Bought Ultimate 64-bit - is it possible to dual-boot 32 and 64?

geekmd · Aug 14, 2007

Just curious before I install Ultimate 64-bit on my new rig. I see that the Ultimate 64-bit OEM contains both 32 and 64-bit versions on the box. I was initially planning on installing the 32-bit and in a few months (or more) when the 64-bit has better support, re-installing the 64-bit version. Would it be feasible to just get another hard drive and install BOTH versions now on a dual-boot system?

System:
Q6700 quad-core
Dual 8800 GTX in SLI
ASUS Striker Extreme Mobo
4 GB Mushkin RAM (2 GB x2)
WD 750 GB HD x 2

Brink · Aug 14, 2007

Hi geekmd,

Technically you can, but you will need to have a different product key (license) for each one. You will not be able to activate one of them using the same product key. Unfortunately, Vista Ultimate shares the product key with both the x32 and x64 that it comes with.

Sorry,
Shawn

MDOC · Aug 20, 2007

For me, not true. I got both the Ult x32 and x64 with different keys direct from Microsoft (not from retail outlet).

MDOC · Aug 20, 2007

BTW, I'm from that Win Mail forum in MS Discussion forum. Hi.

Brink · Aug 20, 2007

Welcome to forum MDOC,

Glad to see you here (M).

That would explain why you have two seperate product keys. For my Home Premium version, I had to order the x64 version DVD and install it with the same product key. Either or for me.

Lucky (haha),
Shawn

MDOC · Aug 20, 2007

Looks like it goes without saying that any key will work, but maybe not across platforms or OS's. Mike

Bought Ultimate 64-bit - is it possible to dual-boot 32 and 64?

geekmd

My Computer

System One

Brink

My Computers

System One System Two

MDOC

Veteran

My Computer

System One

MDOC

Veteran

My Computer

System One

Brink

My Computers

System One System Two

MDOC

Veteran

My Computer

System One