ARGH! 64-bit anger
So... I have a legit copy of 32 bit Windows Vista Home Premium... It's an OEM that came with my mobo and processor. I want/need the 64 bit version, since I have 4 gb of ram going into this machine. Microsoft won't let me order the 64 bit version upgrade.
What to do?
1) I don't want to pirate. I'm done with that.
2) Please don't turn this into a Vista bashing moment.
3) Please don't turn it into a Microsoft bashing moment.
I'm tired and angered. This has been one hurdle too many involved with this machine, and I just want a solution to my problem. Does anyone know how I can upgrade an OEM Vista disc to 64 bit?
Incidentally, if anyone would like to trade me a legit 64 bit vista home premium disc for my 32, or knows of a cheap way I can obtain one, I'd be ecstatic.
Thanks,
Randall
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Syndicate
You've got options, but some
You've got options, but some you might hesitate to use.
On 32-bit Windows, you can disable Physical Address Extension at boot-time, and this will allow your 4GB of RAM. Trouble is, it might cause instability with some applications. Any application will be limited to 3GB address space (Kernel is in the upper 1GB) - that includes in Video RAM as well. I wouldn't touch this one with a 10-foot pole, but to each their own.
There is no way to upgrade to 64-bit Vista. You have a 32-bit license. You'll need to buy a new 64-bit license. Vista Home Premium is $150 on Tigerdirect.
If you don't need DX10 (who does?), and don't want to spend any cash, download Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise x64 off MSDN. It's basically XP with server capabilities, though none are installed by default. Be advised, you cannot upgrade to Vista with a server license. Note that DirectX Video and Sound acceleration is available (i.e. DX is installed) but disabled by default. Enabling it is trivial.
Hope this helps.
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Jordan Kapp
Second Year - BAH/CIS
Canadian Forces Regular Officer - Aerospace Control Officer
I have successfully used 32
I have successfully used 32 bit keys for Vista from MSDNA on 64 bit installs. It wouldn't surprise me if Vista in general is 32/64 agnostic, and only cares about the specific feature set you activate. MS used to have a online program where if you bought a 32 bit copy you could be cheaply sent a 64 bit version, and I belive they didn't send you a new key.
In your case, the real issue will be the fact that you have an OEM copy. In those cases, often the 'key' on the bottom sticker doesn't actually work, and your CD is pre-activated when you reimage the drive.
Why can't you just use one of your keys from MSDNA?
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Andrew
I'll try the MSDN key. I
I'll try the MSDN key. I already own Home premium 32 bit, it was sent as part of a package, and I was kind of geared on the features home premium has. I'll settle for business. Hopefully that works for me.
Randall Roberts
SOCIS President