Vista 32 vs 64 bit

[Andre]

Is MS selling distinct 32 and 64 bit versions of Vista? I have an Vista
Business upgrade CD, and it doesn't say whether it's 32 or 64 bit. I
upgraded my notebook which has an AMD 64 bit dual-core CPU. I figured I'd
finally be running in 64 bit and was excited to see the performance. But
according to Vista, I'm only running in 32 bit. Why? Is it because I
upgraded from a 32 bit version of XP? Or do I have to have a 64 bit version
of Vista?

Thanks, Andre

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

First, the x64 version has to be clean installed, you can't upgrade with it.
Second, except for Ultimate, the retail versions will be the 32-bit with an
option to order a 64-bit disk. Ultimate will have both in the box.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

You have to have an x64 dvd.

MS is just selling Vista. You can install either x86 or x64 retail, your
choice. The same product key for Business works for either the x86 or x64
retail version. If you purchased a retail copy of Vista Business then you
should have instructions in the box for obtaining an x64 dvd.

If you are using a volume license copy you need to contact your VL admin to
see if an x64 version is available to you. If you purchased an OEM x86 copy
you NOT also eligible for the x64 dvd.

 

[Andre]

Just to confirm, the x64 CD will say x64 on it? And if mine doesn't say
anything, does that mean it's x32? Mine is from the MS Action Pack.

Thanks, Andre

 

[peter]

Be glad you have 32bit............64bit is actually slower unless you have
at least 2 megs of Ram on most applications.
peter

 

[JW]

Why?

Be glad you have 32bit............64bit is actually slower unless you have
at least 2 megs of Ram on most applications.
peter

 

[Mike Hall - MS MVP Windows Shell/User]

A computer is only as fast as the weakest link..

 

[JW]

I don't agree.
If I am running 32 bit Microsoft Word which requires about 10 MB of memory I
don't understand how it can run slower on a 1GB 64 bit system then on a 1GB
32 bit system especially since all of the data transfers being done by the
OS can be performed in 1/2 of the time using 64 bit wide registers instead
of 32 bit.
The speed of a computer to run applications after booting is complete is not
determined by the amount of memory as long as the memroy required to run
both the OS and the application is avaiable.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

It will say 64bit version.

 

[Guest]

An extension to this discussion:
Do you have to choose between 32-bit or 64-bit Vista permanently? In other
words, can I used my Vista product key to install 32-bit now and then 6
months from now decide I want to go to 64-bit and re-install using the same
product-key?

-Brian

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi Brian,

Yes, you can.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Jim K]

An extension to this discussion:

Do you have to choose between 32-bit or 64-bit Vista >permanently? In other
words, can I used my Vista product key to install >32-bit now and then 6
months from now decide I want to go to 64-bit and >re-install using the same
product-key?

-Brian

Rick, you stated that it is possible to reuse the key code to re-install (upgrade) to x64?

What about dual booting?? Am I able to use the same key? Is this possible or will I need to purchase another key??

.... Planning in advance ...

Anyone done this able to answer .. Thx

EggHeadCafe - .NET Developer Portal of Choice
http://www.eggheadcafe.com

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

Rick, you stated that it is possible to reuse the key code to re-install
(upgrade) to x64?

A license, or Product key, can be used for either 32 or 64 bit.

What about dual booting?? Am I able to use the same key? Is this possible
or will I need to purchase another key??

A retail key is generally only for one installation on one system. It does
not provide for two installations to the same system simultaneously. For
that you would need two licenses (either a second key or a purchased
additional license).

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com