Have old HP computer, I want to upgrade the OS from Windows 7 32 bit to Windows 7 64 bit. What do I need to do?

nirrtix · Jul 25, 2017

I want to install a copy of windows 7 64 bit on my old HP so I can utilize more RAM. Currently I have windows 7 32 OEM. Is it possible to install another copy of Windows 7 with 64 bit? Do I have to buy a copy from HP, or is my only option to get a factory reset disk? Currently I tried to install windows 10 64 bit and it gave errors.

atljsf · Jul 25, 2017

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

use the link, download the iso, 64 bit, do backups of the pc, prepare to format the hard disk

install from the iso and then copy files back

the license is required as you see, it should be readable under the laptop, it is a old model, sometimes the license is under the battery

rchris · Jul 25, 2017

nirrtix :

Because your old laptop had 32-bit OS installed, I suspect the CPU may not support a 64-bit OS. Probably should check that out first.

william p · Jul 25, 2017

You should then go to HP and have your system scanned for updates, like BIOS, or chipset drivers. If there are no Win7 64 drivers Vista 64 will work.

Wolfshadw · Jul 25, 2017

This really depends on your computer's motherboard. If it doesn't support more than 4GB of RAM, this is pretty much a moot point. If no Windows 7 drivers (32-bit or 64-bit) exist, then it may not work at all. As for your processor, just about every processor made in the last 15 years has supported a 64-bit OS.

System specs/model number?

-Wolf sends

nirrtix · Jul 25, 2017

atljsf :

The Windows license is OEM so to even reinstall the 32 bit would require an OEM copy from HP to reinstall. My question is whether I need to buy the copy of windows 7 64 bit (upgrade from 32) from HP as well and need it to be OEM. That is assuming it can be upgraded at all.

If this were a self built machine I would know the answer... however this is a prebuilt HP piece of junk tower.

nirrtix · Jul 25, 2017

rchris :

nirrtix :

Because your old laptop had 32-bit OS installed, I suspect the CPU may not support a 64-bit OS. Probably should check that out first.

I never thought about that but he may have a 32 bit processor....

atljsf · Jul 25, 2017

no, the license is what you need, is what i have used for many years, it doesn't matter, they provide the iso, you use it, the rest doesn't matter, the oem key works for 32 and 64 bit versions, the oem disc if you need one, ask it borrowed or download it online

now, if the cpu is 32 bit, well, just download the 32 bit iso, install it and leave it be

run cpu-z to know the exact cpu you have there and if it can or cannot run windows 64 bit

nirrtix · Jul 25, 2017

Apparently the processor is 64 bit. and it recognisez 16 bits of RAM but could only use 4GB when it booted with Windows 7 32 bit. This is standard for the operating system.

Since it is a HP tower RAM is about the only upgrade option it has... That is why I am wondering how hard it will be to upgrade the OS to a 64 bit operating system. Can I simply buy one at Best Buy, or do I need to get it from HP? IS it even doable?

atljsf · Jul 25, 2017

no, the disc is all you need if the cpu supports 64 bit os

is just download, install and use, with the drivers download from hp of course

if you haven't done this process in the past, then you might need to find someone to do it for you if the download and install process is not a task that you want to do

nirrtix · Jul 26, 2017

atljsf :

I get what you are saying, so it has to be downloaded from HP? I have a Dell that I lost the OS disk for and it says the OEM lisence will not work with the downloaded copy of windows. Anyway what do I need to do if I want a different OS? That is the problem, the OS was wiped by my friend and well he wants a 64 bit OS versus a 32 bit. Currently the license is for OEM Windows 7 32 bit. He wants a 64 bit operating system to take advantage of the extra RAM he bought. I told him it was overkill, but he already deleted his OS. What does he need to do to get a 64 bit operating system for the HP if it is possible?

I would not need help installing it unless HP has some bizarre installation process that is different from a custom PC. This PC is an example of why I build my own computers. It had 2 GB or RAM, no expansion slots etc.

atljsf · Jul 26, 2017

no, hp has nothing to do here

you just need the iso from the link i posted before

it is just a windows 7 iso, that is all you need

the link uses the license to determine the iso you need and downloads it, that is all

the oem license covers both 32 and 64 bit versions of windows

if you have installed windows in the past, the oem is not different, at all

rchris · Jul 26, 2017

nirrtix :

If you want to know for sure about your CPU, run this little app from Gibson Research: https://www.grc.com/securable.htm

androbourne · Jul 26, 2017

Ok a few things here. Hardware compatibility aside.

I'm a partner with HP and run into this stuff all the time.

