 64-bit?

[Ethan]

I know I'd have to do a clean install, which I'm fine with. The only
documentation I've seen about actually getting the software refers to
the "alternate media order page" at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/2057/ordermedia/default.mspx
but every time I go there it says "No offers found." Any ideas?

 

[Dave]

I know I'd have to do a clean install, which I'm fine with. The only
documentation I've seen about actually getting the software refers to
the "alternate media order page" at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/2057/ordermedia/default.mspx
but every time I go there it says "No offers found." Any ideas?

If you own the retail version of Vista Home Premium, try the following:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

That link was working just a few seconds ago. -Dave

 

[Bob Knowlden]

The link requires you to enter a 25 digit product key from a qualifying
version of Vista. I have read that OEM versions (including Vista Ultimate)
do not qualify. I found that an Academic license of Vista Premium (upgrade)
qualified.

Which version of Vista do you have?

 

[Ethan]

The link requires you to enter a 25 digit product key from a qualifying
version of Vista. I have read that OEM versions (including Vista Ultimate)
do not qualify. I found that an Academic license of Vista Premium (upgrade)
qualified.

Which version of Vista do you have?

I do, sadly, have the OEM version.

 

[Conor]

I do, sadly, have the OEM version.

Download a Vista x64 DVD ISO from your favourite dodgy warez site.

Install it using your 32bit CD key.

 

[Ethan]

Download a Vista x64 DVD ISO from your favourite dodgy warez site.

Install it using your 32bit CD key.

--
Conor

I only please one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow isn't
looking good either. - Scott Adams

Is the key not specific to the disc you have? Or does that all take
place during the online activation?

 

[Bob Knowlden]

I believe that an OEM key for a 32 bit version won't work with an X64
installation. (A retail key works.) If you wish to pirate Vista, you'd best
go the whole way. I can't help you there.

If your OEM version is from a system builder, all that I can suggest is that
you contact them. They may be able to offer a 64 bit license more cheaply
than retail.

Another alternative would be buying a 64 bit OEM license. For example:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116485

($100 for Home Premium).

A retail upgrade license costs about the same. Unfortunately, the Vista
upgrade version is much more limited than the XP upgrade version was.
(Doubly unfortunately, it the version that I have.)

Download a Vista x64 DVD ISO from your favourite dodgy warez site.

Install it using your 32bit CD key.

--
Conor

I only please one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow isn't
looking good either. - Scott Adams

Is the key not specific to the disc you have? Or does that all take
place during the online activation?

 

[Conor]

Is the key not specific to the disc you have? Or does that all take
place during the online activation?

No, the key is not specific. Also all versions of Vista are on the one
disc and the one that gets installed is determined by the CD Key you
enter. The CD key is tied to the signature generated from the hardware
and it all takes place with online activation. You may find you need to
ring the activation line and do it over the phone but it'll work OK.