Can I Update My System To Windows 7 64bit

lukefinch

lukefinch

lukefinch

Associate
Joined
12 Jun 2010
Posts
585
Location
Near Sheffield
I need some help.

At the moment my PC is running Windows 7 Ultimate 32bit as I had the install disk laying around at the time i built my pc last summer.

I now have some money to buy the 64bit version of Windows 7, but i need to know if i can install it onto my PC without losing all of my games and downloaded and installed programs?

Also, as i only use my PC for gaming and very slight internet browsing/downloading, will i see a performance boost when going from 32bit to 64bit?

Thanks in advance!:D
 
64bit will recognise All of your 4 gig of ram so Yes you will notice a difference in All areas.
 
I'm pretty sure it will save All your files as Windows.old but i am not 100% sure. Hopefully somebody else will confirm.
 
unless you have an "upgrade" disc

a full install will wipe your data

you should back up all your files first

then install windows

then restore your files (and reinstall your apps)
 
Paul11 said:
unless you have an "upgrade" disc

a full install will wipe your data

you should back up all your files first

then install windows

then restore your files (and reinstall your apps)
Click to expand...

What exactly is an upgrade disk? Is it something different to the normal install disk?
 
You cannot simply do an upgrade from a 32bit os to a 64bit os. It simply won't work. The only way is a clean install. You need to either re-partition the drive using an additional program and copy all your data that you wish to keep or use an external drive of some nature and then reformat the main partition and install from there.
 
If your copy of Win 7 Ultimate is a retail version, then it's just a case of doing a clean install, as your COA number you used for your 32 bit, will also work for a 64 bit version.;)
 
BlizzardX said:
You cannot simply do an upgrade from a 32bit os to a 64bit os. It simply won't work. The only way is a clean install. You need to either re-partition the drive using an additional program and copy all your data that you wish to keep or use an external drive of some nature and then reformat the main partition and install from there.
Click to expand...

Indeed. You must clean install.

robinbredin said:
If your copy of Win 7 Ultimate is a retail version, then it's just a case of doing a clean install, as your COA number you used for your 32 bit, will also work for a 64 bit version.;)
Click to expand...

It doesn't need to be retail.
 
Burnsy2023 said:
Indeed. You must clean install.



It doesn't need to be retail.
Click to expand...

OK then, thanks for your help

Is there a way i can partition my hard drive and put the programs onto that partition to just move back after i have reinstalled windows?

That way i wouldn't have to reinstall each program, just copy them back over?
 
BlizzardX said:
You cannot simply do an upgrade from a 32bit os to a 64bit os. It simply won't work. The only way is a clean install.
Click to expand...

Indeed.

Don't listen to talk of upgrade disks, you are going from 32bit to 64bit, full clean install, backup your data first, then install the OS, then reinstall all the programs, the move your data back across.
 
I doubt you'll see an increase in performance if you're only gaming and browsing the web.

I would do it if the system had 6GB+ RAM but to be honest it just isn't worth it unless you're into virtualisation and all that good stuff.
 
64-bit has slightly better security and the drivers should in theory be better than 32-bit versions.

Very minor points certainly.

The biggest argument would be the ability use all your RAM and add more in future. For a few hours' inconvenience I think it is worth it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom