Win 7 64bit

Hello,

I already use Windows 7 Professional 32 bit, but with my new computer coming I'd like to move to the 64bit version. Does anyone know if this is possible without me buying a completely new copy of the OS? The version i have was a digital download, so I have no 64 bit disc to install. If it turns out that I do have to buy a new copy, is it worth it for 64 bit?

Lastly, how effective are, ahem, less legitimate copies of Windows? Are Microsoft too vigilant on piracy to make it worth the hassle?

hello there

to my knowledge you have to install from scratch, i have just gone from the beta to professional and had to do it, it does do the old creating and old windows folder with all your old files in.

i wouldn't bother with dodgy copies anymore as it will be more hassle than its worth :[

Originally Posted by Darth Gazak

Hello,

I already use Windows 7 Professional 32 bit, but with my new computer coming I'd like to move to the 64bit version. Does anyone know if this is possible without me buying a completely new copy of the OS? The version i have was a digital download, so I have no 64 bit disc to install. If it turns out that I do have to buy a new copy, is it worth it for 64 bit?

Lastly, how effective are, ahem, less legitimate copies of Windows? Are Microsoft too vigilant on piracy to make it worth the hassle?

64-bit and 32-bit use the same PIDs (Cd-keys). If you use a pirated copy you run a much higher risk of being hijacked/rootkited/zombied. Thats a risk anyways, but unless you keep the system patched you are asking for it.

I have no problem with a clean install; I'd prefer to do that, considering the computer in question is brand new. I have a 32bit PID and a registered Win7 32 bit, completely legit and purchased off the Microsoft website. Dragon, would I be able to install Win 7 64 bit and use the same key to activate it? The problem is getting a hold of the 64 bit version, I think it would have to be torrented because I don't have the installation disc.

If only i could contact Microsoft, but all their help is useless online garbage. I need to email a human, not look at a FAQ on their website!

Perhaps this is much ado about nothing (love that phrase) I'm only using 4gb RAM and I do no graphic or video editing, so i don't think i even use 64 bit native applications.

Another question, however: I have a 1gb HD 5770, will this reduce my visible/usable RAM to less than 3gb? If so, it seems a waste to spend 90 quid on 4gb fast DDR3 and not get the use of it, so i'd definitely be moving to a 64 bit OS. Does anyone here have 'a close friend' who effectively uses an illegitimate version of Windows?

Thanks for all your help.

Originally Posted by Darth Gazak

I have no problem with a clean install; I'd prefer to do that, considering the computer in question is brand new. I have a 32bit PID and a registered Win7 32 bit, completely legit and purchased off the Microsoft website. Dragon, would I be able to install Win 7 64 bit and use the same key to activate it? The problem is getting a hold of the 64 bit version, I think it would have to be torrented because I don't have the installation disc.

If only i could contact Microsoft, but all their help is useless online garbage. I need to email a human, not look at a FAQ on their website!

Perhaps this is much ado about nothing (love that phrase) I'm only using 4gb RAM and I do no graphic or video editing, so i don't think i even use 64 bit native applications.

Another question, however: I have a 1gb HD 5770, will this reduce my visible/usable RAM to less than 3gb? If so, it seems a waste to spend 90 quid on 4gb fast DDR3 and not get the use of it, so i'd definitely be moving to a 64 bit OS. Does anyone here have 'a close friend' who effectively uses an illegitimate version of Windows?

Thanks for all your help.

video card doesnt matter. Win7 32 is more compatible with most programs, 64 bit still can have issues. 64 bit is like buying a Porsche, looks great, runs great, goes real fast, but you are still limited to the speed limit....so is it worth it? Also if you ever want to upgrade your memory you cant with 32-bit. I am pretty sure if you torrent the 64-bit iso the 32 pid will work and be legitimate. Also you should be able to activate your PID at least 2 times, sometimes 3, and if you need more you just contact MS for more. If you had a rapidshare account i would help you with the ISO, but i dont do torrents. make sure whatever you get is the same version as your 32bit (i.e. ultimate, etc.)

Okay, I'm gonna go with my 32 bit version at first too see how much of my RAM is visible to Windows. If it's less than 3gb, then I'll download the professional 64bit version and give that a go. Unfortunately I don't have a rapidshare account, and i believe that Talk Talk has started blocking rapidshare (which I'm not at all happy about, but that's another story) so It'll have to be a torrent or another site for me. Shouldn't be too difficult to aquire, though. Thanks for your input!

When you buy a retail copy you get both 32bit and 64bit media which both use the same key. Can you login to the place where you got your digital and see if there is an option to download the 64bit version?

I tried, but the file is gone. I've pretty much given up on the 64 bit version, now I'm attempting to move my exising Windows 7 32 bit from my laptop hard drive to my new hard drive. I copied the windows 7 partition image onto a portable HDD and tried to boot from it on my new computer, to no avail. I've got a few more ideas though, I'll give them a bash when i get home from uni today.

Originally Posted by Darth Gazak

now I'm attempting to move my exising Windows 7 32 bit from my laptop hard drive to my new hard drive. I copied the windows 7 partition image onto a portable HDD and tried to boot from it on my new computer, to no avail.

Not gonna happen as you need to actually install Windows to your hard drive, plus you need all the drive letters and registry shizzle to match up which it wouldn't.

If you want to use your existing 32-bit PID then download a torrent of it in the same version that you currently have (Home, Pro or Ultimate). Good torrent sites I know of are Mininova, IsoHunt and ThePirateBay.

If you really want a 64-bit disc for your computer, I would be perfectly happy to whack one on a disc and post it to you for free - just let me know which version you need. I'll make sure it's a legit, untampered copy, so no worries there.

If you end up buying my cooler I can stick a copy of the 64bit DVD in with it.