Vista - product key

[nwrigley]

I bought Vista Ultimate Edition from my school for $20 expecting to get the package that has both the 32-bit and 64-bit version. Unfortunately, I only got the 32-bit version and they do not offer the 64-bit version. What I'm wondering is if I get my hands on a Vista Ultimate 64-bit installation disc, will I be able to use the product key that came with my 32-bit disc? I'm guessing that when you buy the normal retail set that has both discs that they only give you one activation key. Is that correct?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Aberforth]

the retail version has both versions. In the box you'll also get replacement coupon, you just have to write the product key and mail it back or you can order media from the MS website: www.windowsvista.com/1033/ordermedia

Edit: You get only one product key, you can't run both.

 

[nwrigley]

I don't want to run both, just 64-bit Vista Ultimate.

Will the product key that came with my 32-bit installation disc work with a 64-bit disc?

 

[corkyg]

I don't think so. I got the complete ISO files for all versions from MS TechNet, and each has a different key for each version.

On the other hand, since there is no difference in price, it might work. Doesn't cost anything bu time to try.

 

[nwrigley]

Originally posted by: corkyg
On the other hand, since there is no difference in price, it might work. Doesn't cost anything bu time to try.

I'm not sure that I follow you. Are you suggesting I can go ahead and try the to install the 64-bit version with the product key I have and see if it works?

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: nwrigley

Originally posted by: corkyg
On the other hand, since there is no difference in price, it might work. Doesn't cost anything bu time to try.

I'm not sure that I follow you. Are you suggesting I can go ahead and try the to install the 64-bit version with the product key I have and see if it works?

The key you have should work with either version. I ordered 64bit media from MS(still haven't installed it yet), and all I got was a disc, no new key or anything. I think the worse case scenario is you'd have to call MS to activate it, but I don't think you'll even have to do that. It should activate ok online.

 

[nwrigley]

Originally posted by: Aberforth
or you can order media from the MS website: www.windowsvista.com/1033/ordermedia

Thanks for the link, I put in my product key and got the following message:

We're sorry, the following error(s) have occurred:
No Offer Found

 

[nwrigley]

I'm finding this whole thing very confusing. The DVD itself just says "Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate" on it without any indication of whether it is the 32-bit or 64-bit version. It did have a sticker that read "32 - bit English Disk Kit CD" on the sleeve" and after the fact when I called the bookstore that I bought it from, they confirmed that they offer 32-bit only. It also says "For Upgrade Use Only" on the DVD.

 

[Aberforth]

Do you have OEM Version? they are usually valid for single version only.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: nwrigley
It also says "For Upgrade Use Only" on the DVD.

That might make things a little more difficult. The only valid upgrade path would be from XP64. I think anything you do to get Vista64 would technically break the EULA, but that's not to say there aren't ways around that(even quasi legal) It might take a call to MS, and they could possibly do something for you.

 

[nwrigley]

Originally posted by: lxskllr
That might make things a little more difficult. The only valid upgrade path would be from XP64. I think anything you do to get Vista64 would technically break the EULA, but that's not to say there aren't ways around that(even quasi legal) It might take a call to MS, and they could possibly do something for you.

This brings me back to my original question. Lets say for the sake of argument that I have a copy retail version of Ultimate 64 in hand. Would I be able to activate this with the product key that came with my disk?

I'm not trying to crack the software or anything like that, just trying to use the product key I purchased with the 64-bit disk that was not an option.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: nwrigley

Originally posted by: lxskllr
That might make things a little more difficult. The only valid upgrade path would be from XP64. I think anything you do to get Vista64 would technically break the EULA, but that's not to say there aren't ways around that(even quasi legal) It might take a call to MS, and they could possibly do something for you.

This brings me back to my original question. Lets say for the sake of argument that I have a copy retail version of Ultimate 64 in hand. Would I be able to activate this with the product key that came with my disk?

I'm not trying to crack the software or anything like that, just trying to use the product key I purchased with the 64-bit disk that was not an option.

