Vista OEM software, downgrade from 64 to 32 bit

[Talek]

Hi, I purchased two copies of vista, one 64 and one 32. The 32 bit was
installed on a different machine and the 64 bit on my own. Since then I have
found 64 bit to be rather incompatible with my needs.

I am wondering if I can reformat my computer with 64 bit on it, then install
the 32 bit software on it using the 64 bit product key so I don't use the
same key twice.

Since I only have OEM, I am wondering if my 64 bit key would be compatible
with a 32 bit copy of Vista. Anyone know? Thanks

 

[Nonny]

Hi, I purchased two copies of vista, one 64 and one 32. The 32 bit was
installed on a different machine and the 64 bit on my own. Since then I have
found 64 bit to be rather incompatible with my needs.

I am wondering if I can reformat my computer with 64 bit on it, then install
the 32 bit software on it using the 64 bit product key so I don't use the
same key twice.
No.

Since I only have OEM, I am wondering if my 64 bit key would be compatible
with a 32 bit copy of Vista. Anyone know?

Same answer.

 

[Shane Nokes]

If you mean OEM software as in software that you purchased that was labeled
as OEM then yes you can, and Nonny is completely wrong.

If you mean OEM software as in software provided by Gateway, Dell, etc. then
no you cannot as the keys that they provide are "dead" keys.

 

[Nonny]

If you mean OEM software as in software that you purchased that was labeled
as OEM then yes you can, and Nonny is completely wrong.

WHOA! The OP wants to have TWO computers - each with Vista-32 on it
(using the same installation DVD), one using the 32-bit key, the other
using the 64-bit key.

Capice?

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

How did you obtain the OEM software? If you purchased OEM packs from
someplace like NewEgg for your own use then be aware that the OEM (System
Builder) License is only for installing the software on a computer for sale
to a customer.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi, I purchased two copies of vista, one 64 and one 32. The 32 bit was
installed on a different machine and the 64 bit on my own. Since then I have
found 64 bit to be rather incompatible with my needs.

I am wondering if I can reformat my computer with 64 bit on it, then install
the 32 bit software on it using the 64 bit product key so I don't use the
same key twice.

Since I only have OEM, I am wondering if my 64 bit key would be compatible
with a 32 bit copy of Vista. Anyone know? Thanks

No, the 64-bit Product Key wouldn't work with the 32-bit DVD.

--

Bruce Chambers

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[Mark H]

If it is from some vendor, Dell, HP, etc, use this:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

The key provided on the computer is "fake" in that it has never been used.
Instead, vendors use two special files to license and activate your copy of
Vista. This procedure will simply move those two files to your re-install of
a different bitness. It still has the be the same machine since those files
are tied to that machine.

 

[Mick Murphy]

Nope. The OEM product key is tied to one computer for the life of that
computer.
One OEM Product key, one installation; which can not be moved to another
computer.

 

[Shane Nokes]

Not true at all Mick.

The OEM licensing restrictions for Vista have changed.

The only case that what you are stating is true is when it comes to the
"big" OEM players.

Normal purchasable OEM licenses can be re-assigned.

Read the Vista EULA.

 

[Nonny]

Not true at all Mick.

The OEM licensing restrictions for Vista have changed.

The only case that what you are stating is true is when it comes to the
"big" OEM players.

Normal purchasable OEM licenses can be re-assigned.

<sigh> This guy is trying to use the same copy of Windows on two
computers. Notice that he doesn't want to use the same key twice.

Am I the only one who sees that?

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Not true at all Mick.

The OEM licensing restrictions for Vista have changed.

The only case that what you are stating is true is when it comes to the
"big" OEM players.

Normal purchasable OEM licenses can be re-assigned.

Read the Vista EULA.

From the EULAID:VistaSP1_R1.0_CONSUMER_OEM_en-US

2. INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS. The software license is permanently
assigned to the device with which you acquired the software. That device is
the “licensed device.†A hardware partition or blade is considered to be a
separate device.
a. Licensed Device. You may install one copy of the software on the
licensed device. You may use the software on up to two processors on that
device at one time. You may not use the software on any other device.

