Vista Ultimate change 32 to 64?

[corwin]

So I finally decided to put Vista on my HTPC, I bought the retail Ultimate version and loaded the 32-bit variety. After some research I am pretty sure I can run everything under 64-bit....so since it is already "activated" in 32-bit would it be a serious pain to change to 64? Advice is much appreciated

 

[techmanc]

I think the biggest question when going to Vista 64bit is why you want to change from the 32bit version. Most common answers are wanting to use more that 3gb of ram. You have programs that take advantage of 64bit OS. You want better security from using the 64bit drivers. The disavantage or a 64bit program is there is less driver support. A lot of games and programs are not written for 64bit so you really need to do your homework on software support.

 

[corwin]

Well, as I said after some research I believe all my programs will run under x64, and having 4gb of ram installed it would be nice to have use of all of it. And drivers for x64 OS's aren't hard to find anymore, in fact it's more uncommon to not find them, well at least for "after-market" hardware. So my question remains, anyone know if it will be a pain to change my Vista Ultimate install from 32-bit to 64-bit?

 

[techmanc]

Sorry I forgot to answer that part of question. No you need to do a fresh install of Vista 64bit. Heres the info...................

http://windowshelp.microsoft.c...-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Yes, you need to do a fresh install. You can't upgrade an existing installed 32-bit OS to the 64-bit version. You also need to get your hands on a 64-bit install DVD. If you bought your Vista retail, call up Microsoft, give them your CD-key, and they'll send out a 64-bit install DVD to you.

 

[corwin]

The Retail Ultimate DVD contains both versions, I just chose to go the 32-bit route on my first run. I figured a fresh install would be neded, I am more interested to know if I will be able to "activate" it in 64-bit since it already was once in 32-bit? It's all the exact same hardware....

 

[techmanc]

Well from what I remember Windows Vista Ultimate Retail has the most options for upgrading and moving to a new computer. Pretty you can do anything as long as your using if for a single license. You can check out this MS site with more info it will give you a pdf file to read for diffent licensing situations......................

http://www.microsoft.com/about/legal/useterms/

 

[Scotteq]

Originally posted by: corwin
The Retail Ultimate DVD contains both versions, I just chose to go the 32-bit route on my first run. I figured a fresh install would be neded, I am more interested to know if I will be able to "activate" it in 64-bit since it already was once in 32-bit? It's all the exact same hardware....

Upon completing the installation, you will be able to use the same product key you used for the 32 bit version. You will be able to install and update without entering the key, should you wish. Microsoft do limit the number of activations, so there is a possibility of an error message. If you receive this, you will be given a (toll free in the US) phone number to call. It's a 5 minute process to receive a new key.

 

[masterbm]

How much ram do you if it over 2 then go with 64 if not stay with 32. With a media center you have have 64 bit codecs to play video files klite is what use

 

[techmanc]

Originally posted by: masterbm
How much ram do you if it over 2 then go with 64 if not stay with 32. With a media center you have have 64 bit codecs to play video files klite is what use

What are these 64bit codecs your needing?