I'm having a nightmare of a time trying to upgrade my Digital audio Workstation. When I got my pc I paid £129 for windows7 32 bit. But had I been more informed I would have gotten the 64bit instead. 4 months on I now wish to change to 64bit. Trying to save money I bought a copy of Windows7 ultimate from ebay only to find out that it was a high quality fake! Tonight I went to my local Curry's and spoke to the sales assistant who said instead of buying windows 7 ultimate I just needed to buy windows 7 Home Premium upgrade. This was after I quizzed him about its suitability and of course telling him what I already had. I took him at his word and left the shop with the windows 7 Home Premium upgrade. On going back to the car I still wasn't sure I had the right Windows 7 so I Went back to the shop to ask again another sales assistant said it would work. But am still not convinced. How can I go from windows7 professional 32 bit to windows7 Home premium 64bit. In other words can it be done. If so how? Thanks Nick

First of all, there is no upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit, the only recourse is a clean install. That said, if the version of 32-bit Windows you're already using was Home Basic or Home Premium then the Home Premium Upgrade DVD will probably work. You'd need to boot from the DVD and choose a Custom Install. You'd then need to reinstall all your software. But, since you're already running Pro then the Home Premium upgrade disc won't work because that would be a downgrade. So the answer to your question is no, it can't be (legally) done with that disc. If possible, take it back for a refund. If you get a full version of Home Premium you can do a clean install with that.

Microsoft doesn't permit an upgrade-in-place from any 32 bit version of Windows to any 64 bit one, so you'd have to do a "custom" (clean) installation to go to any sort of 64 bit version. I'm not sure whether the 32 bit Pro version would be accepted as a qualifying version for the use of an upgrade license (to do a clean install). However, it's possible to install onto a blank hard drive using the upgrade version. Here's a article from a site that has nothing to do with hacking or theft: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/clean-install-with-windows-7-upgrade-media-get-the-facts/1505?tag=col1;post-1505 It would be more convenient, and possibly more legal, to use the Full version. I'm not sure that you've taken the right path, though. A license for Win7 Pro should permit you to install the 64 bit Pro version, at no additional charge. Free (and legal) would be best, no? You should get a refund for the Home Premium upgrade, if you can. What sort of license do you have now? OEM? (Typically, that's pre-installed, and there's a sticker on the PC with the 25 character license code.) The original seller of the PC may be willing to provide an installation disk. It's also supposed to be possible to convert any version of the Win7 installer to one that is generic. Each disk contains the components of all versions of Win7; that's what permits the "anytime upgrade" process. (There are separate versions for 32 and 64 bit, though.) For such a disk, the installed version is determined by the license key. Search on "ei.cfg". That supposes that you can borrow a 64 bit installation disk. I have never done this myself; I have a couple of upgrade licenses, and I used them to perform clean installs in the normal manner, replacing a qualifying OS. If you wish to make a generic installer, I suggest doing it with a 4GB USB key drive: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/dd535816.aspx It has the added advantage of installing Win7 in much less time than from the DVD. I hope that you can lay hands on a copy of an X64 installation disk, if the original seller declines to help. There are links to legitimate copies of the .iso for it online, but I doubt that I'd be permitted to post them here. I doubt that digitalriver is supposed to have made it easily available, but their links have been up for nearly a year. If you can't return the Home Premium upgrade package, you could use the 64 bit disk that should have been included.

1st of all a hearty thank you to Bob Reese and bobkn for taking the time to reply to my problem. When I went through the process of ordering my bespoke computer. I only had two Choices Windows 7 professional 32bit £129.00 or Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit £179.99. Naturally I choose the 32bit because I fully didn't understand the two operating systems. Also the cost was a factor but had I known what I know now I would have purchased the 64bit. Please bear in mind that my computer supplier did not mention any where on their website, the differences between the two options. It was just click and select. Which on refection is really bad? From reading bobkn links it looks like I’ve purchased a white-box PC, here the PC maker has installed an OEM preinstall the Windows version that I purchased. The package I receive included Windows7 Pro Disk and a product key, But by being an OEM means that although it's similar to a full packaged product it cannot be used for an in-place upgrade. With this type of OEM You may or may not receive both 32-bit and 64-bit media. If you receive both types of media, you can switch from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows or vice versa by performing a custom reinstall using your product key. However, I only received the 32bit version. Which I'm really disappointed about. http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/what-microsoft-wont-tell-you-about-windows-7-licensing/1514?pg=2 I agree with bobkn A license for Win7 Pro should permit me to install a 64 bit Pro version, but to be honest I confused myself by reading Vista related stuff as there wasn't a lot on Windows 7. Also initially when I contacted the Tech Support for my computer, it was about upgrading the RAM as I had just added another two Gigs. Which took me to 5 GB of RAM? But on checking could only 3.5Gb was usable. Yet again another omission from the computer suppliers’ website when buying a 32bit. I feel stupid now. Even with multiple correspondences with the Technician He never suggested that I go looking for Windows7 Pro 64bit. To quote him "I’m afraid you cannot use your 32bit product key with 64bit as it is a completely different operating system. You would have to purchase that." You can understand how I am confused! Just to recap, as long as I have a valid windows7 32bit PRO product key, I can clean install windows7 64bit PRO. So, am I correct in thinking that all I need is the 64bit software? I'm best to format my hard drive beforehand? If I format the hard drive, I take it I will need to repartition the HD. If so, where would I be able to access this information? Also is it possible that Microsoft might send me the 64bit disk Many thanks Nick

On Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:53:25 +0000, Nick Logan wrote: > When I went through the process of ordering my bespoke computer. I only had two Choices > > Windows 7 professional 32bit £129.00 or Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit £179.99. > > Naturally I choose the 32bit because I fully didn't understand the two operating systems. Also the cost was a factor but had I known what I know now I would have purchased the 64bit. Having the 32-bit version may not have been such a terrible choice, and it might not be worth your time, trouble, and expense to change it now. Here's my standard message on the subject: The advantage of running a 64-bit version of Windows mostly exists only if you also run 64-bit applications under it. Bear in mind that there are very few such applications available yet. If you are presently running 32-bit Windows, you don't have any 64-bit applications, so to achieve any significant advantage, you not only have to replace Windows, but also your applications, *if* (and that's a big "if") 64-bit versions exist.   Also note that you will need 64-bit drivers for all your hardware. Those drivers may not all be available, especially if some of your hardware is a few years old. So it's possible that you might also have to replace things like your printer, scanner, etc.   So the answer to your question is that it may not be a great idea right now. That will undoubtedly change in the near future, as 64-bit applications become more available, but for now, 64-bit Windows often means some extra trouble and expense for little or no benefit.   On the other hand, installing 64-bit Windows instead of 32-bit Windows makes you able to buy 64-bit software as it becomes available, instead of the older 32-bit versions. That means that installing 64-bit Windows--even though it may do very little for you at present--puts you into a better position for the future.   One additional point: the 64-bit version lets you use more than the approximately 3.1GB of RAM that the 32-bit version can use. Very few people need or can make effective use of more than 3.1GB, but if you are one of those who can, that's something else to consider. -- Ken Blake Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP

"Just to recap, as long as I have a valid windows7 32bit PRO product key, I can clean install windows7 64bit PRO. So, am I correct in thinking that all I need is the 64bit software?" No, that's not entirely correct. It would be correct only if you have a retail copy of Windows 7. On the OEM versions the key is locked to whatever version is installed, be it 32- or 64-bit. In other words, the key for your 32-bit OEM version of Pro cannot be used to activate a 64-bit version; OEM or retail. You'll have to buy the 64-bit version ( I can almost guarantee that Microsoft won't be sending you any discs, you'd have better luck getting whoever you bought the system from to send you one). But then you already have bought a legitimate 64-bit version, haven't you? There are ways to do a clean install from the Upgrade media (do a Google, Bing or Yahoo! search for Paul Thurot and read his article and instructions on the subject), but you're skirting the edges of legality by using them. Oh, and the "Custom" install option will allow you to reformat the drive as part of the install routine, so you don't have to do it beforehand.

"Just to recap, as long as I have a valid windows7 32bit PRO product key, I can clean install windows7 64bit PRO. So, am I correct in thinking that all I need is the 64bit software?" No, that's not entirely correct. It would be correct only if you have a retail copy of Windows 7. On the OEM versions the key is locked to whatever version is installed, be it 32- or 64-bit. In other words, the key for your 32-bit OEM version of Pro cannot be used to activate a 64-bit version; OEM or retail. You'll have to buy the 64-bit version ( I can almost guarantee that Microsoft won't be sending you any discs, you'd have better luck getting whoever you bought the system from to send you one). But then you already have bought a legitimate 64-bit version, haven't you? There are ways to do a clean install from the Upgrade media (do a Google, Bing or Yahoo! search for Paul Thurot and read his article and instructions on the subject), but you're skirting the edges of legality by using them. Oh, and the "Custom" install option will allow you to reformat the drive as part of the install routine, so you don't have to do it beforehand. I thought that an OEM 32 bit license could not be used to activate a 64 bit version, but I have read postings from people who claim to have done it. I don't recall whether it required a copy of the installer that had been made version-free. I have never tried it. I doubt that Microsoft will be of any assistance in obtaining 64 bit installation media. (They provide no support for OEM versions.) Get it from a chum or online. (Don't use the torrents, or any pirate sites. Too much chance of acquiring a trojan horse.) It might be wise to check whether you can obtain X64 drivers for all of your peripherals before proceeding. (I assume that you're OK with the PC itself, as it was offered with X64.) You don't need to repartition your HD to do the install. I suggest reformatting the OS partition, but that's also unnecessary.

