OEM 64Bit DVD Installed with Retail CD Key??

[Waldo]

Hi, does anybody know if i can install Vista 64bit home premium using my
friends OEM dvd but my RETAIL dvd key as i only have the 32 bit version and
would like to use the 64bit version? will the OEM 64bit version be any
differant than the RETAIL version as im using a retail dvd key?

 

[Stephen Petrowski]

you need to go buy you a copy of vista 64bit home premium it is unlawful to
use your friends OEM dvd

 

[Mick Murphy]

Keys are NOT interchangeable between OEM and Retail DVDs.

The difference between OEM and Retail content is zero!

But, an OEM disk is tied to the comp it gets installed on for the life of
that computer, and dies with the computer.

Retail, you can move between computers, as long as it is only installed on
one computer at a time.

 

[John Barnett MVP]

The product key number determines which version of Vista is installed. If
your product key came with a 32 bit versions, then it won't work on a 64
bit. I have both 32 bit and 64 bit versions of Vista Ultimate (Retail keys)
and both are different.

--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[Mark]

Well, not to be a spoilsport, but my 64-bit key was installed using the
32-bit key and it works just fine.

 

[Dustin Harper]

As did mine.

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Mine came prior to RTM so maybe that is the reason Either way if I stick
the 32 bit DVD into the DVD drive I am not presented with an option to
install 32 bit or 64 bit, it simply installs 32 bit.

--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Just to clarify things, having researched this issue further, it appears
that yes you can use your 32 bit product key to install the 64 bit version;
however, once you have used that key you would not, should you wish to, be
able to use the same product key code to install the 32 bit operating system
(if, for example, you later realised that not all your hardware had 64 bit
drivers, for example, so you decided to uninstall the 64 bit and install the
32 bit.) In this instance you would require another product key number
which, effectively, would mean buying one from Microsoft.

--
--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> Waldo

Hi, does anybody know if i can install Vista 64bit home premium using my
friends OEM dvd but my RETAIL dvd key as i only have the 32 bit version and
would like to use the 64bit version? will the OEM 64bit version be any
differant than the RETAIL version as im using a retail dvd key?

In short, you'll be fine as long as he has a genuine Microsoft DVD, and
not a DVD that was customized by an OEM.

The Microsoft issued media only comes in two flavours, 32-bit and
64-bit, there is no difference between an OEM DVD, Full/Retail DVD, or
upgrade DVD, all DVDs are capable of performing both an Upgrade and a
Custom (clean) install, the key used dictates which features are
available.

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> "John

Just to clarify things, having researched this issue further, it appears
that yes you can use your 32 bit product key to install the 64 bit version;
however, once you have used that key you would not, should you wish to, be
able to use the same product key code to install the 32 bit operating system
(if, for example, you later realised that not all your hardware had 64 bit
drivers, for example, so you decided to uninstall the 64 bit and install the
32 bit.) In this instance you would require another product key number
which, effectively, would mean buying one from Microsoft.

There is no need to buy a new one from Microsoft, but you will need to
call to activate as the previous use of the key in a different
installation will block online activation.