Operating System Mistake

[Anubis7]

a friend of my gave me windows 7 to use on my first build.

Turns out it is the 32 bit.

I wanted the 64 bit.

So far the only thing I have done with the computer is install the operating system and the video card.

I am going to buy windows 7 professional 64 bit.

should I completely uninstall windows 7 first?
Or just “upgrade” the 32 bit with the new windows 7 disk


thanks for your help

 

[T_T]

You cannot do an upgrade cross platforms, meaning you can't upgrade from any 32-bit versions to any 64-bit versions. You will have to do either of the following:

1. Create a new partion on the current hard drive to install the 64-bit (this called dual boot)
2. Format the hard drive, which removes the 32-bit version, and install the 64-bit

 

[Anubis7]

You cannot do an upgrade cross platforms, meaning you can't upgrade from any 32-bit versions to any 64-bit versions. You will have to do either of the following:

1. Create a new partion on the current hard drive to install the 64-bit (this called dual boot)
2. Format the hard drive, which removes the 32-bit version, and install the 64-bit

alright thanks..

would anyone happen to have a link to instructions on formatting a hard drive? to install the 64-bit fresh

I'm new with all this stuff

 

[Anubis7]

i guess this is what i need?

http://www.top-windows-tutorials.com/how-to-reinstall-windows-7.html

 

[Ijack]

I hope that your friend hasn't used the 64-bit DVD for his system and given you the 32-bit DVD with the same key. That would lead to tears before bedtime for one, or both, of you.

 

[max40watt]

Assuming your friend gave you a license/key for win7 and a 32bit disk, and is not actually using the 64bit disk with the same key for his own system, you can just use that same key and reinstall with a 64bit disk for the same win7 version. A win7 license is tied to a particular version of windows (home, pro, ultimate) and will install either the 32 or 64 bit version of it. So you just need to get that 64bit disk and do a complete reinstall of it and you'll be fine.

 

[Anubis7]

Assuming your friend gave you a license/key for win7 and a 32bit disk, and is not actually using the 64bit disk with the same key for his own system, you can just use that same key and reinstall with a 64bit disk for the same win7 version. A win7 license is tied to a particular version of windows (home, pro, ultimate) and will install either the 32 or 64 bit version of it. So you just need to get that 64bit disk and do a complete reinstall of it and you'll be fine.

ok here is the thing..

he claims that the key he gave me is a "company style" key.. as in its able to be reinstalled onto many computers with no problem..

-can this be true??

 

[Ijack]

If it is true then you are using the key outside of its licence terms - i.e. illegally. Corporations have to record every usage of a volume key and ensure that they have purchased sufficent licences to cover this usage.

 

[Zoron]

There are what is know as volume license keys (VLKs) that allow multiple installations using a single product key. However, there is a set number of installations; depending on your licensing agreement(s) with Microsoft. VLKs can usually only be used on Enterprise editions of Windows.

 

[Anubis7]

i just going to buy + reinstall windows 7 64-bit.. thx guys