So the question about the Full Retail versions is...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jelle
  • Start date Start date
J

Jelle

will it have both the 32bit and 64 bit versions onboard, so you can use
32bit for now, and install 64 bit in a year from now if you feel then
comfortable to do so...?
Please tell me the DVD contains both, cause otherwise .....
 
Jelle said:
will it have both the 32bit and 64 bit versions onboard, so you can use
32bit for now, and install 64 bit in a year from now if you feel then
comfortable to do so...?
Please tell me the DVD contains both, cause otherwise .....
Click to expand...

Short answer: yes you can do that.

Long legal answer: yes but you can't use 32-bit and 64-bit at the same time,
as you only have one product key.

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User.
http://www.windowsresource.net/
Get ready for Windows Vista: http://www.windowsvista.com/getready/

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There are two dvd's. The original information was that both the x86 and x64
dvd's will be in the retail sku. Recent indications are that only the x86
dvd will be there but that you can receive the x64 dvd by mail upon request.
The same product key is used for both but only one can be installed at a
time. If you install x86 and at some future time want to use x64 instead
you will have to clean install x64. There is no cross-platform
upgrade-in-place possible.
 
Colin, does an upgrade to 64 bit Vista require an install of a 64 bit OS
such as XP64 to upgrade from?

Ray
 
The upgrade matrix on GetReady is skimpy on notes. The green dots represent
combinations that can be upgraded-in-place and the yellow dots represent
combinations that will require a custom installation only. Where the
confusion comes in is that the notes to the matrix fail to address which
versions can be launched from the desktop of the legacy OS and which simply
won't work. The notes do point out that Vista x64 requires a clean intall
but fail to point out that if you are running Win2K there is no way to use
the x64 Upgrade Edition Setup to do it (unless I am missing something).
Also note that there are really three installation scenarios:
1. Upgrade-in-place (those green dots) where you get a clean install of the
OS and reinstallation of apps, etc.
2. Custom (those yellow dots) where you get a clean install of the OS but
no format.
3. Classic clean installations where you format the HD and then install
Vista. (May require a full edition?)

I tried both the Custom install and a Custom install following a format to
put Vista x64 on this box. I recommend formatting. I am using a FULL
edition, of course. The problem is that I don't know if it is possible to
format the drive in an Upgrade Edition scenario when a Custom install is
required. I sure hope so! It is still one of those questions hanging out
there.
 
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