 

[Mark H]

I think you've jumped to a wrong conclusion.
He bought two copies of Vista (first sentence.)
Given a modicum of respect to the user, I would contend this is two separate
copies (two different product keys) since they are OEM. Not even Ultimate is
sold with both disks if OEM.

That stated: the OP is attempting to change the bitness of one device using
the proper product key assigned to it.

This should not be a problem since the copy of vista is not unique. It's the
product key that is unique.

The process will work as long as the OEM disks are not actually "recovery
disks."

 

[Shane Nokes]

It seems you're right Colin.

For some reason I was thinking of the debacle over the retail license.

In late 2006 the retail license changed a few times as regards transfers and
I thought it was the OEM license for some odd reason.

 

[Nonny]

It seems you're right Colin.

Seems?

He IS right.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

It seems you're right Colin.

For some reason I was thinking of the debacle over the retail license.

In late 2006 the retail license changed a few times as regards transfers
and I thought it was the OEM license for some odd reason.

I know what you mean. You just about have to go find a computer with the
license on it and dig it out and read it. I don't blame anyone for
confusing licensing. I install stuff in a virtual machine just to check
this stuff out sometimes.

But what I will do is double check whether or not there is any difference
between the medium and large system builders and the EULA installed by an
OEM (System Builder) License pack as sold by NewEgg.

Because of all the conflicting opinions in the ng on these topics, I decided
to order a Vista Home Basic SP1 system builder pack (after all, I don't to
spend any more than needed for this) from NewEgg and will do some exeriments
in a some virtual machines. Besides checking the EULA, I can check for
upgrade functionality (there isn't supposed to be any), mixing and matching
OEM, retail full, and retail upgrade product keys, keyless installations,
and so on.

Obviously, I will be violating the SB license since I won't be installing on
a new computer for sale to a customer, but I won't be using the vm
afterwards anyway so I guess nobody is going to call the OEM police.

 

[Nonny]

I know what you mean. You just about have to go find a computer with the
license on it and dig it out and read it. I don't blame anyone for
confusing licensing. I install stuff in a virtual machine just to check
this stuff out sometimes.

But what I will do is double check whether or not there is any difference
between the medium and large system builders and the EULA installed by an
OEM (System Builder) License pack as sold by NewEgg.

Because of all the conflicting opinions in the ng on these topics, I decided
to order a Vista Home Basic SP1 system builder pack (after all, I don't to
spend any more than needed for this) from NewEgg and will do some exeriments
in a some virtual machines. Besides checking the EULA, I can check for
upgrade functionality (there isn't supposed to be any), mixing and matching
OEM, retail full, and retail upgrade product keys, keyless installations,
and so on.

Obviously, I will be violating the SB license since I won't be installing on
a new computer for sale to a customer, but I won't be using the vm
afterwards anyway so I guess nobody is going to call the OEM police.

<post forwarded to OEM police>

 

[Shane Nokes]

That's what I said.

Then again I've noticed that you're a tagalong with a bad attitude.

So please don't post to me unless you have something useful to say.

 

[Nonny]

That's what I said.

Then again I've noticed that you're a tagalong with a bad attitude.

So please don't post to me unless you have something useful to say.

Another couple times seeing you feed the trolls will surely put it to
a stop since you'll be joining them in the boob bin.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

<post forwarded to OEM police>

<Got it.>

 

[Shane Nokes]

Right

So I'm guessing that you're some sort of Supertroll hiding behind a pseudonym because you're too afraid to post as your self.

You're a joke.

That's what I said.

Then again I've noticed that you're a tagalong with a bad attitude.

So please don't post to me unless you have something useful to say.

Another couple times seeing you feed the trolls will surely put it to
a stop since you'll be joining them in the boob bin.