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Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

gleneagles
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Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

This partly links to my earlier question about insufficient RAM but have started a new topic as the question is different.
If you wish to move from Windows 7 (32) to (64) will you lose everything (ie. existing files) Also is it advisable to do this or is it better starting from scratch and reformatting your hard drive before before trying to install 64.
Finally what is the easiest way to format a drive which has a current operating system running as format is usually blanked out on the system drive ?
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12 REPLIES 12
VileReynard
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Why not ask "can I dual boot Windows 32 & 64"?

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HPsauce
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

I think to do that you need 2 Windows 7 licenses.  Cry
Oldjim
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Last question first - no you can't dual boot without buying two licenses.
Regarding data - you should move the whole lot to a separate partition
Regarding installed programs - you will need to reinstall them
There is no upgrade option from 32 bit to 64 bit so I think that the widows install will wipe everything from that partition whether or not you select the reformat option
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-windows-frequently-asked-questions
gleneagles
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Oldjim,
Thanks for that, the link you gave me for microsoft explains the position in full .
Not sure why someone suggested a dual boot system unless it's because some things will not work in the 64 version that would work in the 32 bit.
I Did know you needed to purchase a second license for the 64 version, no wonder Bill is such a rich chap !
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severedsolo
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Funny thing  Smiley Although TECHNICALLY you need two licenses to dual boot, in actuality, alot of users report being able to use the same license on 32 and 64 bit editions in a dual boot, because it see's it as a Reinstall on the same machine.
The actual license is good for that edition on your PC, it doesnt care whether its 32 or 64 bit, the things it checks are:
1. are you using the right edition? IE. Home Premium, Professional etc.
2. is it installed on the same computer? this is done by assigning a value to each component, if the total value is significantly changed the machine is viewed as a new machine, but a new motherboard is instantly a new computer.
In most cases activation will simply see that it is still the same edition, on the same machine and allow the validation. It all depends on how you feel about stretching the EULA a little bit
ReedRichards
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Quote from: severedsolo
In most cases activation will simply see that it is still the same edition, on the same machine and allow the validation. It all depends on how you feel about stretching the EULA a little bit

The EULA is totally explicit about either installing 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 7 (unfortunately).  So it really depends on how you feel about indulging in a little bit of software piracy.
Alex
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Quote from: severedsolo
Funny thing  Smiley Although TECHNICALLY you need two licenses to dual boot, in actuality, alot of users report being able to use the same license on 32 and 64 bit editions in a dual boot, because it see's it as a Reinstall on the same machine.
The actual license is good for that edition on your PC, it doesnt care whether its 32 or 64 bit, the things it checks are:

Sounds to me like the same Manufacturer OEM disc has been used between 32/64 bits, and in that case all it checks is the SLIC table in the BIOS. The OEM key and the fact the BIOS matches is enough to activate Windows itself without the user having to do anything.
VileReynard
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Actually, some - perhaps most(?) of the 64 bit code will be using a direct 32 bit port.
Bit of a cheek to ask you to pay twice for the same code.

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HPsauce
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Quote from: Alex
Sounds to me like the same Manufacturer OEM disc has been used between 32/64 bits

They are totally separate DVD's.
Strat
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Quote from: Windows
Alternative Versions. The software may include more than one version, such as 32-bit and 64-bit. You may install and use only one version at one time.

Pick your version here for the EULA.
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Alex
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

Quote from: HPsauce
Quote from: Alex
Sounds to me like the same Manufacturer OEM disc has been used between 32/64 bits

They are totally separate DVD's.

Sorry wasn't clear - I didn't mean the same disc, I meant a different disc but for the same OEM Smiley
ReedRichards
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Re: Move from Windows 7 (32) to (64)

If you buy a retail or an upgrade copy of Windows 7 you get two DVDs, one for 32-bit and one for 64-bit.  If you buy an OEM copy of Windows 7 you have to specify either the 32-bit or the 64-bit version, you don't get both.  If you buy a computer with an OEM copy of Windows 7 pre-installed you will be lucky if you get a disc of any sort (rather than having a piece of software nag you to create recovery discs).  But if you do get a disc it will be for the version of Windows 7 pre-installed, you won't have an option to change.