64-bit replacement DVD for Vista 32-bit retail (full and upgrade)

[tcsenter]

For those who purchased 32-bit version of Windows Vista (retail only, no OEM) but wanted to install 64-bit version, Microsoft has offered to ship 64-bit DVD (replacement media) for a nominal fee. To order the replacement DVD, you must enter a valid product key for a retail version of Windows Vista (full or upgrade, academic also works), OEM keys aren't accepted.

I ordered one back when they were shipping DVD's with SP1 integrated. They are still offering the replacement discs but now shipping the DVDs with SP2 integrated, so I picked one of those up as well:

http://www.microsoft.com/windo...rdermedia/default.mspx

 

[accguy9009]

I bought an OEM version of Vista Home Premium 32 bit and later ordered the 64 bit version from MS for the $ 10.00 shipped deal. I reinstalled the 64 bit version using the original key and it worked like a charm. I know others who have as well. Not sure where you got the no OEM thing TS but my experience is that it will work perfectly.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: accguy9009
Not sure where you got the no OEM thing TS but my experience is that it will work perfectly.

The site that tscenter lists doesn't work with OEM Keys. I've tried it and so have others. Maybe MS has changed it.

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: accguy9009
I bought an OEM version of Vista Home Premium 32 bit and later ordered the 64 bit version from MS for the $ 10.00 shipped deal. I reinstalled the 64 bit version using the original key and it worked like a charm. I know others who have as well. Not sure where you got the no OEM thing TS but my experience is that it will work perfectly.

To order the replacement media, you must input a valid product key for a qualifying version of Windows Vista. Retail full and upgrade keys (including academic) are qualifying, OEM product keys are not.

 

[phillyman36]

I ordered it last month. It came with both the 64 and 32 bit version with service pack 2.

 

[tcsenter]

Originally posted by: phillyman36
I ordered it last month. It came with both the 64 and 32 bit version with service pack 2.

Excellent, I was wondering about that since the invoice listed the DVD as "32-bit/64-bit".

 

[RebateMonger]

I just tried it with a 32-bit OEM Vista Ultimate DVD and got:
"Error: We are unable to validate your customer information and proceed with your order at this time."

No other information was offered. This is from a 2007 Microsoft OEM System Builder Pack that's never been installed or Activated. Don't know what that error message means and I can't remember what the error message was when I tried this 1.5 years ago. But I can't order a DVD.

Then I tried it with a Vista Home Premium Family Upgrade Key that I bought from Microsoft in 2007 and it worked fine, offering a Vista Home Premium SP2 32/64 DVD for $9.95.

 

[Cardio]

It worked with my OEM Vista 32 code. Got the disc in about 10 days.

 

[de8212]

Hmmm, wonder if this would work in this situation.

My brother has a dell desktop he bought with Vista Ultimate 64 bit. Something he needs to run for work will only run at 32 bit. Think he could do this and get 32 bit?

 

[tcsenter]

No, the copy of Vista shipped with his Dell is an OEM version, which does not qualify. Dell might send him one, though, for a nominal fee. Purchasers of Dell and HP's business models have a better chance at obtaining a straight-forward clean OS install/reinstall disc from the OEM upon request than purchasers of home models.

 

[RebateMonger]

My understanding is that Dell will provide an x64 Vista DVD on request to owners of x32 Vista owners. Definitely go this way over the Windows generic DVD. If you buy a generic disk, you won't be able to Activate online. The genuine Dell DVDs NEVER have to be Activated as long as they are installed on a Dell PC. I don't know if Dell offers free x64- to x32-bit replacement disks, but I'd certainly ask if I were you.

Regarding my OEM Vista Ultimate DVD/Key. Mine came from Microsoft as a sealed OEM System Builder DVD at the Microsoft/Intel System Builder Release Event in late 2006. Maybe those Keys never got into Microsoft's database? Microsoft had a LOT of issues with Keys when Vista was first released.

But I'm postive that others tested the "Vista Alternate Media" site in the past and their Vista OEM Keys were rejected. The site DOES only mention "Retail" versions, but maybe MS has changed the rules. I didn't see anything about Retail/OEM in the FAQ associated with the site.

 

[tcsenter]

Well that's weird. My qualifying edition is Vista Home Premium retail upgrade. They sent two DVDs labeled "Vista Home Premium", one with 32-bit only and one with 64-bit only. I was hoping for an AIO DVD, but OK. This works.

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
My understanding is that Dell will provide an x64 Vista DVD on request to owners of x32 Vista owners. Definitely go this way over the Windows generic DVD. If you buy a generic disk, you won't be able to Activate online. The genuine Dell DVDs NEVER have to be Activated as long as they are installed on a Dell PC.

Creating a pre-activated OEM install disc for Vista is crazy easy compared to XP. In fact, you don't need to customize or modify the install media at all, as long as you have the appropriate OEM cert *.xrm-ms file. Just use this handy dandy tool named Activation Backup and Restore (ABR) for Windows Vista:

ABR Tool

If you have a functional OEM installation, run ABR Backup to create a backup of the OEM cert/license file and generic product key. Save for later on a USB thumb drive or something. Using any generic retail or OEM disc, install the same edition of Windows Vista that was preinstalled, don't input a product key during installation and opt-out of automatically activating over the internet. After Windows is fully installed, run ABR Restore to automatically "inject" the cert/license file and generic product key, then restart. Presto chango, fully activated as long as you don't change the OEM motherboard.