Vista OEM Upgrade 32 to 64 bit

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John

What is the best way to upgrade an OEM (Lenovo) Vista Ultimate 32 bit to
Ultimate 64? Can it be done? Is the only way through the OEM? Should there
be a cost?
 
What is the best way to upgrade an OEM (Lenovo) Vista Ultimate 32 bit to
Ultimate 64? Can it be done? Is the only way through the OEM? Should there
be a cost?
Click to expand...

There is no upgrade path for 32 bit to 64 bit. You will need to
backup and do a clean install of the 64 bit. You would need to buy
the 64 bit CD.

The 32 bit and 64 bit system layout is very different. 64 bit uses
the exact same folders for the 64 bit files as the 32 bit so there
will be a conflict is MS allowed this type of update. Also, 64 bit
software creates separate install folders for the 32 bit and 64 bit
software / settings.
 
Run the Upgrade Advisor
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx.
Note that this is still beta at present.

There are two ways to upgrade:
use the Easy Transfer Wizard and then a clean install and let the
wizard recreate your files and settings. You will need to reinstall all
your programs.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/features/easy-transfer.aspx
is for Vista but there will be an equivalent for Windows 7;
or just back up your files and settings and do a clean install then
recover your files to the new installation.

You can buy an upgrade edition of Windows 7 or the 64-bit OEM version.
The upgrade edition will have both 32 and 64 bit disks. The OEM version
will be 64-bit only.
 
John said:
What is the best way to upgrade an OEM (Lenovo) Vista Ultimate 32 bit to
Ultimate 64? Can it be done? Is the only way through the OEM? Should there
be a cost?
Click to expand...

You can't upgrade from a 32 to a 64 bit system, you'd have to install
the new system from scratch.

You would need 64-bit drivers for everything: motherboard chipset,
video, anything you connect that needs a driver (printers,
scanners...). You would want to check with Lenovo and the makers of
your peripherals to find out whether such things exist for your gear.
 
John said:
What is the best way to upgrade an OEM (Lenovo) Vista Ultimate 32 bit to
Ultimate 64? Can it be done? Is the only way through the OEM? Should there
be a cost?
Click to expand...

Did you check to make sure you can run Vista 64-bit on the laptop?

You didn't give a model number of the Lenovo.
 
PencilState said:
You can install any 64-bit Linux OS free.
A true upgrade.
Click to expand...

The OEM is not obligated to provide a 64-bit version. Only retail copies of
Vista entitle one to both dvds (you can still only use one or the other, not
both.) You can purchase a retail x64 edition (the upgrade version will work
for you) but you will have to perform a clean installation of the x64 OS.
You cannot migrate from any 32-bit Windows to any 64-bit Windows by
performing an upgrade in place. Contact the OEM for what might be available
from them and what impact installing the 64-bit OS will have on your
warranty and OEM support.
 
You can install any 64-bit Linux OS free.
A true upgrade.
Click to expand...

Linux is not an upgrade to any Windows system! It is usually an
"upgrade" to the user's experience and should only be attempted to
users who are willing to "learn" a different operating system (OS.)
 
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