Win7 RC1 32-bit vs 64-bit keys

[chrisf6969]

I downloaded and installed the 32-bit version, but have been hearing there's no reason to go with 32-bit over 64-bit if you hardware supports it, b/c this time they've done it right and the 64-bit version will be just as good/stable/supported as the 32-bit version, unlike the case with XP 64 & even Vista 64.

Anyway, point is I have a 32-bit key can I use that on a 64-bit install or do I need to go grab a 64-bit specific key from MS.

Are the keys interchangeable for the 32-bit & 64-bit versions ?

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: chrisf6969
I downloaded and installed the 32-bit version, but have been hearing there's no reason to go with 32-bit over 64-bit if you hardware supports it, b/c this time they've done it right and the 64-bit version will be just as good/stable/supported as the 32-bit version, unlike the case with XP 64 & even Vista 64.

Anyway, point is I have a 32-bit key can I use that on a 64-bit install or do I need to go grab a 64-bit specific key from MS.

Are the keys interchangeable for the 32-bit & 64-bit versions ?

Doesn't hurt to try, but I remember there were different sets of keys for the previous versions of W7, but I don't know if they are specific t0 32/64-bit

 

[Swampster]

the keys are specific to versions, such as Home Premium, or Business, but not to 32bit or 64bit, so yes, your key will work.

If you have already activated the 32bit version, you may have to do the re-activation via telephone, but it shouldn't be a problem. You would, however, have to do a clean install as a 32bit OS will not upgrade to 64bit.

 

[chrisf6969]

Ok, went to MS & clicked to download it and got a key for the 64-bit download.

Going to format the Win7 32-bit partition & start over with the 64-bit version.

Full 4Gb of ram here I come, finally.

 

[chrisf6969]

Well, I deleted my 32-bit install of RC1 and put the 64-bit install on.

32-bit had been perfectly stable for almost a week.

64-bit was locked up this morning, presumable some type of sleep failure.

I installed Nvidia's 185.85 (64-bit) drivers after install as well as a few apps, like AIM 6.9, CoreFTP, Windows Live Mail, and AVG Free 8.5. I think thats it. All the same programs as I installed on the 32-bit version except different version of Nvidia drivers.

When I had to hard reset it, it said Resuming Windows, like it was coming out of sleep, but took longer than a normal boot, but it did finally come up.

If it locks up like this often I'll be reformatting that partition & going back to the 32-bit version