I recently purchased Windows Vista Ultimate OEM. Is it possible to upgrade this to 64bit? I didn't realise it was only 32bit until it was to late, after I had cut the security stickers on the dvd box.

I found this link but I cannot proceed yet as I am at work, and I don't carry around the license key :)

www.microsoft.com/window...dia/default.mspx

Can I upgrade or do I need to purchase another copy?

Ring MS Australia and see what they say and find out how much it is to upgrade etc.

nagelixin writes...

I found this link but I cannot proceed yet as I am at work, and I don't carry around the license key :)

www.microsoft.com/window...dia/default.mspx

Sounds like that might be all you need to do, according to the thread below:

forum-replies.cfm?t=684947

doesnt hurt to try ... 8)

If u can find the 64bit DVD (because it is OEM MS will not provide u the 64 bit DVD). You can use your 32bit key on the 64bit installation.

Let us know how it go.

Unless you want endless compatibility issues I would suggest you DON'T upgrade to 64-bit and just continue to use the 32-bit version.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

I just bought a laptop with 32bit home basic pre-installed. I have a copy of Ultimate. Just wondering if it will be problematic to install the ultimate 64bit version over basic? Why?

Tommmmmmmm writes...

Just wondering if it will be problematic to install the ultimate 64bit version over basic? Why?

I read somewhere on this forum, that "if you have to ask if you should use x64 then you shouldnt", that sums it up best.

and ditto what "carloscomputers (Carl B)" said.

I know someone has probably asked this question, but is it worthwhile upgrading to x64? I guess due to lack of software, etc...there probably wouldn't be much point.

carloscomputers (Carl B) writes...

Unless you want endless compatibility issues I would suggest you DON'T upgrade to 64-bit and just continue to use the 32-bit version.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

I completely agree with you

Presiro writes...

I completely agree with you

That what people said about the horse and cart when some nervous nellies went to the Car.

As people move to the 64 bit OS, drivers etc will move as well and sure enough, one day, 32 bit will be hard to come across. It's not like we haven't crossed this bridge before 8 --> 16 -->32

That what people said about the horse and cart when some nervous nellies went to the Car.

If the Car were the same speed but less reliable and ran on fewer roads than the horse and cart, they might have had a point. Same with Vista.

One day, maybe. Not this day.

That doesn't really answer my question. I want the best out of the machine. I have a free copy of Ultimate. Why not use it? I haven't used the computer yet it just comes with basic 32 standard.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

www.tech-recipes.com/rx/...rsion_x64_vs_x86

zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/5709#toc1

1. Most hardware does not currently have 64-bit drivers.

2. In Vista x64, any driver that is not properly signed will not be able to enter the kernel and will fail to load.

3. Vista x64 currently does not backward support most x86 (32-bit) drivers.

4. Vista x64 does not support 16-bit software.

5. Very little x64 software currently exists.

"Operating systems such as Windows Vista x64 Edition are not automatically faster than their 32-bit counterparts. In some cases, they may even perform slower because of the larger pointers as well unrelated OS overhead. Overall, an application’s performance depends on what it is used for and how it is implemented. Emulated applications running within the Windows on Windows 64 layer will not be able to address any more memory than they could on a 32-bit system".

Conclusion:
Most users with 64-bit hardware should install the 32-bit (x86) version of Vista.

Thanks buddy. That is more helpful.

no probs, Every one I know jumped on the VistaX64 bandwagon including myself, It didnt take much longer than 24 hours for all of us to be formating HDD's for a Vx86 install.
Learn from our pain XD

Does the 64-bit vista installation have the 32-bit installation on a DVD also, or are they totally separate? I just ordered a 64-bit Vista Ultimate OEM, but i am probably gunna wait til later down the track when i install it, maybe SP1/2...

I've been using 64 bit Ultimate since it was released and haven't had one major problem with it. All my hardware has 64 bit driver support and works just fine. Even the early Nvidia beta drivers weren't too bad, and now they're just as good as the 32 bit drivers with the release of the 158.18's.

I'd recommend 64 bit Vista, as long as all your hardware has 64 bit driver support.

B i r c h Y writes...

Does the 64-bit vista installation have the 32-bit installation on a DVD also, or are they totally separate? I just ordered a 64-bit Vista Ultimate OEM, but i am probably gunna wait til later down the track when i install it, maybe SP1/2...

No, mate, you'll only get the 64 OR 32 bit version in the OEM pack, not both.

so basically what ive gathered is that OEM you have to choose which vista to get 32 or 64.... and 32 is the way to go because its more compatible....

so in curious how long really roughly will it be till 64 becomes more heavily used? and if so will the 32's still be able to keep up?

im asking because im getting vista ultimate OEM

Look how long WinXP 64bit has been around for and see the lack of drivers for it.

There is no guarantee that Vista 64 will be in the same boat. We can only go by past experiences with operating systems, and vendors appear to be slow to pick up on the 64 bit end.

Also, think of it this way. Most of the OEM machines will be installed with Vista 32 regardless if they have a 64bit CPU. Vista 32 is going to be more popular just for that reason alone leaving Vista 64 to struggle just like XP64, IMO