Hi all: I have checked with NewEgg, Amazon.com and Best Buy and no one seems to know whether the Upgrade version contains a 32 or 64-bit, or both O.S. dvd. NewEgg referred me to a toll-free number with Microsoft but that technician didn't know and he transferred me to the Microsoft Store rep and he didn't know if there was one or 2 disks included in the Upgrade version but "was sure it included both 32 &64-bit". When I asked if it was necessary to contact Microsoft and order the 64-bit dvd as was necessary with Vista HP Upgrade all he would say was both were included with the Win7 Upgrade version. However the Amazon.com acknowledgement email mentions the order was for "1 DVD". I don't think there is room for both O.S. versions on one dvd so how in the heck do I find out what I will get when I order 3 Win7 Upgrade versions? I can't understand why not one single retailer or even the Microsoft Store doesn't know what they are shipping?

The disk you purchase contains both the 32-bit version and 64-bit version. There is room for both versions on one DVD. A dual layer DVD has a capacity of 8.5GB which is more than enough to fit both versions on one disc. -Nick

Hi Nick FV: Thanks for the quick response! I have cd/dvd drives that read and write dual layer dvds and that would work fine for me. I am however surprised they would go to dual layer for the O.S. dvds. I suspect a lot of PCs that will be upgraded may not have dual-layer cd/dvd drives so I wouldn't have thought they would use dual-layer dvds for the O.S. My only concern is if there is only 1 dvd and it only contains 32-bit I don't want to have to pay an additional $16.00 or so to get the 64-bit dvd to support my PCs memory and wait again for that to come after receiving the original purchase of the O.S. I'll go with your response as being correct and order my 3 copies now (with fingers crossed).

As far as I know, all drives that read single layer DVDs will read dual layer DVDs. However, there are DVD writersthat don't work with dual-layer discs. For readers I think it's all the same. -Nick

Ahhhhhhh.........I didn't think about that. Thanks!

The disk you purchase contains both the 32-bit version and 64-bit version. There is room for both versions on one DVD. A dual layer DVD has a capacity of 8.5GB which is more than enough to fit both versions on one disc. -Nick Nick - Uh.. While you ARE quite correct in the fact that Windows 7 32 and 64 bit ISOs will fit convenently on one 8.5 DL DVD with room to spare, exactly HOW would you go about bootingthe disk in the different flavors? Last I checked, you booted from the 32 bit disc to go one way, and the 64 bit disc the other. Unless there's a super secret branching installer that would do both we don't know about... I don't see that as being practical or possible. Therefore,if both versions are included in the package, then you'd be getting TWO DVDs.Secondly,if memory serves me correctly, VistaOEM shipped with one or the other - but not both - depending on what came with the hardware. You'd have to go to a RETAIL package to get both. And even then it might be limited to Ultimate.

Hi Wolfie2k6: That's kinda what I thought too but assumed Nick FV had inside information that I hadn't been able to locate. My thought is that the $49.99 Win7 H.P. Upgrade Retail will only ship with one dvd and that it will be 32-bit since not all PCs have 64-bit capability and that it will be necessary to order a 64-bit DVD as was necessary with Vista Upgrade versions. That would fit the description the Microsoft Store rep gave when he said "it includes both versions".....meaning that the license allows either version but not necessarily that a disk was provided for both. In other words, the Microsoft Store rep either didn't know or didn't want to say it was necessary to buy another disk for a second version. I sure wish someone in the know from Microsoft would clarify what they are shipping in the Upgrade version and make sure that information is included on the website advertising the product.

Hi again Wolfie2k6: Perhaps Microsoft is using a 'two-sided" dvd? I think I read somewhere they make such a product. But I would think it would be a lot more expensive than using 2 dvds?

Hi again Wolfie2k6: Perhaps Microsoft is using a 'two-sided" dvd? I think I read somewhere they make such a product. But I would think it would be a lot more expensive than using 2 dvds? newnerd - Doubtful. Where would they stick the holograms..?But seriously... It wouldn't necessarily be more expensive - many studios do that these days already (the wide screen version on one side, the "full screen" version on the other). The price of the movie is still within the realms of being about the same price as others being released. It may actually be cheaper - since there's no cover art on the disc - (i.e. no holographic authenticity stuff) Now that, I'll wager costs a bundle.

Wolfie2k6: As hard as it has been to find out what I just ordered, I am inclined to tell them exactly where to "stick their holograms" LOL!

I have a copy of Ubuntu that came on a 2-sided DVD: 32bit on one side, 64bit on the other. I'm guessing that MS probably did the same.

Hi Nick FV: RE: "The disk you purchase contains both the 32-bit version and 64-bit version. There is room for both versions on one DVD." I just ordered my Win7 HP and Win7 Prof Upgrades from the Microsoft Store and a very helpful young man explained that (as you stated) both versions are contained on one DVD and that during the install you select which version you want to install. I don't know if it's a double layer DVD but they have evidently written the code so that you can get both versions on one DVD. Therefore, I am happy to mark your reply as the answer to my question. Edit: After thinking a bit, I still don't feel comfortable that both versions are on one DVD even though that is what I was told. I think when you buy the digital download version you are given a choice of versions to download and that might be the only way to get an upgrade version of 64-bit. I am only guessing though!

newnerd - Hmm... Something smells kinda fishy here. 1.) The 32 bit ISO was 2.4 GB, the 64 bit ISO was 3.4 (or so). That's a total of over 5.5 GB.2.) Both ISOs were setup to boot independently, into the appropriate version of OS and the installer. 3.) There was NO combined, magic ISO that would install Windows one way or the other dependong on choice offered for the Beta, nor the RC. 4.) If I were the one doing running the show - I'd think I'd go out of my way to have this tested broadly. So I gotta wonder if the guy you talked to has a clue or if he's just blowing smoke up your trousers...

Wolfie2k6: I came to the same conclusion while talking to him so I ordered the digital download versions and am hoping to be able to select 64 bit when I start the download. Say a little prayer for me please! One thing is for sure.....Microsoft should put information about the version of operating system they are selling in this pre-release sale LOL!

They've changed the Preorder FAQ, apparently due tho many questions. Now it reads: "Will I get 32-bit or 64-bit discs? Youll get both. Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional packaged products include both 32- and 64-bit discs." (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/pre-order-faq.aspx)Mobile AMD64 3000+, VIA Apollo K8T800 chipset, 1 G RAM, ATIRadeonMobility 9700, 20x DVDRW, C:XPSP3 (55G),D:WIN7 (25G),F:DATA (250G)

Hi Sanmartin: Thanks for pointing out the change in the FAQs section about both disks being included! I wonder if 13000 plus people reading this thread trying to find out the answer might have gotten some quick action! I haven't checked Amazon.com or NewEgg to see if they incorporated the information in their listing yet. I hope they do or they will find a lot of people failing to order because they don't know the version! I had ordered 3 copies from them but had to cancel it right away because I was afraid I would only get the 32-bit version. Several places were listing the product as "1 DVD" and so I ordered the pre-release digital download option from the Microsoft Store figuring I would be offered a choice of versions. Probably will but it caused me to waste some time and money......now I have to tie up the computer with a huge download come October, make my own ISO DVD and had to pay sales tax which NewEgg and Amazon.com don't charge!