locked
Switching From Vista 32 bit to Vista 64 bit? RRS feed

 > 

  • Question

  • Question
    Sign in to vote
    0
    Sign in to vote
    I received a free Vista 32-bit Ultimate key and disc from a Microsoft event, which I installed and activated.  I also have a Vista 64-bit disc.

    I heard that the keys are interchangeable between the 32-bit and 64-bit discs (can anyone confirm this?), so could I use the Ultimate key and the 64-bit disc to install Vista 64-bit Ultimate in place of my existing Vista 32-bit Ultimate, and would I run into any problems with activation?

    Thank you.
    Saturday, January 10, 2009 2:43 AM

Answers

  • Question
    Sign in to vote
    0
    Sign in to vote

    Hi Jeff032,

    As far as i know Windows Vista keys between x86(32 bit) and x64 are different unlike Windows Server 2008 which shares a common key for both versions.

    Akfash Latibu
    http://akfash.wordpress.com
    http://techdbt.blogspot.com
    http://techdisti.blogspot.com

    • Marked as answer by Anthony_Mann Monday, May 11, 2009 2:50 AM
    Saturday, January 10, 2009 5:35 PM
  • Question
    Sign in to vote
    0
    Sign in to vote
    Worng ? Thats Not  true, i have Windows Vista Untimate x64 and X32 and i have used the same product key to install one or the other but only on one computer. Example 1 day i wanted to install 32 bit and the next day reformated  and installed Vista 64x.. funny this is i have the Retail copy Versions
    from the store that came with 64 bit and 32 bit. and the sad thing it also works in the OEM Version also
    • Marked as answer by Jeff032 Friday, June 19, 2009 8:58 PM
    Friday, June 19, 2009 6:47 PM

All replies

  • Question
    Sign in to vote
    0
    Sign in to vote

    Hi Jeff032,

    As far as i know Windows Vista keys between x86(32 bit) and x64 are different unlike Windows Server 2008 which shares a common key for both versions.

    Akfash Latibu
    http://akfash.wordpress.com
    http://techdbt.blogspot.com
    http://techdisti.blogspot.com

    • Marked as answer by Anthony_Mann Monday, May 11, 2009 2:50 AM
    Saturday, January 10, 2009 5:35 PM
  • Question
    Sign in to vote
    0
    Sign in to vote
    Yes, you cannot upgrade or interchange keys. This Windows Help link supplies the information you need.
    Windows Client IT Pro Audience Manager for Web Forums, Windows Client Forum Owner
    Monday, May 11, 2009 2:50 AM
  • Question
    Sign in to vote
    0
    Sign in to vote
    Worng ? Thats Not  true, i have Windows Vista Untimate x64 and X32 and i have used the same product key to install one or the other but only on one computer. Example 1 day i wanted to install 32 bit and the next day reformated  and installed Vista 64x.. funny this is i have the Retail copy Versions
    from the store that came with 64 bit and 32 bit. and the sad thing it also works in the OEM Version also
    • Marked as answer by Jeff032 Friday, June 19, 2009 8:58 PM
    Friday, June 19, 2009 6:47 PM
  • Question
    Sign in to vote
    0
    Sign in to vote

    one thing i wanted to add to this " it would be nice to allow 2 computers use the same product key"
    meaning if you pay so much money for retail i think you she be able to install it on another computer Only. Most house holds have 1 to 2 computers in there home. Maybe a notebook or a backup computer and some people are not going to spend another 400.00 on a Server software just for there home.,...Second its time to get out of the colset with X64 and Move on. Personally 64 bit runs fare more stable then 32. even though Vista 64 is intergrated with 32. The Technolgies is here its just Programers being lazy to wright 64 code.


    "Remember 16bit and pushing 32bit within 2 years"

    Saturday, June 20, 2009 2:19 PM
  • Question
    Sign in to vote
    0
    Sign in to vote
    Yes, you can switch from Windows Vista 32-bit to Windows Vista 64-bit.

    In fact, the retail media for Windows Vista Ultimate includes both 32-bit and 64-bit software, which share the same product key. Windows Vista product keys do not care which architecture you use (32-bit vs 64-bit), the only care which edition you are trying to use them with (for instance, a product key which shipped with Windows Vista Ultimate will not work on Windows Vista Home Premium).

    The only thing is you can not perform an actual upgrade of the software from 32-bit to 64-bit, you will need to back up your files and perform a custom installation and format the partition you wish to install 64-bit Windows on.
    Kristan M. Kenney ("Nighthawk64")
    My Blog: http://blog.kristankenney.com
    • Proposed as answer by _null____ Saturday, June 20, 2009 7:35 PM
    Saturday, June 20, 2009 7:34 PM