Ace of Spades

Ok i have a 32bit Business key but want to try out 64bit Home Premium and up.
Would i be able to use my business key on a 64bit version or will i have to do the upgrade on microsofts site?

Also would it be advised? I only have 100gb on my Laptop and i have programs like UGS NX4 which barely works on Vista 32bit, so im thinking i would also need another partition.
Is it worth it?

I was thinking maye XP 32bit SP3 and Vista 64bit
What are your suggestions

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ENTERPRISE

You would not be able to use that CD Key for Windows Vista 64. You would need to purchase a new license from what I understand mate

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stanrc

i'm pretty sure you need a new license. i've heard that if you want to go from 32bit to 64bit of the same version, then its only like 10 or something

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APOLLOSTEES

This is true, it's relatively inexpensive. But, only with the retail version.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...a/default.mspx

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murcielago585

Your 32-bit Business key will work if you install business 64-bit. It will not work if you try to install your 32-bit key in x64 home premium though. There is nothing to distinguish between 32 and 64 bit in the cd key but the version of vista needs to be the same or it will nto work.

So if you happen to get your hands on the Business x64 dvd, your 32-bit key will work, both OEM and Retail. You might have have to call microsoft if the online activation doesn;t work, but I have to do this anytime i reformat vist anyways but basicly you will talk to an indian man/lady and give them the numbers vista gives you and then input the ones they give you and all is well.

EDIT: It might not be worth it for you to go 64-bit, it does use a little more ram, but if you are going to 4gb anytime soon, you should definately go x64. Right now I have XP 32-bit with Vista HP x64 and its a great setup, i highyl recommend it if you have 4GB of ram.

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edeekeos

I installed a 64bit retail copy of vista ultimate borrowed from a pal, and used his original 64bit ultimate key at installation, then in windows, i changed the key to MY 32bit retail which i bought, and everything worked perfectly, activated fine.

now im running on 64bit ultimate, fully working and activated.

Retrospekt

Vista Ultimate has a different licensing scheme, where the same key will install x86 and x86-64 versions.

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cbosdell

Your key will work for either version.

You can purchase a 64bit dvd from microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...a/default.mspx and you keep the same key.

I did that with Business and it's the same with Home Premium or Home Basic too I believe.

APOLLOSTEES

This is definitely true. I just did it, but, it can be a hassle. That's why I recommended the link.

You'll get the 64bit media, and Vista will have no issues activating. But, as the link describes this only works with Retail Versions.

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R3ap3R

See also the activation bypass section of my guide, via my sig. Also see my guide for how to just use an upgrade disk to do a clean install, and how to just plain make everything better. Very useful.