Many thank to all After reading your comments and suggestions, I decided to contact the System Builders There's part of the reply from them: After contacting Microsoft through our vendors, they have informed us that we cannot upgrade from 32bit to 64bit system on the same OEM licence... We would like to get your system to a standard you will be happy with. Your system is fully upgradable to a 64bit environment but is restricted to licensing agreements. We will happily get your system back to us at Head Office and upgrade it to 64bit, should you choose to do so, with no extra labour charge, only the cost of the licence as a good will gesture. This way, we can get you onto a platform we know works as it has been thoroughly tested and installed on numerous computers. We will also run a series of tests on your system to ensure there are no further complications as well as addressing noises being emitted from your DVD drive. This sounds good but it's left me with more questions, namely what do I do about the existing OEM 32bit Licence? As far as I understand an OEM licence is fixed to the motherboard and cannot be transferred. Part of my original problem actually stems from the systems builder website, the way it was setup and some of the information was wrong. I have advised them of this and this is why they are giving me a good will gesture? But I still have a problem the existing OEM licence which cost me £129.99let’s call it £130. A 64bit licence from them is £180. I know I will have to ask them, but I'd like to discuss possible options. What I would like to know is that it would it be feasible for me to return the 32bit OEM and swap it for 64bit and pay the £50 difference. The dilemma here is that the OEM is fixed to the motherboard and I don't think the builder would replace the motherboard, given that they can reuse it. Of course if there is a way where I can reuse the licence, I could reuse it on a laptop I’ve got. Any thoughts on the subject would help Many thanksJ

My first question is why do you want 64 bit? I wholly believe that the advantages of 64 bit over 32 bit do not outweigh the current disadvantages of 64 bit over 32 bit and the downgrade from professional to home premium.

I want 64bit over 32bit because my PC is a digital audio workstation (DAW) DAWs are specially equipped with a high-quality sound card and programming for editing and processing digital audio at a professional level. Digital audio workstations can range from a simple two-channel editor to a complete digital recording studio suite. Songwriters and music producers use them. Right now I want 64bit as i want to use more RAM. I have an intel i7 and I also want to future proof it.

Fair enough. Let me ask you, how much RAM do you currently have in your machine? If it is currently 4gb, do you see yourself upgrading that amount before Windows 8 comes out? Additionally, are you aware that, even if you are running a 64 bit version of Windows, each 32bit process is limited to 2gb of address space, correct? (Someone correct me if I am wrong, please). This means that if you are running a 32 bit version of your audio editing software, it won't matter if you are running 32 bit Win 7 or 64 bit Win 7 -- your software will still only "see" 2gb of ram.

I currently have 5Gb installed but because I have 32bit only 3.5 is usable. My PC came with 3Gb. The PC is capable of having 24Gb max. (4Gbx6 slots) I would upgrade to more RAM but I can't see the point at the moment. I'm not aware of the limited 2Gb or understand your question. Are you talking about virtual memory. If so I don't understand the implications either:). For me, as long as my software and hardware works I'll be happy. Accoring to my research and info from the system builder. I have no major hardware of software issues upgrading to 64bit.

Then you would see some benefit upgrading to 64 bit... However, the 2gb cap on each 32bit process still remains: http://www.brianmadden.com/blogs/brianmadden/archive/2004/02/19/the-4gb-windows-memory-limit-what-does-it-really-mean.aspx http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx A 32 bit process running under x64 still has the same limitations as running on x86.

I can't really make a comment on the 2Gb cap other than there is a lot of debate about it. For many people it is a very technical subject, a subject I'm not really qualified in and I won't pretend that I am. I've read the links you have posted and I think I understand what you are trying to convey. And as time goes on more and more people will be come aware of the limitations of 32bit archtecture. Besides 16bit became 32bit now we have 64bit. One day we'll probably have 128bit and we'll still be talking about it.

Correct... however we are currently talking about the present. I get the feeling that you won't get the benefits you think you will by switching to 64 bit. Yes, you'll get an additional 1gb... but that's it. Each of your programs will still be limited to 2gb just as they would be in the 32 bit version. I feel like you would be better off waiting to purchase a new license of Windows until Windows 8 comes out, and then purchasing the 64 bit professional version of windows 8.

We will happily get your system back to us at Head Office and upgrade it to 64bit, should you choose to do so, with no extra labour charge, only the cost of the licence as a good will gesture. Not what I'd call generous. I believe you'd be out the full cost of the new license. OEM licenses are supposed to not be transferrable. The point about 32 bit software not being able to use more than 2GB of RAM, regardless of a 64 bit OS, is a good one. (It's possible that some 32 bit software can use 3GB, but I can't provide examples. See "IMAGE_FILE_LARGE_ADDRESS_AWARE" applications, http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/platform/server/pae/paemem.mspx) Are there 64 bit drivers for your soundcard? Specialty kit like that may be more limited than mass-market stuff.

Bob: Yes, however I do not know if this feature is present in Windows 7 or Vista. I believe it is a 32 bit only option, too (notice that XP 64 is not listed as pertinent in the OS list). Additionally, the program has to be compiled to be aware to look for that switch (I do not know how prevalent this is or not -- I am not a programmer). Nick Logan, I really do think you should wait for windows 8 to switch to 64 bit. You're not getting a good deal from your manufacturer.... and I don't see you getting any additional benefits other than an extra gb of ram.