Yup Another Windows 7 Question.. sorry : /

Thanks for the info bud. I am wondering about Dual-booting though. If I buy the upgrade addition of windows 7 and install that on top of my Windows XP and then on another partition drive install the original Xp again w/ out the upgrade. Will I run into an issue of one install per OS? Basically will I be able to use that original Xp disk twice in a sense? I know this is a different proposal then what you had mention, but long term this sounds interesting.

And just confirm for me, windows 7 is 64bt only correct?

-> If you purchase the upgrade edition of Windows 7, you may not use your copy of Windows XP unless/until you remove Windows 7 until. Both cannot be installed at the same time, on any computer. If you purchase a retail or OEM copy, though, you can install both Windows XP and Windows 7 once each.

-> Windows 7 comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit flavors, with both DVDs included in each retail package. Your choice which one to use.

Hope this helps,
John

Will I Be able to use the upgrade addtion to go from Windows 32bit to Windows 7 64bit or would I need a full version to move from 32 to 64 bit?

My last question is how can I find out if my processor can use the XP mode in windows 7 professional?

-> Yes, you can use the Upgrade edition, but Windows XP users must perform a clean install using the upgrade DVD.

-> The Intel E6600 is capable of supporting XPMode. For reference, most recent AMD processors are fully capable, but you'll want to consult this posting to identify which Intel processors have the capability.

Hope this helps,
John

Ok I do have another question. I do see that the upgrade software for windows 7 comes packed with 32bit & 64bit. I'm currently running XP 32bit, I have an upgrade to Vista 32bit disk and I'm wondering is there anyway I can buy just the upgrade to windows 7 and go to 64bit Or do I have to buy the Full version?

Just keep in mind that you cannot upgrade/convert from a 32-bit operating system to a 64-bit operating system, or vice versa. Thus, you can purchase the upgrade copy at a reduced price, but must use it to perform a clean install, regardless of whether you're using Windows XP or Windows Vista.

John

So are you saying I could buy the upgrade version of Windows 7, reformat/clean the disk and then install W7 64bit?

I sent an email to customer service at Microsoft and this is what they told me about upgrading from Xp 32bit to W7 64bit. They claim I have to buy a Full Version of Windows 7 to switch from 32bit to 64bit. I've been reading a lot of the forums and it didn't look like I needed the full verison, does anyone know for sure. Maybe they are just trying to get me to spend more money?

MICROSOFT:
"Dear Ben,

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Store. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to provide you some information on upgrading your operating system.

If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows.

If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows, you'll need to back up your files then perform a clean installation, as well as purchase a full version of the operating system.

If you wish to read more about the 32-bit and 64-bit upgrade options, you can check out the link provided below:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/41531554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx



If you have any further questions or wish to place an order, you may do so online at www.microsoftstore.com, or reach us by phone Monday - Friday 8am - 1am EST, and Saturday and Sunday 12pm and 8pm EST by calling 1-877-MY-MSSTORE (1-877-696-7786).

Thank you for using the Microsoft Store,

Noel B.
The Microsoft Store Customer Support Team"

I hate to disagree with Microsoft support, but Windows XP 32-bit users are/will be able to purchase the upgrade copy of Windows 7 and use it to perform a clean installation, regardless of being 32-bit or 64-bit. In fact, retail packaging will include both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs that use the same product key, just like Windows Vista Ultimate, and it is not possible to directly upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7, regardless of being 32-bit/64-bit. This has been confirmed by multiple sources and I have been told nothing different by the Windows 7 dev team.

John

Well that is great news, I think I'm going to buy the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade while it is on sale.

I do have another question though lol, I know I'm full of them. I assume Windows 7 Professional will have everything windows 7 Home upgrade would and more right?

OH and going from XP Media Center addition to W7 Professional addition wouldn't matter either I'd assume?

The forum sticky notes that Windows 7 Professional has everything Windows 7 Home Premium does, and then some, and you can upgrade from any edition of Windows XP to Windows 7 Professional.

Hope this helps,
John

Since you cannot cross the 32-bit/64-bit divide, or directly upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7, it will require a 'custom' (clean) installation, forcing you to reinstall all applications, restore all files from backup, et cetera. Windows Easy Transfer, however, can simply the process of transferring many of your current settings, reducing the workload a bit.

Hope this helps,
John

come with 2 disks, one for 32 and one for 64bit. The product key applies to either one or the other at any one time not both together.
HTH

It is true, if you are upgrading from XP you will have a choice. Follow these simple instructions: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7?T1=tab04.

Cheers,
Tara