Windows 7 32 bit upgrade to 64 bit ?

tr1cky · 31 Aug 2010 at 15:39

Hey guys, basically I am updating my hard ware and need to get hold of a copy of 64 bit windows 7. I already have purchased a student copy of windows pro 7 32 bit. I was wondering if there is a way to merely upgrade the 32 bit version I already have? I can't really afford to buy a hole new copy for 120 quid. Also; whats the difference between professional and ultimate? Will professional be enough for me?

Many thanks

linktoinsanity · 31 Aug 2010 at 15:43

If you can get hold of a 64 bit DVD then the license key should work on both 32 bit and 64 bit anyway. Obviously you'll need to do a reinstall rather than an upgrade.

Not sure on the legallity however. Maybe someone else can say whether it is legal or not?

tr1cky · 31 Aug 2010 at 15:53

Hmm yeah that could be a good point actually.

If anyone else can confirm this, much appreciated.

theheyes · 31 Aug 2010 at 16:01

What hardware are you updating?

ShakenNstirred · 31 Aug 2010 at 16:01

LinktoInsanity said:
If you can get hold of a 64 bit DVD then the license key should work on both 32 bit and 64 bit anyway. Obviously you'll need to do a reinstall rather than an upgrade.

Not sure on the legallity however. Maybe someone else can say whether it is legal or not?

you cant upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit anyway so its a reinstall

NeoVo · 31 Aug 2010 at 16:04

I've installed Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit on a laptop in the past with a 32 Bit key and it activated fine.

tr1cky · 31 Aug 2010 at 16:07

NeoVo said:
I've installed Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit on a laptop in the past with a 32 Bit key and it activated fine.

Ok good to know, I will try and get a copy of 64 bit then and try it this way!

What hardware are you updating?

CPU, memory, motherboard - basically a whole new system that will be having more than my current 2gb ram

Meatball · 31 Aug 2010 at 18:19

When you purchase Windows Vista/Windows 7 you're entitled to use either 32bit or 64bit. The licence keys work with both versions and you'll still be fully licensed.

madindehead · 31 Aug 2010 at 18:49

As it's a student upgrade, I don't think you are allowed to use the key to install 64-bit.

But I'm not totally sure. If it was full retail, then it would be ok.

Meatball · 31 Aug 2010 at 18:51

madindehead said:
As it's a student upgrade, I don't think you are allowed to use the key to install 64-bit.

But I'm not totally sure. If it was full retail, then it would be ok.

License keys are not 64Bit/32bit specific, they cover you for both. My laptop came with a Windows 7 32Bit upgrade however I used my 64Bit media and it was fine.

OP: You'll be 100% fine and license legal using 64bit Windows with your key

.

theheyes · 31 Aug 2010 at 19:02

Correct me if I'm wrong but we seem to be missing the point a little bit.

As far as I know the student offer is for the Upgrade version, which needs a qualifying existing OS. If you're changing the motherboard you'll have to buy a new OS license to upgrade from since it's a new computer.

Hagar · 31 Aug 2010 at 22:52

theheyes said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but we seem to be missing the point a little bit.

As far as I know the student offer is for the Upgrade version, which needs a qualifying existing OS. If you're changing the motherboard you'll have to buy a new OS license to upgrade from since it's a new computer.

Agreed +

tr1cky · 1 Sep 2010 at 00:52

Um Im not sure if it is an upgrade version I cant remember what I did now when I bought it, was back in March I think. Ill check and see if I can find out what kinda version it is.

Edit: Yes it is the upgrade version, I cant remember what original OS I had on this computer! Must be a copy of windows xp lying around. So this means if I download a upgrade version of 64 bit and use my key code I will be able to install?