Vista Ultimate 32-bit + 64-bit Definitive Answer, Please

[Nightowl]

I've just bought a Dell PC that came with Vista Home Premium 32-bit
pre-installed, and I want to change to Vista Ultimate 64-bit using the
retail upgrade from PC World in the UK.

Can someone please tell me if a) it can be done, and b) how to do it!

I've tried to boot from the 64-bit disk but the option to upgrade is not
available (i.e. greyed out) saying I need to run the upgrade from Windows.
When I try to that, I'm told Vista 32-bit cannot run a 64-bit setup program.
Should I opt for a fresh install? I think I did try that, but it wouldn't
do so over the existing 32-bit OS.

This sort of leaves me stuck, unless someone knows better...?

Thank you,

Pete

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Is the Dell Pc you have 64 bit? If it isn't then you won't be able to run
the 64 bit software. You can't run 64 bit software on a 32 bit machine,
hence windows saying 'Vista 32-bit cannot run a 64-bit setup program'

For 64 bit operating system you need a PC that has 64 bit hardware
architecture

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

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

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[Robert Moir]

Is the Dell Pc you have 64 bit? If it isn't then you won't be able to run
the 64 bit software. You can't run 64 bit software on a 32 bit machine,
hence windows saying 'Vista 32-bit cannot run a 64-bit setup program'

For 64 bit operating system you need a PC that has 64 bit hardware
architecture

He certainly does need 64 bit hardware to run 64 bit programs, but that
isn't the issue here. The error message simply says what it means and means
what it says: You cannot run 64 bit programs on a 32 bit OS.

Nightowl, assuming you're sure you have 64 bit hardware as John notes,
you'll need to do a clean install, which is a bit of a pain in the hoop with
upgrade media, as you've discovered. You cannot upgrade from 32bit OSes to
64bit OSes.

Try the trick on the link I'm about to give you, and do let us know how you
get on!
http://www.infopackets.com/channels...k_clean_install_vista_without_previous_os.htm

 

[John Barnes]

You must do a custom install. There is no in place upgrade between 32 and
64 bit.

 

[Nightowl]

My understanding is I do have 64-bit architecture in my PC, but perhaps some
clarification would help:

Intel Viiv Core 2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13GHz
3070Mb RAM DDR2 - although I actually have 4x1Gb modules installed

I appreciate I would need 64-bit hardware drivers for the video (nVidia) and
sound cards (Soundblaster X-Fi) and the peripherals, but I've already
downloaded these from the respective hardware vendors sites.

Thanks,

Pete

 

[Robert Moir]

My understanding is I do have 64-bit architecture in my PC, but perhaps
some clarification would help:

Intel Viiv Core 2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13GHz
3070Mb RAM DDR2 - although I actually have 4x1Gb modules installed

I appreciate I would need 64-bit hardware drivers for the video (nVidia)
and sound cards (Soundblaster X-Fi) and the peripherals, but I've already
downloaded these from the respective hardware vendors sites.

Sounds like you're good to go. The Core2Duo 6400 is indeed a 64bit part.
There's one in the machine I'm using right now that I've used in that way.

Check for drivers for devices on your motherboard too, the stuff you might
take for granted. e.g. network card drivers, RAID drivers for the disks, if
you use RAID, that kind of thing. It shouldn't be an issue with a
motherboard that can take a core2, but it's much better to spend 5 mins
checking now and find out that all is well than it would be to waste hours
trying to get 64 bit windows to work and find out you're let down by an
obscure driver for an obscure motherboard component.

 

[Nightowl]

Hi Proshooter,

I understand the need for a fresh install, but as the version I've got is
Vista Ultimate Upgrade with both 32 and 64-bit disks, I was wondering if it
was simply a case of changing the 32-bit partition by using the 64-bit disk.

Would this work?

Pete

 

[Nightowl]

Thanks, Robert, your advice is sound and I will certainly take it!

 

[Squibbly]

im sure its because it was installed using the OEM version orginally and
this is why the upgrade was greyed out

 

[Robert Moir]

im sure its because it was installed using the OEM version orginally and
this is why the upgrade was greyed out

It's clearly documented that you can not upgrade from 32 bit windows to 64
bit, and that a clean install is required. This is the problem here.

As far as OEM Windows and upgrades goes
1. You CAN use an upgrade copy of Windows to upgrade an OEM copy of Windows,
assuming all other upgrade requirements are met.

2. You CAN NOT use an OEM copy of Windows to upgrade ANYTHING, regardless of
other upgrade requirements.