how do I upgrade my OS from 32 to 64 bit

[andrewr47]

I currently have Vista 32 bit Home, running on
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo E6750 CPU @ 2.66GHz
with 2 Gb RAM


I want my computer to use more RAM, so I understand I need a 64 bit OS. I want to buy a 64 bit OS, say Vista 64 bit or Windows 7 64 bit and install it on the same HD. I don't want to buy a new HD b/c I have some preexisting software on this HD that I dont have the original software for a re-install.

question:
1. Can I install the new 64 bit OS without deleting the preexisting OS and data, and just let it "upgrade"?
2. If not, what do I have to do? Partition, formatting?

thanks!

 

[lxskllr]

You'll have to backup your current data, and do a clean install, which involves formatting the partition.

 

[SimMike2]

You can't upgrade an inplace install from 32bit to 64bit. Backup your files. Run the Windows 7 migration wizard. Do a clean install of Windows 7 64bit. I would not touch Vista 64 with a ten foot pole, not seeing as how Windows 7 is so much better. BTW, you can use an upgrade Windows 7 disk. What it will do is move all your files to a folder called windows.old and basically do a clean install. If you don't have the install software for your apps, you will not be able to use them. If you expanding to 4GB of memory, and you want all your old programs, I would stick with 32 bit memory. BTW, if you really want a huge upgrade in performance, get an SSD drive for your boot drive.

 

[Anteaus]

You don't have to format. It will clean install and it will put all of your current files in a .old directory so that you can get to them. You will still need to reinstall everything, but at least you can get at all of your old files if needed.

 

[0roo0roo]

..

 

[dawks]

yup but that is a solution that means you nmight as well format to get a really clean install

True.. And to the OP, you dont need a new hard-drive but you will need to format (erase) your current install, which means re-installing your programs. You can get a USB drive and back all your data up. Some programs will let you track down the install key for them.

Just a note, you can stick with 32bit OS if you only plan on going to 4gigs. If you want to go beyond that, then you'll need 64bit.

 

[0roo0roo]

and memory hoisting bios if i remember correctly if u don't want another hole.