Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Want to install a 64 bit windows 7

Nov 25, 2009 7:57PM PST

I currently have a Vista Home premium 32 bit on my Hp laptop. My laptop qualified for the Windows 7 free upgrade scheme. However the upgrade will only let me upgrade to Windows 7 32 bit, where as i wanted to a 64 bit windows ( i have been using that on my desktop and want to use it on my laptop as well).
I emailed Hp, if instead od windows 7 upgrade disk, they could send me a windows 7 installtion disk from which i would be able to choose which eidtion i want to install ( i know i will have to completely wipe out old OS and install the new one). They however told me that they can only supply the upgrade disk.

Is there any way i can switch to 64 bit without having to buy a new retail windows 7 disk. Is it possible to reinstall OS in 64 bit from a recovery disk made from the windows ( i think it is not but still want to confirm). ?

Since i will have a windows 7, which means i will have a windows 7 license and a valid key, can i download a 64 bit windows 7 bit from the internet and use my windows 7 key to activcate it ? The Windows 7 licesence/key allows 64 and 32 bit installions right ?

Any help or suggestions would be very helpfull. I do not want to use the 32 bit windows. My laptop had 4 gb Ram and 2.53 Core 2 Duo with a 1 GB Ati Graphic Card. I am pretty sure you will understand why i want a 64 bit Windows on it.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Think you're out of luck
Nov 26, 2009 3:59AM PST

I went from XP 32 bit with Win 7 upgrade but my kit came with both 32 and 64 bit version. I suspect this is because my XP disk is a retail and not OEM type. Generally, OEM disks don't qualify for any upgrade at all but MS has allowed system builders to offer an upgrade from Vista to the equivalent package of Windows 7 only...and only if purchased during the transition period. This was done to protect the builders from lagging sales while buyers waited for the Windows 7 release. Anything other than the MS upgrade offer comes at end user expense. Sorry 'bout that.

- Collapse -
Step to upgrade
Nov 26, 2009 2:31PM PST

QUOTES:
I currently have a Vista Home premium 32 bit on my Hp laptop. My laptop qualified for the Windows 7 free upgrade scheme. However the upgrade will only let me upgrade to Windows 7 32 bit, where as i wanted to a 64 bit windows ( i have been using that on my desktop and want to use it on my laptop as well).
I emailed Hp, if instead od windows 7 upgrade disk, they could send me a windows 7 installtion disk from which i would be able to choose which eidtion i want to install ( i know i will have to completely wipe out old OS and install the new one). They however told me that they can only supply the upgrade disk.

Is there any way i can switch to 64 bit without having to buy a new retail windows 7 disk. Is it possible to reinstall OS in 64 bit from a recovery disk made from the windows ( i think it is not but still want to confirm). ?
=================================================================

I just installed the 64-bit version but that was to a freshly formatted partition. I run a dual boot system now with XP Pro and Win7 RC64. I don't play the "upgrade" game myself, but if you are concerned about it just image your current system drive and give it a shot. If it fails, simply blow the original image back to the drive and you will be right back where you started.