1. Normally there is an embedded chip on the mobo with OEM license activation information. If you reinstall using the correct OEM Windows Installer. It should self activate. On newer systems I have tested this by going from Windows 7 x32, removing it and doing a fresh install of Windows 7 x64. it activted with the on board chip without issues. I can not speak for older gen systems on if it will work or not. Things change as time goes on.

2. OEM is technically a one time activation key. This goes for all Microsoft OEM products, even if you uninstall it then reinstall it on the same system, you could be violating Microsoft terms. This is the difference between OEM and Retail copies of licenses. It is important to know the difference.

3. Long story short. Legally you should purchase a new license key. However, technically, it should be possible to do without having to purchasing another key.

atljsf · Jul 26, 2017

rofl!

you can reinstall as many times as you want, i have reinstalled windows 7 and activated it, same for windows xp so many times on the same machine

you don't need a new key, if microsoft starts to do what you say, then you need a license each time a big virus messes up your system, in that order of ideas i would have to buy windows 7 around 7 times for a laptop we had in the house for 5 years

now moved to windows 10, what, buy more keys for digital rights?

technically you are not saying nothing that happens in reality

if you have a coa, you can activate

the thing with some hp coas is that they use a restore image, especially on those old win7 , xp and vista era machines, the image used a generic key, something like a volume license key

when i had to reinstall the pc without the image i discovered tht the key in the coa didn't worked, why? because i had to call microsoft to do a assisted activation, the key was never used before, only the preactivated install on the restore image was activated

but that activation was a one time only procedure

later reinstall didn't asked for activation, just put your 25 letters and numbers and that's it, windows is activated

i did that 3 times in a year thanks to problems in hard disk and other stuff that happened, always got activated, that was a coa on a lenovo laptop, a oem coa, iirc it was a windows 7 starter, or a windows vista, can't remember atm

i did something similar with a hp i used to fix for a neighbor, clean hard disk image, wipe partition, install windows for the coa, call microsoft and activate the license, it does work

androbourne · Jul 26, 2017

Sorry, I'll take my experience as a Microsoft and HP partner. over your statement. Just because you CAN DO something, doesn't make it legal or the correct response. I can tell you, you are wrong.

It is a one time activation, per device when using an OEM key. Again, that is the difference between OEM and Retail keys. (look anywhere, you will see OEM keys are cheaper then retail for this exact reason, there is no guarantee that the key will reactivate on a new install with OEM)

Now, even with newer OS's, if the activation fails and you call Microsoft to do a phone activation. They will tell you to reach out to your PC vendor as this key is now locked. (due to one time activation). if you are lucky, the vendor will give you another OEM key, if not, they will make you purchase a new OS or at the very least an official Windows Reinstaller CD.

In terms of reinstall an OEM key, you are violating Microsoft terms and conditions.

If you don't believe me. Call their support number and find out for yourself.

Now that aside. like I said. You can most likely reinstall it, it should work and they most likely wont pursue you. (they have bigger fish to fry). They normally don't go after OEM users because it is very difficult for Microsoft to put the blame on you, rather then the vendor. Especially with the on board chips that self activates the installation.

atljsf · Jul 26, 2017

rofl!

what a partner convinces people to pay for, your experience as partner sound as useful as nothing i have read before

your commen telling this forum member on the legality of install windows 64 bit with a oem key, is priceles, almost touches the legal side of this same topic, you know, you are not helping, at all

in the end, the license will not be moved form the other motherboard, just will be installed again, the only legal situation he could find problems would be that and atm microsoft lets users move oem licenses form one machine to another, especially with digital rights and windows 10

you came to help or just to convince the op to buy a license, from you? nice try!

androbourne · Jul 26, 2017

I think the user should know his rights when attempting to reinstall an OEM key. (btw stating rofl! at the start of your posts doesn't further increase your worth to the topic).

I dont resell OEM keys, those keys come from the vendor when you purchase the device... so stating these claims does nothing for me or HP. Especially since the OEM key is vendor based... you logic is completely flawed.

Also, he had an x32 license. NOT a x64. Meaning he does not own any rights to use the x64 license if his original machine game with x32 in a technical stance.

Before dishing out false advice to users. Try to think before you speak.

As I said for the 3rd time already. He can most likely install it and not run into any problem nor need to purchase another key. However, he should be in the known about the difference between OEM and Retail keys.

