Should have bought 64-bit Vista - I'm thinkin'

[boomerang]

I'm having second thoughts - after the fact. I bought 2 copies of Vista 32-bit OEM Business. One is already installed on my wife's computer. I haven't opened mine yet.

Is there a path to take to get to 64-bit? I'm reading about upgrade disks. Is this what I need to do? Can I do this?

Anyone know what the best plan is?

 

[Ryland]

You can order the 64bit DVD from Microsoft. Just search around in this forum and you will find the link.

 

[n7]

I've been recommending Vista x64 to people since it came out, but after seeing the same questions posted every single day, i gave up & decided to let people find out for themselves they'd screwed themselves over [for the future] by going x86...

Ryland, does that work for OEM Vista?

If so, then that's your answer boomerang.

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: n7
I've been recommending Vista x64 to people since it came out, but after seeing the same questions posted every single day, i gave up & decided to let people find out for themselves they'd screwed themselves over [for the future] by going x86...

Ryland, does that work for OEM Vista?

If so, then that's your answer boomerang.

From what I can tell, OEM is the problem. Although there is conflicting information out there.

 

[blackangst1]

why not call MS?

 

[Parasitic]

What's x86 software compatibility like on x64?

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: Parasitic
What's x86 software compatibility like on x64?

I'm using Vista x64 and have software like Firefox,CCleaner,Nero,ALzip,Spybot,SpywareBlaster,uTorrent,Printmaster 16,Olympus Master 2 and 45 games installed(from Baldur's Gate to WoW,Vanguard etc..).

Compatibility is very good in general,any specialized software you need to check beforehand.

 

[mb]

I've been using Vista x64 for a few months now. It's great. The DVD is $10 from Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com/windo...rdermedia/default.mspx

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: blackangst1
why not call MS?

I would, if I could find a glimmer of hope anywhere that I can do this with an OEM version. I've seen it alluded to at non-Microsoft sites.

At Microsoft sites I see it as an option only for retail purchases, not OEM. Then again, I built the computer. I purchased the OEM product. I feel as though I can provide support for myself on a 64-bit version. 😀

My other option is to call the vendor I purchased it from and see if they will take a return in exchange for 64-bit. That will have to wait until tomorrow.

 

[jonmcc33]

Originally posted by: n7
I've been recommending Vista x64 to people since it came out, but after seeing the same questions posted every single day, i gave up & decided to let people find out for themselves they'd screwed themselves over [for the future] by going x86...

Ryland, does that work for OEM Vista?

If so, then that's your answer boomerang.

Screwed themselves over for the future? How many people use 64-bit applications? Isn't that the future? It's sure not the immediate future by any means. An average computer lasts someone 3-5 years and that's probably how long it will be before 64-bit is a standard.

 

[Navid]

All you need is a 64-bit DVD.
You can only order it directly from Microsoft if you have a retail key.

See if this helps.
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...t_key=y&keyword1=vista

 

[gpse]

I don't think you can order the 64-bit cd since you bought OEM.
What I did was download a 64-bit version of Vista from a torrent and used my 32-bit key no problems.
Also I have no issue's with the 64-bit version everything is working great!!!

 

[boomerang]

Originally posted by: gpse
I don't think you can order the 64-bit cd since you bought OEM.
What I did was download a 64-bit version of Vista from a torrent and used my 32-bit key no problems.
Also I have no issue's with the 64-bit version everything is working great!!!

Yes, I just verified that. I cannot order 64-bit media because what I have is an OEM version. Thanks.