32bit or 64bit?

Salsa

Salsa

Salsa

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Just a quick question regarding vista ultimate. Im currently running an OEM version of vista premium 32bit bought from OCUK. I want to upgrade to 4 gigs of ram but will need a x64 OS for this. Does the retail DVD have X86 AND x64 on it or will i have to make sure i buy the correct one?
 
If you buy an OEM version you can choose between the x86 and x64 versions. If you buy retail, then Ultimate contains both disks - the other versions only contain the 32 bit version, but you can request a 64 bit disk for a small charge.
 
PinkPig said:
If you buy an OEM version you can choose between the x86 and x64 versions. If you buy retail, then Ultimate contains both disks - the other versions only contain the 32 bit version, but you can request a 64 bit disk for a small charge.
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Thats what i was after. I noticed that OCUK only stocked OEM versions and after doing a bit of digging it seems that retailers can request x86 or x64 copies but the full retail version comes with both DVD's and one CD key that will be tied to one or the other once you have activated it.

Need to start getting hold of drivers ahead of a complete re-install now as x86 to x64 upgrades are not possible :(
 
BumSalsa said:
Thats what i was after. I noticed that OCUK only stocked OEM versions and after doing a bit of digging it seems that retailers can request x86 or x64 copies but the full retail version comes with both DVD's and one CD key that will be tied to one or the other once you have activated it.

Need to start getting hold of drivers ahead of a complete re-install now as x86 to x64 upgrades are not possible :(
Click to expand...

Only Vista Ultimate retail contains both DVDs. However, even on the OEM licence you are convered for both 32 and 64 bit versions of the OS, although you will need to request the media from MS (which inccurs a charge for the disc and shipping).

Burnsy
 
Burnsy I assume this is what you are refering to.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

However it is rejecting my 32bit product code, yay microsoft.

If the vista 64bit media was obtained from another source IE, I borrow a copy of the dvd from work, could it be activated using my 32 bit product key? Or do Microsoft issue a new key when they ship the 64bit media.
 
YoungBlood said:
If the vista 64bit media was obtained from another source IE, I borrow a copy of the dvd from work, could it be activated using my 32 bit product key? Or do Microsoft issue a new key when they ship the 64bit media.
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It has to be an OEM DVD to work, and no the 32bit key will work with 64 bit media. I was referring to this link: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

Burnsy
 
Thanks for quick reply Burnsey, it is an OEM 32bit product code I was entering but it's not accepting it. Well now it's saying "no offer found" I'll have a read through the link you posted.

Also if I may a slightly related question

I know 32bit cant see 4GB of ram, only something like 3.2gig. What about video card memory? If a GTX has 700 odd MB of memory then will a 32bit OS only see 3.2gig (or whatever the max a 32bit OS can see) minus whatever is on the graphics card?
 
YoungBlood said:
Thanks for quick reply Burnsey, it is an OEM 32bit product code I was entering but it's not accepting it. Well now it's saying "no offer found" I'll have a read through the link you posted.

Also if I may a slightly related question

I know 32bit cant see 4GB of ram, only something like 3.2gig. What about video card memory? If a GTX has 700 odd MB of memory then will a 32bit OS only see 3.2gig (or whatever the max a 32bit OS can see) minus whatever is on the graphics card?
Click to expand...

The link you visited won't work, it's designed for retail media only.

As for the memory limit, a 32bit OS can address 4GB max, that includes graphics, chaches, registers, main system RAM and other bits and bobs too.

Burnsy
 
My retail Ultimate Package contains both 32 and 64 disks. First I installed Vista 32, the key worked fine, then the second time with Vista 64 (on the same machine), the used key didn't work (it said the key was already used). I called M$ UK (in India actually) to reactivate, they were quite understanding and gave me a code immediatelly. But then I installed Vista the third time after installed SP1 RC, the key worked again :p
So in short, the same key will valid for both 32 and 64 versions. If it says you can't, just simply give someone in India a call :D
 
which link is it you would use to get the 64Bit disc sent out if your using a oem 32bit vista home premium, i currently have this on my laptop and wouldnt mind getting the 64bit for the cost of shipping.
cheers
 
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