OEM 32bit to OEM 64bit

[Riggs]

Hi
I have got a new toshiba laptop with an AMD Turion64 x2 cpu and 2gb Ram
vista home Premium 32bit OEM.
I would like to know i can install a 64bit version of vista using using my
same product key i do understand i would have to unistall my 32bit version.

MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS
c. Alternative Versions. The software may include more than one version,
such as 32-bit and
64-bit. You may use only one version at one time.

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Yes, you will need to order alternate media though from the OEM for the 64
bit version.

 

[Riggs]

i do have a full retail version with 32bit and 64 bit for another computer
what i would like to know is if i insert the 64bit vist in to my laptop and
use my oem cd key for that version am i breaking the law.
As from what it states in the MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS

c. Alternative Versions. The software may include more than one version,
such as 32-bit and 64-bit. You may use only one version at one time.

 

[Andre Da Costa[ActiveWin]]

Its not specified whether you are breaking the laws or not, but Microsoft it
seems is allowing consumers to borrow genuine Vista SP1 disk when it becomes
available in the future so they can upgrade Vista RTM installations. As for
using your key, it depends, OEM keys are usually hard coded to the copy of
OEM Vista they are distributed with, but its at least worth a try. Remember,
its a clean install only and you will need to remove your existing
installation of 32 bit Vista before installing the 64 bit version. This also
brings up the question of Activation, which is why I am uncertain your OEM
key would work with a retail 64 bit disk, since OEMs particularly
responsible for activation.

 

[Mick Murphy]

OEM Keys will not work with retail disks.

i do have a full retail version with 32bit and 64 bit for another computer
what i would like to know is if i insert the 64bit vist in to my laptop and
use my oem cd key for that version am i breaking the law.
As from what it states in the MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS

c. Alternative Versions. The software may include more than one version,
such as 32-bit and 64-bit. You may use only one version at one time.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

i do have a full retail version with 32bit and 64 bit for another computer
what i would like to know is if i insert the 64bit vist in to my laptop and
use my oem cd key for that version am i breaking the law.

No, that wouldn't work. Product Keys are bound to the specific type
and language of DVD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with
which they are purchased. For example, a Vista Home OEM Product Key
won't work for any retail version of Vista Home, or for other any
version of Vista, and vice versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be
used with a full version DVD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will
not work to install a retail product. Bottom line: Product Keys and
DVD/license types cannot be mixed & matched.

Secondly, the license for that retail Vista 64-bit is already in use on
the other computer, even though it's the 32-bit version currently
installed. That license entitles you to install one or the other, but
not but simultaneously.

Contact your laptop's manufacturer to obtain an OEM 64-bit installation
DVD.


--

Bruce Chambers

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[Doug Smith]

No, you cannot upgrade from a 32bit oem to 64bit oem. I had several
conversations with MS about this. The license terms you mention below
refer to Vista Ultimate which gives you the ability to install any 32bit
or 64bit version of Vista that you'd like as long as only 1 is installed
at a time. Obviously this means that you can upgrade from 32bit premium
oem to 64bit Ultimate.

 

[Riggs]

Hi thanks for the replys.
the licence that i read from was the one which poped up when i first boot up
my computer the one i accepted so if i accept it dont that so an agreement
between me and microsoft, and if that is the case then i should be able to do
what it says in that licence i accepted.

 

[Doug Smith]

I agree. But I think it says "the software MAY...." The "may" refers
to the software that is included in Ultimate. The problem being that
your disk won't have the 64bit software on it, does it? As others have
said, I guess that if you can get the right disk and your serial works,
then probably give it a shot! Hell, I just popped out $140 for WinXP
pro yesterday after finally giving up on Vista. As far as I'm
concerned, MS owes me money & time for the technological mishap known as
Vista. I'd try any method to get more out of MS after going through
this debacle.

cheers

 

[Riggs]

over the years i have used microsoft i spent $$$$ and im still not happy i
have friends telling me to go linux as its free and more stable. im just
trying to get what i paid for, i don't want to have to buy a new disc as i
have 1 ready i don't whant to buy a new product key as i have 5 of them.
there must be a way to do this.