Switching from 32 to 64 !

[Unimatrix]

Hello,

That topic has been subject of several painful headaches for me. I have tried searching the forum but can't seem to find the answer.

I am currently running Vista 32 And would like to switch to 64. My system is 64 compatible And i have 4 gig of ram.

1 : where do I get the software. I have a genuine 32 bits.

2 : how could i backup my whole system ?

3 : is there a free upgrade (or discount) for Windows 7

thank you !

 

[lemur]

Unless you recently purchased your computer and have a coupon to upgrade to Win 7, you're gonna have to buy the OS.

Backup info:

Windows Vista: A Guide to Windows Vista Backup Technologies

Purchasing info:

you can purchase with educational pricing if you qualify.

Otherwise, you can purchase from vendors such as www.tigerdirect.com

 

[Unimatrix]

What I meant in the first question is : Where can I get window vista 64 bits, do I have to pay for it or is it just upgrade-able

 

[zigzag3143]

What I meant in the first question is : Where can I get window vista 64 bits, do I have to pay for it or is it just upgrade-able

winndows 64bit is available from microsoft and many other vendors. Yes you will have to pay for it. there is no 32bit>>64bit upgrade.

hope that helps


Ken

 

[cj_london]

The previous advice is not quite fully comprehensive.

Yes, you do have to pay for a Vista 64-bit version..... but only for postage and packing.

Microsoft will send you an 'Alternative Media' version 64-bit DVD if you enter your current product key on this website:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

I have obtained a 64-bit DVD in this way no probs, but haven't actually bothered using it as I am waiting for Windows 7 at the moment.

 

[zigzag3143]

CJ

He might have an OEM version.

 

[cj_london]

True - this method only works if you purchased Windows Vista standalone - you cannot get alternate media if your copy of Vista 32-bit came pre-loaded on the PC.

If you have an OEM copy then yes you will have to buy a copy of the 64-bit software, in which case don't buy Vista 64-bit - buy Win7 64-bit!

You can buy an upgrade version of Win 7 and use it to install a fresh version of Win 7 64-bit on a seperate partition as long as it can 'see' the old OEM Vista 32-bit installation.