error10

I dunno. But my guess it's something to do with it being OEM vs. retail. Maybe it's to discourage people who don't really NEED a disc. Maybe it's because they just threw in 32 and 64 bit DVDs plus CD media. I guess I'm going to have to order one myself and look at it when it arrives. I've been holding off because I don't really need it.

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FLY1NGSQU1RR3L

Some Facts about Microsoft Windows Vista OEM Licensing:

Clarification 1: Pirating is bad. However, before you assume you are pirating, make sure you understand what is already included in the license you own. If you have a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, you are entitled to activating a 64-bit install of Windows Vista, with the caveat Microsoft intended you to run one or the other, not both at the same time (not going to comment directly if they actually enforce that distinction or not). If you have access to a 64-bit Ultimate DVD and use that to install and feed it your legitimate product key, that is one way to get 64-bit installed and activated on your PC that has a genuine 32-bit Windows Vista license today. The 64-bit DVD comes bundled with the Windows Vista Ultimate retail box FYI, with only one product key.

Clarification 2: Windows is licensed differently, for OEM vs. Retail, with different product keys. However, the media is identical if unmodified by the OEM and will accept product keys from either. So if you can get your hands on the media, have a Genuine license of Windows Vista, and aren't expecting OEM support if you install anything other than their official recovery solution, it's fairly easy to get to 64-bit as the OP points out. However, I'm just giving some data so that the impression isn't MS requires users to pay additional $$$ to run 64-bit vs. 32-bit. The costs are 100% about the media and support.

1. Fact: There is only one license for both 32-bit and 64-bit. OEMs in the commercial space routinely ship systems with both 32-bit and 64-bit images preinstalled, prompting the user on first-boot which one they want. The license requires that they only leave one or the other on the system once the choice is made, but I'm sharing this just to reinforce the fact that there is no licensing fee barrier to getting a copy of 64-bit when you already have a license for 32-bit versions of Windows Vista. This will be irrelevant soon anyway since many OEMs in Consumer segments are defaulting to 64-bit for obvious reasons.
   
   
2. Fact: OEMs can provide 64-bit media to 32-bit customers, in some cases. If you purchased a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, preinstalled by a major OEM, the OEM may send you a 64-bit version of the Recovery DVD if you call them to request it. They will likely charge you a recovery DVD replacement fee and/or shipping + handling + material costs. This is generally a decision by the OEM based upon the type of machine you purchased (how old, if it's supported for 64-bit for your market segment, etc). Don't expect they will always have a DVD for you, but it never hurts to ask
   
   
3. Fact: All Windows Vista product keys work on 32-bit and 64-bit equally. Windows Vista Product Keys are SKU-dependent only, but language and processor architecture agnostic. If you have a product key that works on a 32-bit version of Windows Vista, it will work equally well on a 64-bit version.
   
   
4. Fact: Most PCs from the larger OEMs (HP, Dell, etc) are OEM-Activated. This means they are pre-activated in the factory using a combination of things in the BIOS and in the preloaded SW image. You cannot legally transfer this to a clean install of Windows Vista (e.g. installing 64-bit when you received 32-bit) unless you get it as part of a recovery DVD (see recommendation 1 above). You can, however, preserve it if you have the base OEM image you want: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
   
   
   
5. Fact: The product key on the COA cannot be used by the major OEMs. However, since the machine was pre-activated in the factory, this also means that the product key printed on the COA for that PC was never intended to be used for Activation, except in the case of an Override (e.g. you intentionally or unintentionally wiped out the OEM preinstall and lost OEM Activation state). Don't get discouraged there - if activation fails after clean installing 64-bit on the PC which has the matching COA attached, calling a Microsoft product activation center and explaining your situation (you bought a PC with 32-bit, got a 64-bit recovery fulfilled by your OEM, and had to clean install) will often result in success as well.

steve00ses

Well i bought my laptop off dell outlet and it has vista 32bit business currently installed. I tried both sites but neither worked. What are my options now?

FLY1NGSQU1RR3L

Call Dell support and specifically ask them if they'll provide you the 64-bit Recovery DVD for your machine. See what they say. It's up to them what they want to provide, but they might have an option for you.

error10

For the retail site you have to put in your product key. For OEM, you have to put in the COA number instead. It's the one that's under one of the barcodes, and consists of all numbers, like 00000-000-000-000. Should work fine; it worked with the one on the bottom of my Acer laptop as soon as I put in the right number.

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GivingHope

Wow!!

I can finally upgrade to x64 legally

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steve00ses

Ohhh will try that thanks...sry im slow

steve00ses

Okay so at checkout all it let me buy was the "End User Media Replacement CD" thats the one i needed correct?

I mean i can always send it back, but when i clicked on downgrade/upgrade, and put vista business32bit as my cd software installed. I do everything correct? lol cause i paid so that went through

error10

Yep that's the one! They're not very specific on the description but you'll get the right media.

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error10

I just got an email from Microsoft about my order:

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in the Microsoft System Builder Component Replacement Program. This is a confirmation email to advise that your order for Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate has been received and is currently being processed.

At this time the part you requested is currently on back-order status. We will provide you with the status of your order within the next two weeks. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.

For additional information on Microsoft System Builder Component Replacement Program, please visit: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/326246

If we may be of further assistance, please reply to this email and reference order id number 1001622005. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. Thank you for choosing Microsoft.

Thank you,

Microsoft System Builder Component Replacement Team

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The Ice Stone has melted!

I did error10's Windows Challenge and I now am an MCSE: Minesweeper Consultant and Solitaire Expert!