Windows 7 Home Premium '32bit' & '64bit'

jaffacaique

jaffacaique

jaffacaique

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Windows 7 Home Premium '32bit' & '64bit' query

When Windows 7 was released I purchased a full version of Home Premium which contained both the 32bit and 64bit DVD's. As I was not sure about trying 64bit at the time I decided to stay with the 32bit version and installed it. Having now read on the forums many months later that people seem happy with it, could I now install the 64bit version using the the same activation code if I was format my 32bit installation? As I would in effect only be using one version and it would have to be activated through Microsoft would they not be able to recognise that only one version is being currently used.

Sorry if this has been asked before, but there are far too many posts to look through.
 
So long as you purchased a retail version and not OEM then yes thats perfectly fine. The only limitation to installing a retail version is that it 1 copy can only be installed on any 1 system at any 1 time.
 
It wouldn't even matter if you'd bought an OEM version, which you haven't as it doesn't come with both disks, your license is equally valid for 32bit or 64bit. The only thing worth mentioning is that you might have to go through the telephone activation service to reactivate it, but that's automated and easy to follow.
 
Even if he'd purchased OEM it'd be fine, provided it was on the same hardware. OEM keys are valid for 32 or 64 bit, you just have to choose. OEM ties you to particular hardware, not a particular type of system (x86/x64).

jaffacaique, definitely go 64 bit. Not only will it take better advantage of your RAM (especially >4GB) but there are security benefits too. Plus, 64 bit is just 'better'. 32 bit OS are so last century. :p
EDIT: Beaten like a ginger stepchild. :(
 
Thank you for taking the time to reply, as I only have one hard drive at the moment I was reluctant to format it. Are you talking from experience about activating 64bit after using the same activation code with the Retail 32bit version of Home Premium.
 
jaffacaique said:
Thank you for taking the time to reply, as I only have one hard drive at the moment I was reluctant to format it. Are you talking from experience about activating 64bit after using the same activation code with the Retail 32bit version of Home Premium.
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Yes, the product key allows activation of either 32 or 64 bit versions, only one at a time of course. You will be fully license compliant
 
Long time no see Brian, you used to be one of the most active in the windows forum if i remember correctly.. :)
 
Whilst you are talking about something similar...

...I am about to install a Windows 7 Pro 32bit from MSDNAA onto my laptop. In a few weeks I am going to be replacing the hard drive only in the laptop and installing Windows 7 Pro 64bit (from MSDNAA) using the same licence key. I'm not going to have an issue am I?
 
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