Should I go with VISAT Ultimate 64-bit

[Bill Bradley]

I'm going to upgrade or do a new install of VISTA Ultimate on my Dell XPS 600.

It will do either 32 or 64 bit (32 bit NVIDIA chipset and Intel CPU), and,
I'm wondering if I want to do 64-bit, mainly for the RAM (being able to use
more than 2-4 GB (I can use up to 8 GB on that MB)).

What's the pros and cons--should I just stick with 32?

Thanks!

 

[DL]

Depends whether the rest of your hw supports 64, and for what software you
plan to use that can utilise the ram

 

[JW]

Adding Ram does little or nothing for system performance except during the
boot process unless you are running applications such as video editors or
format conversion programs that use a lot of memory. I have 2GB of Ram and
use less then half of while running Live TV, and 3 other programs that
stream updates from the internet at short intervals in addition to office
programs such as Word or Excel.
Not all Intel CPUs support 64 Bit operating systems. What Intel CPU do you
have?
Since you have a system that apparently came preloaded with Vista the
system's product key is only valid for the OS it came with.

 

[JW]

Adding more memory will not improve the performance of your system except
during the boot process unless you are running applications such as
photo/video editors or video file format conversion programs. I use less
then 1/2 of the 2GB on my Vista 32 system when running LiveTV, 3 other apps
that download updates from the internet every few seconds along with apps
such as Word or Excel.
Not all Intel CPUs support 64 bit which one do you have?
The product key on your Vista system if only good for the 32 bit OS that the
system came with.

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

JW

<The product key on your Vista system if only good for the 32 bit OS that
the
system came with.>

All Vista product keys support both the 32bit and 64bit operating systems.

 

[Curious]

I disagree JW is correct.
OEM product keys used by system builders do not support both 32 bit and 64
bit just like the OEM versions of Vista you can purchase from some stores
Only the retail upgrade or full versions product keys support either 32 bit
or 64 bit OS.

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]>

I disagree JW is correct.
OEM product keys used by system builders do not support both 32 bit and 64
bit just like the OEM versions of Vista you can purchase from some stores
Only the retail upgrade or full versions product keys support either 32 bit
or 64 bit OS.

I have 32-bit and 64-bit media here (both supplied with full licenses).

I tested using a Vista Ultimate x86 OEM key and x64 full media, and was
able to successfully install both x86 and x64 versions of Vista using
the same key.

So, with all due respect, you are incorrect.

 

[Curious]

I don't quite understand.
Are you saying that you purchased an OEM copy of Vista 64 bit or 32 bit
Ultimate and that using the key that came with it you were able to install
to install the 32 bit and 64 bit versions of retail Vista Ultimate full
version so you did not have to use the key that came with the retail full
version?
If not could you please explain in a little more detail what you have been
able to do?

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]>

I don't quite understand.
Are you saying that you purchased an OEM copy of Vista 64 bit or 32 bit
Ultimate and that using the key that came with it you were able to install
to install the 32 bit and 64 bit versions of retail Vista Ultimate full
version so you did not have to use the key that came with the retail full
version?
If not could you please explain in a little more detail what you have been
able to do?

Sure. In my possession I have the following media:

- Vista x86 DVD (action pack)
- Vista x86 DVD (Toshiba Laptop)
- Vista x64 DVD (action pack)

I have the following keys:

- Business Full/retail key (action pack)
- Ultimate x86 OEM key (Toshiba laptop)
- Ultimate x86 OEM key (OEM from Microsoft)

I currently have two machines installed on the Business key in x64, and
five in x86. All machines use the same retail-type key.

I have used both the x86 and x64 media to install Vista Ultimate on my
Toshiba laptop, in all cases using the OEM key on the sticker attached
to the bottom of my laptop without difficulty.

 

[Curious]

That's good news you have reported.
When I tried to order the 64bit version of VHP for my HP core 2 duo laptop
that came with 32 bid vista installed I got the message that my product code
was not qualified to for 64 bit Vista.
Also I have noticed that Dell charges about $100 for a laptop preconfigured
with 64 bit vista instead of 32 bit.

 

[JW]

Was there any problem in activating the different versions on your Laptop
with the laptop Key when you switched between the 32 bit and the 64 bit OS,
Was it automatic or did you have to use phone activation?

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> "JW"

Was there any problem in activating the different versions on your Laptop
with the laptop Key when you switched between the 32 bit and the 64 bit OS,
Was it automatic or did you have to use phone activation?

Phone activation... The usual questions.

Is this the first time? No.
Why? Installed a bad driver, computer won't boot.
OEM? Yes.
Installed on any other computers? No.

Then wait 10 seconds, type the 48(?) digit code, and life is good.