Vista Ultimate Upgrade

[Doppler John]

I am aware that the Ultimate edition of Vista comes with both 32-bit and
64-bit media. But ---- does the Ultimate Upgrade edition come with both
media versions ? I have tried in vain to check this out but can not come up
with a definitive answer. Surely, someone out there has the Ultimate Upgrade
version and can answer this query for me.
Many thanks in advance. ........ John.

 

[Mark]

No. Go here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx
They'll send you a copy for the cost of shipping: $10.

If you needed special drivers when you loaded Vista32, you will probably
need special drivers for x64. Get them ahead of time while your computer is
working.

Your current product key will use this disk
Unfortunately to _upgrade_ to x64 requires a clean install and because it's
an upgrade, it's a little more complex:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932795/
0. Backup everything in case you need to restore.
1. Wipe the Vista hard drive.
2. Install WinXP (activation not required.)
3. Set your BIOS to boot from the CD/DVD drive.
4. Boot from the Vista 64 disk and enter your Vista Product key.
5. Load any special drivers. (I just let it go until all the updates are
done, then fix the drivers.)

It may not work the first time...
At Extracting files... (about 84%) it may reboot and state it failed to
upgrade.
Try again.

My personal recommendations:
a. Once booted, to ensure higher success, delete the XP partition and
re-partition. (While not necessary, it's slightly better chance you'll
succeed the first time.)
b. During the first reboot, go to BIOS and change the boot sequence back
to the Hard Drive.


Once installed, load all the updates. I had no problems beyond this point.

 

[Doppler John]

Mark -
Many thanks for all of the information. I am aware of the 64-bit driver
situation as I worked with the previous Vista 64-bit beta releases. Thanks
for your response about the actual " absence " of the 64-bit media with the
Upgrade and your info and personal input was greatly appreciated.
Regards. ...... John.

 

[Ian D]

I am aware that the Ultimate edition of Vista comes with both 32-bit and
64-bit media. But ---- does the Ultimate Upgrade edition come with both
media versions ? I have tried in vain to check this out but can not come
up with a definitive answer. Surely, someone out there has the Ultimate
Upgrade version and can answer this query for me.
Many thanks in advance. ........ John.

The retail Vista Ultimate Upgrade edition contains both 32 bit and
64 bit versions.

 

[Doppler John]

Ian -
What a great surprise ! I totally appreciated Marc`s extensive input and
info but I had previously searched the site that he had recommended a few
days before my post and it only stated that both 32-bit and 64-bit media
were included in the Ultimate edition. There wasn`t ANY reference to the
Upgrade, however. That is why I posted the question. Thanks again to you and
Marc for your time and effort as it was totally appreciated.
.................... John.

 

[Ian D]

Ian -
What a great surprise ! I totally appreciated Marc`s extensive input and
info but I had previously searched the site that he had recommended a few
days before my post and it only stated that both 32-bit and 64-bit media
were included in the Ultimate edition. There wasn`t ANY reference to the
Upgrade, however. That is why I posted the question. Thanks again to you
and Marc for your time and effort as it was totally appreciated.
................... John.

The only difference between the full and upgrade editions is that
the full edition can do an unconditional clean or upgrade install,
whereas the upgrade edition requires that an existing qualifying OS
be present for an upgrade or clean install. If you can look at an
Ultimate Upgrade box, it states, in fine print, that it contains
both 32 and 64 bit versions.

 

[Mark]

I could be wrong, but I found a couple of advertisements stating the 64-bit
disc did come with the upgrade version. (66R-00003)

"Windows VISTA Ultimate Upgrade 32-bit and 64-bit DVD CD's are inside the
Retail Box Version of Ultimate."

While they may owe you a disc, I suspect you'll still be having to pay the
$10 to get it.

 

[Doppler John]

Mark & Ian ---
Looks like we`re back to the original dilemma ! Some say " yes " and some
say " no ". This has been the result of my research for better than a week
now. The Vista Ultimate Upgrade edition is on sale around these parts for
the next week or so at several local sources. I am presently running WinXP
64-Bit and would much rather opt for the cheaper Ultimate Upgrade if .....
if ..... the 64-Bit DVD is included. I guess that I will be the guinea pig
for this one and I will definitely post the results within the next week
after the probable (?) purchase. Many thanks again to both of you for your
kind replies. .......... John.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

John;
Yes, full and upgrade both come with 2 DVDs, 32 bit and 64 bit DVD.
I have Ultimate Upgrade in front of me now.

You can easily verify.
Go to a local store where they are sold.
Look on the front of the case, Top left corner.
Ultimate versions will say "32- and 64 bit"

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Incorrect, both 32 and 64 bit DVDs are included in the full and
upgrade package.
Look at the front top left corner of a retail box for contents.

 

[Doppler John]

Jupiter Jones -
Many thanks for the " positive " proof. I guess that seeing is believing.
Once again ---- thanks to all. .............. John.