Windows Vista x64 Licensing

[Distorted Vision]

I currently have installed Windows Vista 32 bit. I purchased Windows
Vista Ultimate (Upgrade).

I want to install Windows Vista x64 on a separate SATA hdd for
evaluation purposes to determine whether to move to x64 completely. I
plan to swap between the two by enabling / disabling the SATA channels
that each hdd is on. Therefore I'll be dual booting but not in the
usual way. If all goes well with x64. I'll format both hdd's and
install Vista x64 on the original one and remove the second one.

Am I able to do this? I wanted to evaluate for longer than 30 days so
I wanted to activate Vista x64. Will I have any problems? Even if I'm
technically able to do this am I still licensed to use both? Will I
have any problems when I format both hdd's and install Vista x64 on
the original one?

Many thanks for your help!

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You can only use your Windows Vista license for either
a 32-bit or 64-bit installation. If you wish to install the
64-bit version, you would have to uninstall the existing
32-bit installation or purchase a new license for the 64-bit
installation.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

---------------------------------------------------------------

:

I currently have installed Windows Vista 32 bit. I purchased Windows
Vista Ultimate (Upgrade).

I want to install Windows Vista x64 on a separate SATA hdd for
evaluation purposes to determine whether to move to x64 completely. I
plan to swap between the two by enabling / disabling the SATA channels
that each hdd is on. Therefore I'll be dual booting but not in the
usual way. If all goes well with x64. I'll format both hdd's and
install Vista x64 on the original one and remove the second one.

Am I able to do this? I wanted to evaluate for longer than 30 days so
I wanted to activate Vista x64. Will I have any problems? Even if I'm
technically able to do this am I still licensed to use both? Will I
have any problems when I format both hdd's and install Vista x64 on
the original one?

Many thanks for your help!

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

Technically, yes you can do this. And rather than activate, you can use
slmgr rearm to delay activation while you sort things. If you do decide to
migrate to x64, then activate by phone at that time.

From a licensing standpoint, no. What you propose requires two licenses,
even if it's only temporary. A license is good for a single installation to
a single machine, even if you are only using one at a time.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

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

 

[John Barnes]

In addition to the licensing issue mentioned, slmgr rearm did not work on
two editions of Vista for me. The author of Windows Secrets has amended his
write-up on the subject to indicate that it has been disabled in at least
some versions, and everyone I know who tried it had activation problems.
The hard drive Vista is installed on is the highest weight in the algorithm
for activation. Short version- If you try it have a good backup plan.
If you have specific 64-bit questions or problems I suggest you post at
microsoft.public.windows.64bit.general
Good luck.

 

[Canuck57]

You can only use your Windows Vista license for either
a 32-bit or 64-bit installation. If you wish to install the
64-bit version, you would have to uninstall the existing
32-bit installation or purchase a new license for the 64-bit
installation.

Yea, this is why I bought 64 bit right off. Having no problems because it
is 64 bit but....

Vista sucks. What is the most economical way to get XP Pro x64 these days?

 

[John Barnes]

Depends on the risk you want to take. eBay for some, Google products search
for some and NewEgg or ZipZoomFly etc. for security.