Installing Vista Ultimate 64 bit

Horlock

Ok and help please.

I've recently purchased the upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate.

I've just installed the upgrade from windows xp 32 bit, and it has installed to windows vista 32 bit.

I've read on microsofts website that if you install from within windows 32 bit then it only allows you to install 32 bit, and that if you need to install in 64 bit then you need to boot from the cd and wipe completely the old OS.

Now what I wanted to check, before going and trying to do this is will it work.

Bearing in mind that the cd/dvd whatever it is that I have doesn't state 64-bit anywhere.

In practice I know that my hardware is 64bit, what I don't know 100% is that the disk I received has both versions on it. I was under the impression that if I bought ultimate then it would automatically go and do the ultimate thing and install in 64 bit. I was wrong once already.

Now I know that technically I lose nothing by reinstalling from booting from the media, except time, but I don't really want to waste the time if it wont do anything for me, equally I don't want to use the bandwidth to download all the updates again, if I'll end up right back here in one day, just a little more frustrated.

Essentially can someone confirm that the 64 bit version is on the same media as the 32 bit version?
Can anyone confirm that there is an option to select the 64 bit version if I boot from cd/dvd?
Can anyone confirm that this is true of the upgrade cd/dvd not just the full cd?
Can anyone confirm that I will not have any problem using the cd/dvd from scratch (despite being an upgrade version) as there is already a version of ultimate installed on the hard drive?

Any help gratefully received.

Also if there are any other pointers such as a place where I can copy the downloaded updates before doing the fresh install, then copy them back afterwards etc save the downloading. I've got an extra hard disk that will not be formatted during the full installation. Please make any instructions as basic as possible. Thanks.



Finally, please no one telling me not to bother that windows xp is better etc etc etc.

totalsolutions

Not sure about the 32/64 bit version on the same dvd, I think they maybe.
Why not try to reinstall the 64bit software? it will ask to go ahead anyway before wiping the drive contents, and as for time its only 30 mins or so. The download updates will need to be acquired again as these will be the 64bit files, I would think. Go try it and report back soon.

banger9365

you can only upgrade to 64 buy using a 64bit disk or from xp 64 or any version off vista 64 not from 32bit versions,Ultimate comes in both 32 and 64 and you only get 32 or 64 on a disk not both i beleave

try this link it might help you http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx

fergual2

I believe this is possible - as I nearly did this myself a while back - costs a few quid to post it out - you will of course have to surrender use of the 32 bit install you have.

"With A 32 bit version pre-installed on their computer can request a 64 bit DVD for a small nominal fee"

order here

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

JOel_2

Vista DVD's only come with 32 or 64Bit, so you will need at least a new media kit, and a new serial number, which is usually what the nominal fee is for.

Joel

BillScarab

Do you actually need 64bit? For the average user there are no real advantages and ther possible disadvantages. For instance with Vista 64bit you need specific 64bit drivers and software and there isn't much about at the moment. Have a look at this site for more info.

robt_2

Horlock wrote: »

I've read on microsofts website that if you install from within windows 32 bit then it only allows you to install 32 bit, and that if you need to install in 64 bit then you need to boot from the cd and wipe completely the old OS.

Does this not answer your own question?

According to Microsoft, Vista Ultimate comes with 32 and 64 bit versions on the disc, for other versions of Vista, you need to send off for a different disc.

JOel_2

robt wrote: »

Does this not answer your own question?

According to Microsoft, Vista Ultimate comes with 32 and 64 bit versions on the disc, for other versions of Vista, you need to send off for a different disc.

Depends on if its Retail or OEM, and I'm not entirely sure it comes on Retail media, I know OEM ultimate discs have all 32Bit versions, or all 64Bit versions, but not a mix. Plus, 32bit keys dont work on 64bit unless its a VLK.

Or at least thats what they said when it was launched.

Joel

robt_2

JOel wrote: »

Depends on if its Retail or OEM, and I'm not entirely sure it comes on Retail media, I know OEM ultimate discs have all 32Bit versions, or all 64Bit versions, but not a mix. Plus, 32bit keys dont work on 64bit unless its a VLK.

Or at least thats what they said when it was launched.

Joel

The OP says he has purchased the upgrade, not OEM.

To the OP - what exactly is 'the disc you recieved', as it doesn't add up.

Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade 32-bit and 64-bit DVD's are inside the Retail Box Version of Ultimate.

Horlock

The disk I bought was the special promotion for students and teachers upgrade disk to windows vista ultimate. That is all I know, it doesn't state whether it is 32 or 64 bit, it just says windows vista ultimate.

So it is not OEM, rather it is an upgrade, but it didn't come with a box, it is just a holographic disk in a little black sleave. Disk itself says:

English
Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
For Upgrade Use Only
(Product key required)
May 2007
Systems student media
All use subject to volume license agreement. Do not make illegal copies of this disc. Not for retail or OEM distribution. Not for resale.

Licensed for use only by students and faculty.


I'm thinking I might just go for totalsolutions suggestion and just try it, it shouldn't take too long I don't suppose. But if anyone knows for definate it just saves me the time. I'll see shortly once I've read through the links provided above.

Thanks all.

Horlock

Robt

Thanks for the info. I don't know what a VLK is, but as according to the websites above. It is only the more basic versions of vista that don't come with the 64 bit version on the same disk.

64-bit DVD
If your system features a 64-bit processor, you can take advantage of its advanced design by ordering 64-bit software media. You'll get the same interface, features, and functions, but you'll get them in an operating system that takes advantage of access to vastly more memory. All installation files are on a single disc. Please note that 64-bit media is included in the box with the purchase of Windows Vista Ultimate.