[smsacks]

For some unfathomable reason, the computer I just purchased with 8GB of RAM came with Windows XP 32-bit loaded on it. It was eligible for the Windows 7 upgrade program through the manufacturer, but the program would only give me the 32-bit version of Windows 7. Is there some way I can get a 64-bit version without having to purchase the operating system all over again? I haven't seen an "alternate media" program posted anywhere. Will the key that came with the 32-bit disk work? And if I do have to purchase it, will the upgrade version work (I'm currently running the Windows 7 32-bit that they sent me)?

Thanks for any advice/direction you can provide

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To load a 64 bit version of any OS you would have to format the system and install Win 7 64 bit fresh.
With 8 gigs of memory a 32 bit OS is useless as it will only utilize 3.5 gigs of that memory.
If the system is brand new I would contact the company that built it and ask them about this.
Is this a name brand system and if so what is the make and model of it?
The key for a 32 bit OS will not work for any 64 bit OS unless it is WIN 7 and even then it can only be used for one installation so either 32 bit or 64 bit.
You also cannot do a upgrade from 32 to 64 bit OS for the same reasons i stated above.
Go HERE for the scoop straight from Microsoft. 5th question down will answer your issue.

Edited by rshaffer61, 24 January 2010 - 11:25 AM.

[rshaffer61]

To load a 64 bit version of any OS you would have to format the system and install Win 7 64 bit fresh.
With 8 gigs of memory a 32 bit OS is useless as it will only utilize 3.5 gigs of that memory.
If the system is brand new I would contact the company that built it and ask them about this.
Is this a name brand system and if so what is the make and model of it?
The key for a 32 bit OS will not work for any 64 bit OS unless it is WIN 7 and even then it can only be used for one installation so either 32 bit or 64 bit.
You also cannot do a upgrade from 32 to 64 bit OS for the same reasons i stated above.
Go HERE for the scoop straight from Microsoft. 5th question down will answer your issue.

Edited by rshaffer61, 24 January 2010 - 11:25 AM.

[smsacks]

Computer is an HP dc7900 purchased through the renew program. It originally came loaded with Vista Business downgraded to XP Professional; I got Windows 7 through the manufacturer upgrade program, but they would only do "like-for-like".

So, I know I can't upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit, that it has to be a clean install; what I'm asking there is, if I order the Upgrade version of Windows 7 (cheaper than the full version), will it recognize Win 7 32-bit as a valid starting version to install from. I understand it needs a clean install rather than an upgrade process, but the same would be the case if I were going from Windows XP to Windows 7, and supposedly I can do that with the upgrade version of the software.

So, I'll contact HP to see if there's anything they will do, but I was wondering if there was anywhere I could download the software, then just use my 32-bit key to make it valid on installation. Too much to ask, I suppose...

Edited by smsacks, 25 January 2010 - 06:49 AM.

[rshaffer61]

As long as the upgrade is 32 bit then yes it should work.
I would advise you go to Windows 7 Upgrade Adviser and make sure your system and software will be compatible with Win7 before you do all this.