Info: Got 32 bit OEM by mistake? You CAN get 64 bit OEM! - Overclock.net

error10 · 11-11-08

And it's legal, too!

Retail

If you have a retail or an upgrade version of Windows Vista, go here and put in your Product Key. Cost is $10 shipped.

Most OEM keys won't work with the above retail site, but you can try it. If yours doesn't work, see below.

OEM

How to get your disc:

One of the valid reasons for media replacement is: Upgrade/downgrade from 32/64-bit Windows Choose this option when visiting the sites below.
You need to put in the COA number, NOT the product key!
You do NOT need to put in the name of your computer manufacturer.

Now the unfortunate part is it costs $30 shipped (in the US). But at least there is a (relatively inexpensive) legal option for 32-bit Windows OEM users to get their 64-bit discs!

You will need a major credit or debit card to complete the purchase. (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) Which cards are accepted may vary by country.

United States/Canada

Visit this site, where all SB OEM keys are accepted, and see the hints above to ensure your order goes smoothly.

Media Replacement for End Users of System Builders

Worldwide

For other countries, check the list here and select your region.

Still didn't work?

If you tried to use a COA number from a royalty OEM (e.g. Delll, HP, etc.) then the above sites probably won't work for you. In this case you need to contact the system manufacturer directly to obtain 64-bit media. Some will provide it for you and some won't.

-iceblade^ · 11-11-08

you're going to get a lot more rep for this, you DO know that, right?

Danylu · 11-11-08

Nice.

error10 · 11-11-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by -iceblade^

you're going to get a lot more rep for this, you DO know that, right?

Maybe. So far I haven't. I was actually looking for something else when I stumbled across this so I figured I would post it.

ericeod · 11-11-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by error10

Maybe. So far I haven't. I was actually looking for something else when I stumbled across this so I figured I would post it.

Thats because it is a repost lol (just giving you a hard time, I still rep+ you for it in another thread)

So it is different as you get a license for OEM. Here is the link so people can get more info from this thread:
Vista 32 owners can upgrade to 64 for $10 shipping

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericeod

If you ordered a retail or upgrade version of Vista 32, you can order the "Alternate Vista Media". Microsoft will let you purchase the 64 bit version for $10 if you already have Vista 32. I just went to the link and followed the directions and it only took 5 minutes. I've switched to Vista 64 already. Best of all, I got my new Vista 64 Home Premium DVD from Microsoft in less then a week!

Edit Dec 09, 2007: I just wanted to let everyone know that the ImagineCup08 Vista Business 32 bit free download is eligable for this upgrade to the 64 bit version!

error10 · 11-11-08

That's the link for retail versions of Vista. I posted the link for alternate media for OEM versions.

ericeod · 11-11-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by error10

That's the link for retail versions of Vista. I posted the link for alternate media for OEM versions.

Yeah, I was looking through your link and updated the above post. BTW, the OEM license keys sold by newegg were working, just not the Dell/HP type OEMs.

error10 · 11-11-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericeod

Yeah, I was looking through your link and updated the above post. BTW, the OEM license keys sold by newegg were working, just not the Dell/HP type OEMs.

Interesting. Mine didn't work the last time I tried it a few days ago. I just tried to do it again but the site's apparently down. I'll check it later.

Edit: The OEM link I posted seems to work with royalty OEM computers (Dell/HP/etc; I just tried it with an Acer laptop).

Edit 2: I rewrote the OP to incorporate your info.