Going from 32 to 64 Bit

[MRGOOCH]

I currently have Win 7 32 bit. How do I go to 64 Bit?

 

[Steltek]

The keys are interchangeable between 32 bit and 64 bit on Win7 - all you need is a 64 bit install media compatible with your key. Is your key retail or OEM?

It isn't possible to upgrade 32 bit to 64 bit - you have to do a wipe and install. You'll need to obtain a 64 bit install media for your version of Windows, back up your personal data and software, and then do a clean Win7 install.

However, if your system is the one shown in your signature, you'd see some benefit from going to Win7 64 bit given that you have 4GB of system memory and 1GB of video memory.

 

[MRGOOCH]

I have both install disks from a retail purchase. Why wasn't the install allowed when I went from XP to Win 7?

 

[Steltek]

Did you actually try to install using the 64 bit disc? The installer itself doesn't give you a choice as to what to install - if you install from the 32 bit disc, you get 32 bit Win7... install from the 64 bit disc, you get 64 bit Win7.

However, you ought to be able to do a re-install using the 64 bit media and your current Win7 key with no problems. Make sure to back up your data before you do it, though. It would also be a good idea to download the current 64 bit Win7 drivers for your motherboard from Gigabyte and your video card from MSI (or nVidia).

 

[MRGOOCH]

It was awhile ago but I remember it not allowing me to install the 64 bit disk .

 

[abekl]

Because you can't upgrade from xp 32 bit to win 7 64-bit. You have to do a clean install when you go from 32 bit to 64 bit. That's why it wasn't allowed when you upgraded.

 

[MRGOOCH]

So as an upgrade no good.

 

[Lifted]

So as an upgrade no good.

Exactly. To move from 32 to 64, you must perform a clean install.

 

[SimMike2]

With XP you can't do an in place "upgrade" to Windows 7, regardless if you are going 32bit or 64bit.

I suggest you use the easy transfer wizard to backup your files and settings. You will still need to reinstall all your programs.

 

[vailr]

A clean install is always best.
However, it is possible to (while staying with the 32 bit versions) first upgrade from XP to Vista, then from Vista to Windows 7. Not at all recommended (by me), but still possible.

 

[RU482]

I think the more important question for this specific instance is why do you want to move from 32bit to 64bit on an existing machine?

 

[Arkaign]

I think the more important question for this specific instance is why do you want to move from 32bit to 64bit on an existing machine?

OP has 4GB of ram and a 1GB video card on 32-bit OS, so he's got a good chunk of ram that he's unable to use. It makes a difference when some games want to take ~2gb or more when you add up all the rest of the background stuff, drivers, windows, AV, etc.

 

[MRGOOCH]

I have tried using my 64 Bit installation [upgrade ] disk but keep getting a warning stating that it is not compatible and won't go any further. It won't go into the installation mode.

 

[mpo]

Try running the Windows 7 upgrade advisor to find out what the conflicts are with your hardware. http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=20

 

[MRGOOCH]

I am good to go there.

 

[corkyg]

Not all hardware is 64 Bit compatible. If you have peripherals such as a scanner, you might have to replace them. As "mpo" suggests, the upgrade advisor should tell you.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I have tried using my 64 Bit installation [upgrade ] disk but keep getting a warning stating that it is not compatible and won't go any further. It won't go into the installation mode.

Did you boot off of it? It won't let you install from your current OS.

 

[MRGOOCH]

When I boot off of it ,it installs some files the puts me into a windows screen with a mouse pointer and nothing else. Unable to go anywhere. I tried reinserting the disk again at this point with no change.
When I install the 32 bit disk and go to Custom option it never gives me a format option and seems to want to give me a normal install.

 

[DirkGently1]

Do you actually have a full Retail copy or is it an upgrade edition?

 

[MRGOOCH]

It's an Upgrade disk.

 

[DirkGently1]

See if this is any help:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html