Im puzzled!!

ChrisLandin · 28 Oct 2009 at 21:07

Hi all. I run Vista premium 64 bit and I bought a new motherboard off the famous auction site the other day and it came with a genuine copy of Vista Ultimate 32bit. What is the difference with these 2 operating systems please? Am I better of installing ultimate over my premium version?

Many thanks

Dark_Angel · 28 Oct 2009 at 21:21

32 bit doesn't allow you to use as much memory, typically it's a little slower too. (there is other stuff, but suffice to say 64 bit is just better, so won't bore you with lots of details).

If it were me, I would stick with the 64 bit. *BUT* if your current premium is OEM, technically it's linked to your old motherboard. So while it would work with your new MB, it wouldn't be legal.

Though if it's retail, stick with the Premium 64.

asim18 · 28 Oct 2009 at 21:22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista_editions#Comparison_chart

Do you really-really need any of the features of ultimate?

If not stick with 64-bit premium.

Daegan · 28 Oct 2009 at 21:28

Is the copy of Vista Ultimate an OEM version tied to the motherboard you bought? If so you may as well use that license once the rig is built.

You can install Vista Ultimate x64 using the disk you used to install Home Premium x64. Just skip entering the product key in Windows Setup and it'll ask you to choose the edition. Choose Ultimate and you can activate it with the Ultimate product key once the install is complete.

ChrisLandin · 29 Oct 2009 at 20:17

Yea its OEM, what does that mean exactly? My version of premium is OEM too. Will I still be able to do what you suggest Daegan?

theheyes · 29 Oct 2009 at 21:10

Your version of Premium is tied to your motherboard and is non-transferable, which is why the seller is bundling it with his motherboard.

ChrisLandin · 30 Oct 2009 at 06:05

Is there any way of making vista untied from the motherboard? Only reason for this is that my mobo died and ive replaced it with another one obviously. So therefore it seems unfair to have to buy vista again just because my hardware died!!

Stelly · 30 Oct 2009 at 06:48

ChrisLandin said:
Is there any way of making vista untied from the motherboard? Only reason for this is that my mobo died and ive replaced it with another one obviously. So therefore it seems unfair to have to buy vista again just because my hardware died!!

I dont think so, the OS makes a unique coded key somewhere on the OS, just call MS and explain thats what I do, they are normally ok about these things

Stelly

ChrisLandin · 30 Oct 2009 at 17:19

Cheers Stelly. Will try that. Ta

ChrisLandin · 2 Nov 2009 at 15:24

Daegan, your a full on legend mate!! Thanks for the advice. I now have a fully working and updated version of vista ultimate 64bit just from using your advice. Top fella. Ta