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Question

Vista Ultimate 32-bit to Vista Ultimate 64-bit

by Apr 29, 2012 9:43AM PDT

Dear Forum,

I'm currently running 32-Bit Vista Ultimate on my 64-bit capable desktop. Since most "enterprise" applications are now available in 64-bit, which allows much more RAM to be addressed, I would like to upgrade - via custom install - to Vista Ultimate 64-bit. Is this feasible? I have the Vista Ultimate Retail DVDs.

Thanks for your assistance.

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Answer
No upgrade is possible. At least what folk call such work.
by Forum moderator Apr 29, 2012 10:03AM PDT

Microsoft has no easy path to install the new OS and keep your apps, drivers and possibly files from 32 to 64 or from 64 to 32 bit versions of Windows. This means that you treat such a change like a fresh install.
Bob

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Re:No upgrade is possible. At least what folk call such work
by lemaech56 Apr 29, 2012 11:25AM PDT

Bob,

So traditional upgrading is a no go. Can I assume that a "clean install" of Vista 64-bit will work? The importamt applications are all available in 64-bit. Since my new Win7 Home Premium laptop and AIO are both 64-bit, my desktop is the last 32-bit system. I'm keeping Vista Ultimate, because it continues to do the job and with absolutely no BSODs since installed.Thanks again. It's always great hearing from you.

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If the machine is capable
by Jimmy Greystone Apr 29, 2012 11:47AM PDT

If you have a 64-bit capable CPU, and you have all the necessary drivers available for Vista x64, then you should be fine.

Though I rather think you're expecting a lot more than a 64-bit OS will have to offer. Unless you're doing high end video or photo editing where you can use all the RAM you can get, I rather doubt you'll see any noticeable difference.

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Re: If the machine is capable
by lemaech56 Apr 29, 2012 4:55PM PDT

I use the desktop for developing and testing engineering applications, and the new models demand > 4 GB of RAM. The CPU has the floating point capability and RAM addressability in 64-bit to handle the tasks. MS' Visual C++ is actually a very capable development tool. In time, this activity will be done primarily on RedHat Linux.

Thanks for the tips.

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