Can i use a OEM vista32 key to install OEM Vista64?

XysteR · 8 May 2007 at 16:11

Hi all, i'm begining to think i should have bought vista 64 instead of 32. Can i install Vista 64 oem using my Vista 32 oem serial key?

Thanks

IAmATeaf · 8 May 2007 at 16:20

csmager · 8 May 2007 at 16:33

IAmATeaf said:
No

But actually, yes. They key should be accepted - but you technically didn't buy that version.

XysteR · 8 May 2007 at 16:53

hehe. So if i wipe vista32 and install vista 64 with my m8's Vista 64 disk it will install with my key?

I don't fancy finding starting and finding my key won't let it install.

If it installs microsoft won't spit its dummy out when it comes to using microsoft update will it?

csmager · 8 May 2007 at 16:55

Suck it and see. Can't you install to a different partition for testing? You might not even have all the relevant drivers anyway.

XysteR · 8 May 2007 at 16:57

I just thought i'd try to avoid multi operating systems and go with a fresh install of one version of windows

singularity · 8 May 2007 at 17:21

where's Burbsey when you need him, of course its illegal! but will it work?

XysteR · 8 May 2007 at 17:29

I think it technically/morally shouldn't be illegal though, as long as you only have one copy on one machine you should be able to have the choice of 32 or 64 bit installation, no skin off microsofts nose. There was no price difference between 32 and 64 bit when i bought it too.

Burnsy2023 · 8 May 2007 at 17:41

singularity said:
where's Burnsy when you need him, of course its illegal! but will it work?

I'm here, and yes you won't be licensed. Whether it'll work I haven't tried, so I don't know.

Burnsy

XysteR · 8 May 2007 at 18:06

*wonders if i should be the guinea pig*

Whats the worst that could happen if i try this? They couldn't put a naughty thing on my 32 bit key and stop it working could they?

gareth170 · 8 May 2007 at 18:14

XysteR said:
*wonders if i should be the guinea pig*

Whats the worst that could happen if i try this? They couldn't put a naughty thing on my 32 bit key and stop it working could they?

no... just see if it installs first with the key.... i don't think it will...

Ronaldo · 8 May 2007 at 18:43

install it but do not activate it if it does not accept key then u know it didnt work

Cob · 8 May 2007 at 19:18

You type in the key before Vista makes any changes to your hard drive. So, if it rejects it, it won't have affected the current installation.

singularity · 8 May 2007 at 19:46

XysteR said:
*wonders if i should be the guinea pig*

Whats the worst that could happen if i try this? They couldn't put a naughty thing on my 32 bit key and stop it working could they?

go on try it

goreblast · 8 May 2007 at 20:47

Cob said:
You type in the key before Vista makes any changes to your hard drive. So, if it rejects it, it won't have affected the current installation.

No you dont.
You partition you drives/format them and copy files before you enter the regional settings and cd-key. So yes it would potentially muck things up. Should be OK so long as he installs it onto a new partition. And besides it wont work IMHO.

Tute · 8 May 2007 at 20:54

Anyone tried it yet?

Interested to know the outcome myself.

gareth170 · 8 May 2007 at 21:38

goreblast said:
No you dont.
You partition you drives/format them and copy files before you enter the regional settings and cd-key.

wrong...

u enter the regional settings and product key first... then u partition your drives/format them... then installation starts...

XysteR · 8 May 2007 at 21:44

The other halfs face didn't look good when i mentioned the words 'computer' and 'reinstall' i'll wait till the sod gets away on twilight shift tomorrow. Saves her whingin'

goreblast · 8 May 2007 at 22:07

gareth170 said:
wrong...

u enter the regional settings and product key first... then u partition your drives/format them... then installation starts...

Completely incorrect mate. I have done it 40 or 50 times with Windows 2000, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro, Windows XP Pro x64, Windows Server 2003 RC1, Windows 2003 RC1 64-bit. I have 7 PCs here at the moment and at a time there where an additional 7 running FAH under windows.

If you don't believe me look here -->Elder Geek

Burnsy2023 · 8 May 2007 at 22:12

goreblast said:
Completely incorrect mate. I have done it 40 or 50 times with Windows 2000, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro, Windows XP Pro x64, Windows Server 2003 RC1, Windows 2003 RC1 64-bit. I have 7 PCs here at the moment and at a time there where an additional 7 running FAH under windows.

If you don't believe me look here -->Elder Geek

Yeah you're right, format/partition first, then copy files, then all the rest.

Burnsy