Upgrade to Windows 7 64-bit with a 32-bit key.

[jamesyboy]

The Book-Store (don't ask me why they call it a bookstore, when 99% of the time they sell clothing, and electronics) was lucky enough to have copies of windows 7 for sale at a discount. I bought my Windows 7 32-Bit Upgrade disc (this was the only flavor they sell) for 60-70 dollars. After purchasing, they had me sign a contract agreeing not to misuse it...blah blah blah, and they took down my product key and information.

The contract i signed agreed that i would install this on a maximum of 2 computers. I thought nothing of it, because at the time, i was using it solely for my laptop, and didn't have any need to address more than 3.8 gigs of ram (or w/e it is).

But now that i've decided to install Windows 7 on my gaming pc, i need the 64 bit version (i7--x58--6GB ddr3).

I later found that the keys aren't tied down to a specific version of windows (32 or 64 bit), and the microsoft activation support people told me i could use a friends 64 bit upgrade disc--no problem.

The only problem i have is: out of the 20 geeks i know, only 1 of them has an upgrade set, and it's not Professional!!!

What do i do? Can i use a full-install cd when doing an in place upgrade with my upgrade key?

A detailed explanation would help.

 

[jamesyboy]

I'll answer my own question here. I suppose i got lucky.

I installed windows vista ultimate 64 bit, then used a full-install windows 7 64 bit professional SP1 disc and while windows vista was running, i popped in the disc. From there i chose to do a custom install.

Although i was unable to do a in place install, i got myself out of this seemingly impossible muck with win7 pro 32 bit.

 

[geekapproved]

32bit and 64 bit are both on the install disk, not sure what your talking about "32 bit key".

What the "book store" did was completely illegal. You cannot install Windows on more than 1 computer.

 

[das_stig]

And they shouldn't be recording the licence key info.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

The keys are not bit specific!Plus i would not buy an OS from a place that writes down your key.You should be the only one that knows your key.Don't be surprised if your key becomes non-genuine in 3 months!

 

[geofelt]

1) Something is amiss. The only multi pc windows-7 package that I know of is the family pack which allows installation on three pc's.
I suspect you got a family pack that has already been used once and has two remaining installs. I think there is fraud here.

2) I think all of the windows 7 dvd's are exactly the same, and they include components for all versions. Which version(home, pro, ultimate) you install and how(clean vs upgrade) is validated by the product key. There is a 32 bit dvd and a 64 bit dvd.

3) The product key is insensitive to the 32 bit or 64 bit flavor,allowing you to change either way.

 

[jamesyboy]

I've checked with the IT department and it's part of a Microsoft Partner Volume Licensing Deal.

Whether or not it's against their contract with Msoft to give them out in exchange for money, i'm not sure. I know they sell office as well....as a student discount, but with a retail box.

I'll definitely be investigating further.

 

[geofelt]

If you are a student with a .edu e-mail, you may qualify for an academic license, about $30.

 

[jamesyboy]

Best answer selected by jamesyboy.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

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