No, I don't think that'll work. MS ties their keys to product type. Eg oem, retail, and upgrade will have unique key types, and using media from one type will not activate for another. It sounds to me like you're doing a new install. If that's the case I would try installing the 64bit Vista, then when you fail online activation call MS to explain what you did. I'll bet they let you activate the 64 bit copy.

If for some reason they won't let you do that, you've only lost a little bit of time. Vista has a lightning quick install. I bet it's half the time it takes to install XP.

If you go this route, make sure you find, and write down the phone number to call. It's been a little tricky tracking down the activation phone number from what I've read around on the web.

 

[Aberforth]

that depends on what kind of Key you have. Retail keys can be used for both 32bit and 64bit versions, although you cannot install both using the same key. But there are other types of keys like OEM, System Builder, RTM, VLK etc and they usually work for single version only (in your case 32 bit).

 

[Rebel44]

If you have OEM version your key should work for both 32 and 64 version.

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: Rebel44
If you have OEM version your key should work for both 32 and 64 version.

Have you tried this? I heard that OEM keys would be valid for one or the other, not both.

As for the OP, it has been said a lot now but I dont see any responses from you actually trying it. You should try and install x64 with your key. Most likely it will work fine.

I have Vista Ultimate (retail) and originally ran 32bit before replacing my motherboard/CPU and reinstalling the x64 build. I did have to make a phone call for the second activation, but otherwise the process was very easy.

 

[nerp]

Are academic licenses restricted in any way?

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: nerp
Are academic licenses restricted in any way?

As far as I'm aware they should be the same as *normal* retail in this regard.

 

[nwrigley]

Originally posted by: spyordie007
As for the OP, it has been said a lot now but I dont see any responses from you actually trying it. You should try and install x64 with your key. Most likely it will work fine.

I just posted this last night and I do have a job...

At this point I am going to give it a shot. Of course, I have to actually get a copy of the Vista x64 DVD in hand. This install is also for a new system that I have no yet built, but have all the parts for. It will be a few days, but I will let you know how it works out. I wanted to hear advice from the good Anandtech folk before moving forward.

 

[nwrigley]

Originally posted by: spyordie007

Originally posted by: nerp
Are academic licenses restricted in any way?

As far as I'm aware they should be the same as *normal* retail in this regard.

I've bought several other versions of Windows from the same University (98 and XP Pro) and they all worked like full retail versions.

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: nwrigley

Originally posted by: spyordie007
As for the OP, it has been said a lot now but I dont see any responses from you actually trying it. You should try and install x64 with your key. Most likely it will work fine.

I just posted this last night and I do have a job...

At this point I am going to give it a shot. Of course, I have to actually get a copy of the Vista x64 DVD in hand. This install is also for a new system that I have no yet built, but have all the parts for. It will be a few days, but I will let you know how it works out. I wanted to hear advice from the good Anandtech folk before moving forward.

That bit of my post was mostly just agreeing with what others have said, give it a try

 

[Aarondeep]

What you need to do if you are installing a fresh copy of the x64 version of Vista from your upgrade CD.
I believe you can use any non-OEM vista x64 disc.
Install vista without entering a CD key.
after vista is installed within vista. put in the CD and run the "upgrade option"
Now during this installation input your CD key and you will have a working copy of vista without worrying about installing XP64 to upgrade from.

I have confirmed the upgrade workaround, however I am not sure about the x64 situation. Let us know what happens when you install.

 

[t0mn8r]

I agree.

The product key is either for 32 or 64 bit.

HTH

 

[mHubs]

I just switched to Ultimate x64 from my friend's retail DVD using my Dell OEM key. It wouldn't activate online but it went just fine when I called MS.

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: t0mn8r
I agree.

The product key is either for 32 or 64 bit.

HTH

I hear that you have an opinion but this is not true. In the case of retail packages (like the one I own) the product key is for both.

To be clear you can install either, but the key is for both.

 

[Sideswipeitman]

Vista is not like previous versions of windows.

All versions of XP are on the DVD; my ultimate edition CD can install as Home, Business, whatever. It determines what kind to install based on the CD Key you give it.

All keys are valid for 32 bit or 64 bit. They are tied only to an "edition" and not to 32 bit or 64 bit.