Sold a new PC with 6GB RAM... and 32-bit OS

Money_Grabber13579

anewhope wrote: »

Where abouts can you download Vista x64 on Microsoft.com?

Why can't you find anything when you go looking for it?!

I saw it on there several months ago when I was wanting to install XP Pro 64 Bit, but only the files for vista were available. I'll keep looking though!

[Deleted User]

Because the only place I know where Microsoft make available images of their software available for download is either with a TechnetPlus or MSDN subscription, not for the general populous at large..

Money_Grabber13579

anewhope wrote: »

Because the only place I know where Microsoft make available images of their software available for download is either with a TechnetPlus or MSDN subscription, not for the general populous at large..

Yeah that's where I would have needed to have gone to get the XP version, but I'm pretty sure Vista was on there at a time to assist those who bought either the wrong version of Vista or wanted to upgrade from 32bit to 64bit, without having to buy another key.

I did just read on the microsoft website though that in order to install x64 over x32, you need to uninstall x32, install xp and then upgrade to vista x64. Rather complicated way of doing things if you ask me...

M4RKM

hang on..

if this is a recent purchase, the OP should get a "free" upgrade to windows 7 when that is released.

currently, the version that is going to be released in the Uk will have both 64 and 32 bits on one disc, so for free, the OP will be able to upgrade to 64 bit windows 7 in october..

-TangleFoot-

Money_Grabber13579 wrote: »

I did just read on the microsoft website though that in order to install x64 over x32, you need to uninstall x32, install xp and then upgrade to vista x64.

Where? It was my understanding that upgrading directly from a 32-bit to a 64-bit operating system wasn't possible.

Money_Grabber13579

-TangleFoot- wrote: »

Where? It was my understanding that upgrading directly from a 32-bit to a 64-bit operating system wasn't possible.

Yep that's what I mean. Maybe I explained it badly. x32 has to be uninstalled, XP installed and then you have to upgrade that to the x64 version of Vista.

HairY

Windows Vista keys are bit neutral, 32bit keys work with 64bit versions provided you install/select the same edition (Home Premium or Ultimate etc). Just find an untampered clean version of Vista x64 on a BitTorrent site, you're not doing anything illegal because you have a license.

One problem you will have is the way Vista is activated on OEM machines means you can't just reinstall - you'll need to use Activation Backup and Restore

Additionally there is nothing wrong with a 32bit OS on a machine with more than 4GiB of physical memory. The OS will still be able to use it all, but no single program/application will (Because the 32bit virtual address space means you can't map more than 4GiB at anyone time).

-TangleFoot-

Money_Grabber13579 wrote: »

x32 has to be uninstalled, XP installed and then you have to upgrade that to the x64 version of Vista.

Why? Even if you've got an Upgrade version, you can still perform a clean install...

Money_Grabber13579

-TangleFoot- wrote: »

Why? Even if you've got an Upgrade version, you can still perform a clean install...

I know you can do that, but that was the method Microsoft provided on one of their help pages.

Hotspur

esuhl wrote: »

One of my friends has just bought a new PC from a high street shop. He has had it for about a week now. The PC has 6GB RAM, but was supplied with a 32-bit version of Vista. I told him that he won't be able to use the full 6GB because of the way that 32-bit OSes address RAM and he wasn't too happy!

He was wondering what his legal rights are in this case. Would anyone know whether the PC would be considered "fit for the purpose" under the Sale of Goods Act? Surely advertising 6GB RAM, without making it clear that it will not be used is a bit dodgy!

Key to this is how the PC was advertised and described both in writing and by the sales staff prior to sale. Was any mention made of the 6GB of RAM? If it was mentioned then it is implied that it can be used. If so, stop using the pc and return it to the shop right away and reject the goods. You may need some technical backup to show that all 6GB of RAM can't be used. Alternatively you could negotiate for another solution if there is one but the law would say reject and obtain a refund (in laymans terms) There may also be a case that could be made under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 if it could be shown that the advertising etc. was misleading or the computer misdescribed. This is criminal legislation and something that trading standards may look into but you might suggest this as a lever. Further advice can be obtained from Consumer Direct 08454 040506