Re: Upgrading to 64-bit Vista
Careful... you're liable to make some people go into frantic convulsions
using the word "upgrade" and 64-bit in the same sentence.
Basically, the conversion from 32-bit to 64-bit is a clean install.
There are no "direct" paths to "upgrade" and MS made this one of the most
difficult adventures out there unless you purchased the full version of
Vista.
Heed the phrase: "64-bit is not for everyone."
Your current product key is good for both 32-bit and 64-bit, but you can
only have one of the two installed with one key.
Your worst option:
Upgrading to Business or Ultimate down the road using Windows Anytime
Upgrade.
It will require you to install XP Pro, then 64-bit Home Premium, then
Ultimate. (A real pain.)
If you think you will ever move up to Ultimate, just buy it: Upgrade or
Full version.
I can tell you lots of stories on this if you really want to hear it.
So, depending on whether you have a full version of Home Premium or an
upgrade version:
Upgrade disk:
First you have to purchase the "alternate media" disk from MS for $7 -
$10.
You will have to wipe Vista HP from your hard drive, re-install XP Pro
SP2 and then "upgrade" (clean install) Vista HP 64-bit.
Note: XP Pro will not need to be activated, so it doesn't matter if
you've "killed" the license at some point.
Full version:
First you have to purchase the "alternate media" disk from MS for $7 -
$10.
Then you can clean install Vista HP 64-bit.
How to get the alternate media:
Go to microsoft.com and type alternate media in the search box.
Or go here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/2057/ordermedia/default.mspx
Installation instructions:
A good review of this article is important:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932795/
While most will warn you that you should check that all your hardware is
supported by x64, Vista is very robust in the area. The hard part is
installation. Once installed, it runs better (IMO) than 32-bit.
"Phosphonothioic" <Phosphonothioic@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
message news:2FFD5E24-5921-48C8-B58A-5B0B02543E04@microsoft.com...
>I currently have 32-bit Home Premium. I'm just wondering what my options
>are
> for upgrading to a 64-bit version of either Home Premium or Ultimate. Any
> and all information would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks!