KenAF2 Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 (edited) I own the retail version of Windows Vista Ultimate. I know the Vista Ultimate DVD includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions on disk. Last year, I installed and activated the 32-bit version. I've just upgraded my computer with 4GB memory and would like to switch to the 64-bit version. Is that possible with my existing cd-key? And if so, what do I need to do? Thanks, Ken Update: Vista Ultimate includes two separate disks, one with 64-bit and one with 32-bit. Edited February 9, 2008 by KenAF2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathachew Veteran Posted February 9, 2008 Veteran Share Posted February 9, 2008 If your DVD has both the 32 and 64 bit, you're fine, but you cannot upgrade as going to a different architecture requires formatting. Plenty of threads with this same question :/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gangsta Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 Exactly. x86 > x64, you have to reformat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee G. Veteran Posted February 9, 2008 Veteran Share Posted February 9, 2008 You'd need to buy a Windows Vista Ultimate x64 license, format the computer, and then install that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenAF2 Posted February 9, 2008 Author Share Posted February 9, 2008 You'd need to buy a Windows Vista Ultimate x64 license, format the computer, and then install that. I understand that I need to reformat. My question is really whether I have to order something new from Microsoft. I was told by a co-worker that once you register your Vista Ultimate key under 32-bit Vista, it is tied to 32-bit and cannot be used for the 64-bit version. Is that true? If so, what do I need to buy so I can use my existing cd-key under the 64-bit version? And where? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afterlife Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 You can use your X86 Vista CD Key for X64 Vista CD Key all you need is the X64 Vista Media. I've done it already on my machine no problems...You might have to call microsoft to activate it...But even then you should still have no problems. Good-Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I8PP Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 The license is the same for both 32 or 64 bit versions. Retail packages of Vista Ultimate come with both media, one license. You can use it on either, it's entirely your choice. I'm also sure the dvd does not contain both 32 and 64-bit data - they're on separate media. You can order the 64-bit disc from http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033...ia/default.mspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KenAF2 Posted February 9, 2008 Author Share Posted February 9, 2008 The license is the same for both 32 or 64 bit versions. Retail packages of Vista Ultimate come with both media, one license. You can use it on either, it's entirely your choice. Thanks guys. I just checked, and there is indeed a 64-bit DVD in the box. Good to hear that I can re-use my existing, activated CD key. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee G. Veteran Posted February 9, 2008 Veteran Share Posted February 9, 2008 Ah I see - sorry, I gave you false information there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaxstraww Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Guess I'm stuck with 32bit if I bough the system builder version? Is there a way to spend a few dollars to go to 64bit or do I have to buy a whole new version? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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