Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

I currently own two versions of Windows Vista Ultimate, an x86 and x64. Having done a complete format of my system two days ago, I decided to get over my phobia and install Vista instead of my good ol' XP.

Where does the fun come in? I accidentally installed the wrong one. Instead of 64, i ended up with a 32 bit operating system and did not realize this for about two days.

Having spent all of yesterday restoring my computer to it's previous glory, looking for drivers, options, software e.t.c... It really pains me to have to reinstall the system again.

The reason I want a 64 bit operating system is simple: RAM. Right now I'm only using 4GB, however my Photoshop CS3 has been complaining about being short on memory in recent days, as I move into working with larger images and more sophisticated plugins - I planned on upgrading to six or perhaps eight GB of memory, something only a 64bit system can offer.

In short, any fun fun secret way to perform an action similar to an "upgrade" and change my system to a 64bit, from a 32?

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

The way I see it, there's no real reason not to install a 64-bit version of Windows if your hardware has drivers for it and you don't use old (read: ancient) 16-bit applications, even if you don't have more than 3GB of RAM.

My laptop, for example, came with 2GB of RAM, but I opted to get Vista Home Premium 64-bit instead of 32-bit anyway. There's really nothing to lose. And it made it a pretty seamless transition when I bought a 2x2GB RAM kit and installed it.

And congratulations on joining the future. :D (Just in time for the release of Windows 7 =p)

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

Oh yes, I understand that. The question is: How do I make that happen without having to do a complete memory wipe?

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

You dont. A reformat must happen

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

I'm not sure if using a hard drive cloner will work because of the difference in operating system, but it might be worth a try if for nothing else than to save you two days' worth of work. Otherwise, I'm not sure it's possible to switch a 32-bit version to 64-bit, so knuckle down to it, I guess.

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

I did a switch to 32bit (home premium) to 64bit (ultimate) without getting my data erased. Just pop in the disc and choose upgrade instead of reformat. That's what I did and it kept all my programs and documents in the windows.old folder.

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

I had to do a complete reformat going from Home Premium 32 to 64 bit. The "upgrade" option was grayed out.

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

Hmm, weird. Maybe because you went HP 32 bit to HP 64 while I went to ultimate? I dunno, I know I definitely selected upgrade since it kept my files from 32bit in windows.old. That does suck though, glad I didn't have to reformat :D

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

That strikes me as very odd.

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

It makes sense actually. Windows would see Home Premium to Home Premium (regardless of version) as a reinstall, but HP to Ultimate as an upgrade. Why they don't include x86/x64 swap-overs in this I don't know, but that's the only reasoning I can think of.

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but does HP even come in 64bit? Or was it basic that didn't...
I'm fairly certain one or two of the Vista installs didn't come in 64bit

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

Nope, both Home Premium and Ultimate come in x64. (I'm using HP x64 right now)

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

I knew Ultimate did...I used to run it, but didn't know HP did.
Ohwell.

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

For once Microsoft tech support comes in handy.

To answer your question:

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

I'm using Home Premium 64-bit as well. All editions have 64-bit versions, if I'm not mistaken.

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

Even the Starter Edition. :P

I think the reason Microsoft does not offer a 64-bit switchover, is because some copies of Windows Vista are only licensed for 32-bit, or 64-bit. Requiring the purchase of a 64-bit copy.

That, and that the CDs seem to be universal. Or at least the Ultimate CDs have all versions (even the Euro, and Starter versions) on the disc.

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

Yeah I think it just installs some modules or something.

But honestly there's no reason not to get x64.
I can't believe they aren't going with only x64 for win seven.

And I thought home basic only came in x32?

Re: Windows Vista x86 to x64?
 

That still exists? =p
The license keys are interchangeable between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the same edition, e.g. you can use a license key from Home Premium 32-bit to install Home Premium 64-bit. All of the current generation Windows operating systems work like that (Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7). The previous generations (XP Home and Professional, Server 2003) were different; 32-bit and 64-bit edition license keys were incompatible.