Can I use a higher Vista install CD to install a lower version of Vista?

[thecoolnessrune]

I wanted to know because I want to reinstall my OS but I dont have a Home Premium CD but I do have a 64bit Ultimate CD. If I use the Premium key, will it just install the premium features?

 

[soonerproud]

All the versions of Vista are the same on the DVD. (Exception is 64 bit and 32bit are not on the same dvd) So the answer is yes you can use the Ultimate DVD to install HP. The product key will determine which will be installed.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Unfortunately you just said that 64bit and 32 bit are *not* on the same DVD.. so unfortunately that makes me SOL cause all I have is a 64bit Vista Ultimate DVD 🙁

EDIT: Unless there is such a thing at HP 64bit? 😵 All I know about is Ultimate 64bit (my comp that im wanting to put HP on is 64bit compatible, but I thought only Ultimate was 64bit).

 

[soonerproud]

You are not out of luck. The product keys for HP work on both 32 and 64 bit. HP comes in both 32 and 64 bit. I have both a 32 bit and 64 bit version of HP on two separate computers in this house.

 

[Noema]

If I were you, I'd google around and see if there are any compatibility issues with any of your apps / devices with 64-bit.

If there are none, I see no reason not to go 64-bit.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

this is great, so even though I only got 32bit HP originially, I can use my Vista Ultimate DVD to get 64bit HP? Freakin sweet 😀

 

[Noema]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
this is great, so even though I only got 32bit HP originially, I can use my Vista Ultimate DVD to get 64bit HP? Freakin sweet 😀

Well, this is if your HP 32-bit key works on the disk you have.

If it does, well, then you are set.

 

[soonerproud]

If it is a retail copy it will work interchangeably between 32 bit and 64 bit. There have been some question regarding oem versions due to their licensing agreement. So far everyone I have talked to that have tried have had success even with the oem versions.