Windows Vista Ultimate 32 bit to 64 bit

[goneblowitup]

So I've purchased the 32 bit upgrade version of ultimate for my new system, but I'm about to get another 3 gigs and so I would need 64 bit. I thought 64 bit came with the software I got, but I found out since my software is OEM it only has 32 bit and Microsoft won't send me the 64 bit version...the lady told me to just buy the new one

I don't wanna spend another 150+ to basically purchase the 64 bit upgrade version because I just bought this one...is there anything I can do?

[rob1101]

I have heard that you can callem' up and pay like 10USD to get a upgrade disc to 64bit, but it looks like you already tried that so... Other than that you could sell your disc/key and pirate it, that would not be morally wrong IMHO

[goneblowitup]

I have heard that you can callem' up and pay like 10USD to get a upgrade disc to 64bit, but it looks like you already tried that so... Other than that you could sell your disc/key and pirate it, that would not be morally wrong IMHO

I thought the same thing...but supposedly because my software is the OEM version they are saying they can't send me a 64 bit version because mine is 32 bit.

I was thinking pirate it as well, but that's too much of a drag to have to burn the img or whatever you have to do and plus this is the first time I'll be going vista and i kinda wanted a clean version.

[rob1101]

well in that case, If you can't return it or get your money back then your only options that I know of are to; pirate, buy a new copy, or install GNU/Linux :( sorry dude.

[Soulburner]

I thought the same thing...but supposedly because my software is the OEM version they are saying they can't send me a 64 bit version because mine is 32 bit.

I was thinking pirate it as well, but that's too much of a drag to have to burn the img or whatever you have to do and plus this is the first time I'll be going vista and i kinda wanted a clean version.
It sounds like your only option. It's what I did. Just use the key from your 32-bit disc, you own a license for 1 Vista Ultimate install.

[goneblowitup]

So let me get this straight...if I can find a copy of 64 bit Ultimate...and use my cd key (even though the disk says 32 bit)...the key would still work???

[Krowbar]

I upgraded from Vista-32 to Vista-64 on two systems. In both cases, I just used the same keys that came with the Vista-32 CDs and they worked fine. So yes, your key would still work.

You don't need to buy a new copy. If you have access to an MSDN account, you can download it from there.

[Soulburner]

Yes. It may not auto-activate. Mine wouldn't. But over-the-phone activation wasn't a problem.

[goneblowitup]

I upgraded from Vista-32 to Vista-64 on two systems. In both cases, I just used the same keys that came with the Vista-32 CDs and they worked fine. So yes, your key would still work.

You don't need to buy a new copy. If you have access to an MSDN account, you can download it from there.

Was yours a 32-bit only oem software? Because the one's that aren't 32-bit only have both versions.

Yes. It may not auto-activate. Mine wouldn't. But over-the-phone activation wasn't a problem.

If I do it over the phone they wouldn't they just say your version is 32-bit only and will not activate a 64-bit OS?

[togaman5000]

I recently bought the home premium upgrade from Amazon, since I didn't know that only the 32bit version was included. I was rather pissed when I found out of course, as 8gigs of RAM aren't exactly useful in a 32bit OS. One angry email to Amazon, and they refunded the cost Microsoft charges to ship you the 64bit disc =)

[goneblowitup]

Can anyone confirm that I can use the cd key from a "32-bit only" OEM software on a 64-bit upgrade?

My system is ready and I really want to know if this is possible as I would much rather have 64-bit Vista. Or can I at least put the 32-bit on now?

[Soulburner]

Like I said I have done it and activated through Microsoft. You own the key for 1 install, it does not matter if it is 32 or 64-bit. However you can NOT change versions, they are key and license specific.