switch from 32 bit to 64 bit

[IEC]

Originally posted by: timot
Hummm, but what if the antivirus didnt find anything?

You can only be 95% sure.

Why risk it? Get a legit DVD/image.

 

[timot]

how do i do that without purchasing another license?

 

[suklee]

In my retail box, there is a slip of paper that directs you to www.windowsvista.com/1033/ordermedia

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Kai920
In my retail box, there is a slip of paper that directs you to www.windowsvista.com/1033/ordermedia

It's already been noted in this thread, but that link will only accept Keys from Retail licenses, not OEM licenses. I and many others have already tried it. 64-bit OEM DVDs must either be gotten from your PC maker, purchased as another OEM package, or borrowed.

I don't fully know what Microsoft is doing with Vista Install DVDs, but I don't THINK that a Retail Vista Install DVD will accept an OEM Key. Such was the case with XP, but some folks have implied that Retail Vista DVDs will accept OEM Keys. I don't know since I've never tried it.

 

[timot]

SO that link wont accept OEM license keys? what if we tried to put the OEM key in the box? will it get charged to my credit card and notify me later or does it do automatically?

I thought windows will only check whether it's retail/OEM when you activate the keys? I just noticed that my office has vista(x64) install cd but no cdkey (MSDN) lol i m not doing anything illegal here dont i? since the cd only says vista, i m assuming it has all the versions? doesnt it mean AIO?

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: timot
SO that link wont accept OEM license keys? what if we tried to put the OEM key in the box? will it get charged to my credit card and notify me later or does it do automatically?

When you put an OEM Vista Key into the box, it replies with, "That's not a Vista Retail License Key.". Or something similar.

II just noticed that my office has vista(x64) install cd but no cdkey (MSDN) lol i m not doing anything illegal here dont i? since the cd only says vista, i m assuming it has all the versions? doesnt it mean AIO?

MSDN's web site has separate ISO downloads to create 32-bit or 64-bit Vista Install DVDs. At least it did a couple of months ago.

It's already been established that Vista 64-bit and Vista 32-bit Keys are interchangeable. Microsoft authorizes switching a RETAIL installation from 32-bit to 64-bit and provides a Retail DVD for about ten dollars. Microsoft doesn't authorize switching an OEM installation from 32-bit to 64-bit. Microsoft Volume licenses and subscription services (MSDN, TechNet Plus, Action Pack) have their own rules.

 

[timot]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
MSDN's web site has separate ISO downloads to create 32-bit or 64-bit Vista Install DVDs. At least it did a couple of months ago.

It's already been established that Vista 64-bit and Vista 32-bit Keys are interchangeable. Microsoft authorizes switching a RETAIL installation from 32-bit to 64-bit and provides a Retail DVD for about ten dollars. Microsoft doesn't authorize switching an OEM installation from 32-bit to 64-bit. Microsoft Volume licenses and subscription services (MSDN, TechNet Plus, Action Pack) have their own rules.

But i used my home premium x86 OEM key and installed a home premium x64 (from that torrent) using that OEM x86 key and it activated fine.

hm, so i can just take this dvd home and it will know if i key in ultimate cdkey?

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: timot
But i used my home premium x86 OEM key and installed a home premium x64 (from that torrent) using that OEM x86 key and it activated fine.

I said that Microsoft doesn't authorize it. I didn't say that it won't work. Those are two different things.

 

[timot]

ahh i c.. lol.. which means it does work...

 

[Chadder007]

So basically ....
OEM DVD needs an OEM Key
Retail DVD needs Retail Key

 

[nerp]

No.

There is only one Vista DVD. Just one.

OEM keys can install both x64 and 32 as well as retail on the same dvd. All dvds are the same. I own both retail and OEM keys, both 32 and 64 bit and they're interchangable. I've done it several times.

The only roadblock is MS's stance on sending you a DVD on the 64 bit media order form. THAT requires a retail key.

 

[timot]

huh? so every vista dvd contains home basic/home premium/business/ultimate in one cd??? and when you key in the cd key, the dvd will detect itself which version we're installing?

 

[nerp]

Originally posted by: timot
huh? so every vista dvd contains home basic/home premium/business/ultimate in one cd??? and when you key in the cd key, the dvd will detect itself which version we're installing?

Correct.

You can even skip entering the key when you install. It will ask you which version you want to install and it will ask you to confirm that choice with a warning that only a key for that specific version will work.

It's often a good idea to not type in the key, install the correct version, update it, get your drivers sorted and install your apps. Put in the key and activate a week or two later when you're confident your install is complete. This prevents activating the key and having to format and reactivate in a short time.

 

[timot]

and a dvd only consists of x86 OR x64 right? cant be both?