Karasu

Alright, so I have a retail copy of Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 32-bit version lying around unused. I plan on using vista for my new rig, but first I was wondering....

If I install this 32-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium, would it be possible to upgrade to the 64-bit edition without wiping the computer in the future? Or would I have to wipe it to install the 64-bit version?

Search is down so I can't really see if this has been posted before and I didn't see anything about it so let me know if this is a repeated question.

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Polska

Sorry you have to format. Installer may be able to backup your old data (Windows.old folder maybe, can anyone confirm), but you cannot just do an update.

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Asus Mobile

I think you must wipe? I could be wrong but believe I read exactly that. The fundementals are so different 32/64 can't just "upgrade".

From MS:

No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

For detailed information about installing and upgrading 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, go to Installation choices for Windows Vista (32-bit) or Installation choices for Windows Vista (64-bit) online.

If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, back up your files and perform a clean installation of the 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

link.

phillipjos

When you get to the partition part just hit format to wipe it out i believe or you will have an old windows in your computer.

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Karasu

Mreh, I thought that might be the case but I wasn't sure. That's quite a bummer. Guess I'll just have to backup important files then and wipe it. :P Thanks a lot, I appreciate the input.

Sounds like the 250GB external will be getting some use again soon

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huntman21014

If you have retail 32Bit you can request a 64BIT version for free from Microsoft, just install the 64bit now and save yourself the hassle of a format. That is unless you don't plan on doing the 64bit upgrade until WIN7 Retail is out and grab WIN7 X64 then

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Z_Vengeance

Cant you borrow a 64bit disk from a friend and use the CD key from your 32 bit disk? I was under the impression that microsoft let you do that.