What's the cheapest and most efficient way for me to access >4GB RAM?

[arredondo]

My setup is in my sig. I want to use more than the 4GB of RAM allowed by Vista Premium. I know I have to upgrade my OS but there are several options. Do I go with the next level of Vista or go to Win7?

I hear I can't do a simple upgrade if I go Win7 without doing a clean install. Is that true? If so, can someone give me a link or instructions on the best way to do it with minimal data loss? Is there another option altogether I need to know about? Thanks.

 

[lxskllr]

The only way is to go to a 64bit O/S, and there's no direct upgrade from 32bit. I'd backup the stuff you want to an external drive, format, and install a 64bit O/S. If you can get a hold of 64bit Vista media, you can do it free. If you buy, you can do Vista, Win7, or Linux. I prefer Vista to Win7, but I'm probably in the minority. I also like Ubuntu.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Agreed. If i were you i'd backup, wipe out your install and do a clean install of 64bit Win7.

The only way is to go to a 64bit O/S, and there's no direct upgrade from 32bit. I'd backup the stuff you want to an external drive, format, and install a 64bit O/S. If you can get a hold of 64bit Vista media, you can do it free. If you buy, you can do Vista, Win7, or Linux. I prefer Vista to Win7, but I'm probably in the minority. I also like Ubuntu.

 

[Mr. Pedantic]

I'm not sure what you actually mean, but I think you're under the impression that it's a fault of Vista Premium. It's not. It's the fault of your OS being 32-bit. Even if you upgraded to Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit edition, you'd still have the same problem; you need to get a 64-bit operating system.

I would copy the data to an external hard drive, reformat, and then recopy and reinstall all your programs again. It's what I'll be doing, as long as my university either starts rolling out free Windows 7 to students studying things other than compsci or engineering, or I can get a legit copy for cheap.

 

[Binky]

Cheapest = Vista 64bit

You already own it, so that's your answer. Any option will require a full reinstall, so the "most efficient" part of the question is irrelevant.

 

[Spicedaddy]

Backup and reinstall Vista Home Premium 64-bit with your current key = 0$.
or
Backup and reinstall Windows 7 64-bit = 100$.

You can't upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit... Personally, I'd go Win7.

 

[llee]

I was under the impression that 32-bit operating systems limited PCs to around 3GB, not 4GB. Are you positive that your motherboard supports more than 4GB?

 

[Binky]

32bit = ~3.2GB

Owning a Vista license allows you to install either version. It sounds like you chose the 32bit version. Just find a copy of the Vista 64bit install DVD (if you dont have it already) and you can use your existing Vista key. You CANNOT upgrade from 32bit to 64bit. It's always a fresh install no matter what Win version you install.

 

[tcsenter]

If you're referring to the HP system with an OEM preinstalled copy of Vista, there is no retail or OEM difference in full version media (excepting retail upgrade). With Vista, you can use any full version media to install the OS, then insert the license certificate and factory product key AFTER installation (unlike XP). Use Activation Backup and Restore (ABR):

http://directedge.us/content/abr-activation-backup-and-restore

Run activation_backup.exe as administrator on the current system. When complete, save the ABR folder to a thumb drive or something. After Windows Vista is installed, run activation_restore as administrator. When finished, restart and check your activation status (from system properties).

 

[arredondo]

Thanks for the info fellas. I'll look into the Vista 64 bit method first since it is free.

A couple of backup questions. Is the software that came with my 500GB external Seagate drive adequate enough to backup all of my stuff? It should be, but I want to be sure.

 

[arredondo]

Thanks for the info fellas. I'll look into the Vista 64 bit method first since it is free.

A couple of backup questions. Is the software that came with my 500GB external Seagate drive adequate enough to backup all of my stuff? It should be, but I want to be sure.

 

[lxskllr]

I usually do the drag/drop method. I backup my user folder, and that takes care of the non replaceable data. Everything else gets reinstalled.

 

[mvbighead]

While I don't really use it, I would guess that the Windows Backup Utility could do the trick well.

 

[arredondo]

Great. Next question is about the RAM upgrade I'll need to get.

My current 3GB setup is 2x1GB and 2x.5GB, which takes up all four slots. I figured I buy 2x2GB sticks to replace the two smaller sticks and keep the 1GB units in place (6GB in total).

If there are no serious issues with that arrangement that I'm not aware of, here are the RAM sticks at a local Fry's that I was considering. Other than the manufacturer, it matches the PC2-5300/667MHz speed of my current RAM.

http://www.frys.com/product/5800013?...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[arredondo]

I went ahead and grabbed Win7 64-bit OEM for $100 and added 1.5 gigs for $40 (replaced a .5 stick with a 2GB stick). Reading around, 4.5 GBs is plenty for now, and I have the room to add more for quite awhile if need be. Thanks for the help once again.