Upgrading from 32-bit XP to 64-bit Vista

[erndawg]

I am trying to upgrade from 32-bit Windows XP Professional to 64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium by using a Vista upgrade DVD.

My hard drive is divided into 2 partitions: C and D. Partition C contains my operating system and vital files, while D contains programs, music, games, etc.

When I insert the Vista upgrade disk while running XP, a dialog box is displayed with the message:

?Setup can not run on this version of the Operating System. To install Windows please try booting from the install media.?

What do I have to do to upgrade from XP to Vista?

Will the switch from a 32-bit to a 64-bit operating system cause me to lose files?

If so, will I lose all the files on my hard drive, or only the files on the C partition?

Also, can you share any links that could shed light on my situation?

Thanks very much for your help.


Thread moved from Software For Windows to Operating Systems.

AnandTech Moderator
mechBgon

 

[masteryoda34]

You cannot upgrade a 32bit windows OS to a 64bit one. You must do a full format. Sorry.

 

[hclarkjr]

read this, it will tell you how to do clean install with upgrade DVD.

 

[erndawg]

Thanks for the reply masteryoda34.

Having to do a full format would be a deal breaker for me. So I'm wondering about the available options.

I once heard that MS includes all the variants of Vista on the upgrade DVD, and that the key allows you to use the Vista version you paid for. Can I somehow use this DVD to install the 32-bit version? Is this something I can pursue through MS, and if so, how?

I am not happy that I presently have a $100+ coaster (at least it's a coaster to me, since I can't use it.) Any thoughts about what I can do legitimately install 32-bit Vista with this 64-bit DVD?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[erndawg]

Thanks for the link hclarkjr. I had seen this some time ago, but I am not quite sure how this relates to my problem.

I would rather not do a clean install; I just wanted to upgrade from XP 32 bit to Vista 64 bit. Since that doesn't seem possible (although someone in the UK claims it is possible http://news.softpedia.com/news...ows-Vista-56504.shtml), I'm wondering how I can legitimately install 32-bit Vista without spending another $100. Sound like a tall order I'm afraid...

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[MrChad]

Windows Easy Transfer might help you backup your files and settings so that you can transfer them to your new install, even after doing a clean install with Vista 64.

EDIT: You should only have to format your C partition. Your D partition can be left as-is, but you will likely need to reinstall many of your programs.

 

[erndawg]

Thanks for the info MrChad.

Unfortunately, I would rather not do a clean install if possible. At this point, I'm wondering if their is any legal way of upgrading from XP 32-bit to Vista 32-bit from my Vista 64-bit DVD?

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[MrChad]

Your key should work with a 32-bit version, but you'll need to get the 32-bit media from somewhere.

I think you can order it from http://www.microsoft.com/windo...rdermedia/default.mspx.

 

[erndawg]

Thanks. That looks interesting MrChad, but it may not be exactly what I'm looking for. Would MS be able give me a different key to install 32 bit Vista off my 64 bit Vista upgrade DVD?

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: erndawg
Thanks. That looks interesting MrChad, but it may not be exactly what I'm looking for. Would MS be able give me a different key to install 32 bit Vista off my 64 bit Vista upgrade DVD?

The 64-bit DVD does not contain the 32-bit version. You'll need a 32-bit CD or DVD in order to install the 32-bit version of Vista.

The key should work with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

 

[TheKub]

It looks like you will have to do a clean install even with the 32bit.

Because you are going XP PRO -> Home Premium

Looks like they only support in place XP Pro upgrades to Business or Ultimate editions.

Is there a reason you are upgrading to Vista?

*edit*

To answer one of your questions you would only have to format your C drive and there is no need to "loose all your files" just make a backup or move the important files from C->D. That being said apps that are installed to your D drive will likely have to be reinstalled. Simple mostly self contained apps would work fine but if the app requires registered DLLs\frameworks\registry entries you have to reinstall, but you should just be able to install the app over top of its self.

*ps edit*

Also why are you concerned about loosing files? You should be backing up (external\online\dvd\flash\other PC) your important shit. Dont be one of thoes people that come on here and posts "URGENTLY NEED HELP HDD CRASHED AND THE DATA IS LIFE OR DEATH PLS HELP".

 

[RebateMonger]

There's no way to do an in-place upgrade from any version of Windows x32 to any version of Windows x64. Neither can you go from x64 to x32.

If your version of Vista came with a major computer manufacturer (like Dell), you may be able to get an x32 disk from the PC maker.

As noted by MrChad, if you have a 64-bit Vista Retail license (not OEM), you can get a DVD of the 32-bit version from Microsoft. MS charges about $10 for shipping.

Originally posted by: MrChad
Your key should work with a 32-bit version, but you'll need to get the 32-bit media from somewhere.

I think you can order it from http://www.microsoft.com/windo...rdermedia/default.mspx.

Edit:
I missed the "XP Pro to Vista Home Premium" part. As TheKub notes, you can't do an in-place upgrade from XP Pro to Vista Home Premium. The only in-place upgrades available are to Vista Business or Vista Ultimate.

 

[TheKub]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
As noted by MrChad, if you have a 64-bit Vista Retail license (not OEM), you can get a DVD of the 32-bit version from Microsoft. MS charges about $10 for shipping.

I dont know all the rules on the OEM but the Dell Outlet laptop I bought around xmas time came with 32bit and I wanted 64bit so I did the support chat thing and they shipped it to me free of charge.

*edit* clarify- Dell support not MS