If you don't know the difference, you shouldn't be giving others advice on something you know nothing about.

atljsf · Jul 26, 2017

rofl!

you can reinstall a oem license, your attempt to make us believe it can't be used to reinstall in the same machine, wel, just

lmao!

if you haven't read, the license for 32 and 64 bit is the same, that is why it works, it has been the case since windows vista iirc, the license allows it, only for windows xp when there wasn't a real 64 bit version this wasn't possible

also vista starter, it doesn't exist a 64 bit version, other than that, no, the key works for both versions, oem is restrictive, but not that restrictive!

the weight of my posts or replies is not determined by me laughing at what you write, it is determined by the user who tries to install the windows key and succeeds, not you trying to scare people to make them buy more licenses

androbourne · Jul 26, 2017

Right kiddo.

I'm simply stating facts. What the user does with the facts is up to them.

Call Microsoft and bitch about their policies all you want. It isn't going to change facts.

I have been through several Microsoft audits for new users that didn't know the differences. While you sit there providing false information to users. I have actually been through the auditing process. I can tell you exactly what they do and do not look for.

And they do look for OEM validations. They ask about how many times it has been reinstalled and they do match the license keys the the vendor keys for validation checks. But like I said. They don't care much about OEM licenses as it is difficult to place a blame on a single user for a vendor based key. just because they don't office go after OEM users, doesn't mean they can't and that's something a standard user should know.

Anyways. At this point I'm arguing with a brick wall. Do what you will with the information, buy a key, dont buy a key. It doesn't benefit me in anyway. If you get audited by Microsoft, or they don't provide you support on the key during a reactivation, just remember I told you so.

I even said it may or may not work. It depends on the OS and if the activation key gets locked out or not by Microsoft.

I'm done repeating myself. You are clearly blind to logic.

atljsf · Jul 26, 2017

kiddo rofl!!!

i have called them, the activation process, asking for information, that is why i tell things, not because i believe in them, because i have done them

all you say does make the license activation and reinstall like a mistified process that deservers lots of money to stop worrying for something you already paid for, no, i already checked, consulted and talked with many microsoft representatives in person and via phone, no, not believing you, when i have doubts i ask, not going to believe what you say, at all

calling kiddo someone, you know? you are not helping, anyone

Wolfshadw · Jul 26, 2017

Mod Insert Here

Ok. Enough!

The OP purchased an HP Pre-built computer. That computer came with a 32-bit version of Windows 7. That computer also came with some way to reset the OS to factory default. If that option does not include the 64-bit version of the OS, then the OP cannot install the 64-bit version of the OS without a license for it. It's not the OP's license. It's HP's license and if that doesn't include Windows 7 64-Bit, the OP needs to purchase it.

This has nothing to do with whether it works, or not. This is Tom's Hardware and we do not support software piracy in any format. If the OP does not have a valid license for Windows 64-bit, then it must be purchased.

And no. A Windows 7 32-bit license does not grant a free upgrade to a Windows 7 64-bit license (though there are versions of disks/downloads that offer both) and regardless of what you've successfully done in the past. If it did, there would have been a free re-install option from Microsoft (and there wasn't).

Wolfshadw
Moderator

atljsf · Jul 26, 2017

if you read the original reply i made, i gave a link to a microsoft site to legally download the iso, nothing illegal has been suggested in any way, in any of the replies

if telling people to install a legal license is bad here, well, tell us how to proceed then

Wolfshadw · Jul 26, 2017

Again. If the OP does not have a valid 64-bit OS license (as determined by HP, not you), then "legally" downloading it does not make it OK.

-Wolf sends

nirrtix · Jul 27, 2017

I am not wanting an illegal copy of windows....

The computer has windows 7 32 bit OEM.

The computer is a HP desktop

We want to upgrade to Windows 7 64 Bit

The question is since the original was 32 bit and OEM (came from manufacturer) can we purchase an upgrade?

Do we have to purchase another OEM from HP?

Can we purchase a 64 bit copy from HP that is OEM or can we buy an non-OEM copy from a retailer?

I am not sure where to go with this because it is an HP. Premanufactured machines like HP and DELL are more fixed on what you can do. You cannot upgrade them much etc. This particular one has the Videocard as part of the motherboard. It has no expansion slots and the only way to upgrade it that I see is the RAM. We upgraded the ram from 2GB with 2 16GB sticks. However since it is 32bit windows 7, we would like to upgrade it to 64 bit windows 7.

I have a Dell Laptop with windows 7 OEM (manufacturers lisence) you cannot download a disc copy from windows because it is OEM you literally have to goto Dell. So the question is do I have to goto HP to buy a new lisence or will a windows copy from a retailer work on the HP?

Have old HP computer, I want to upgrade the OS from Windows 7 32 bit to Windows 7 64 bit. What do I need to do?

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