Win7 Ulimate Downgrade 64 bit to 32 bit

[tjlmbklr]

Why would I want to do this you ask? I just recently just reimaged my laptop from lack of maintenance from my wife's use and a bad virus issue. I decided since I am running 64 bit on my HTPC I would use it (multi-license) on my laptop too. I am less then pleased with my performance and think my Dual core 1.8Ghz AMD w/ 2 GB RAM would be best to utilize 32 bit like it was before.

So if I popped my 32 bit version in and just did an upgrade will my documents/pictures and programs I spent the greater part of yesterday loading still be there?

Thanks in advance.

 

[13thmonkey]

reinstall is the only way, reformat probably required, if no reformat needed then programs will be lost but it will probably keep the pics etc. back them up first to your htpc to be safe.

 

[The_Prophecy]

You cannot do any form of an upgrade install from 32 to 64 bit , or 64 to 32 bit. You must format the drive and do a clean install.

 

[windows7guy]

Hello tjlmbklr,
You cannot downgrade from any higher SKU to a lower one just by using a key. You will need to do a full reformat since there's no option for downgrading, only upgrading (via Windows Anytime Upgrade). You however can still save profiles and settings by using Windows Easy Transfer, but unfortunately, you will need to reinstall all softwares you're using.
Hope this helps.

Thanks,
John M
Microsoft Windows Client Team

 

[JessicaD]

Why would I want to do this you ask? I just recently just reimaged my laptop from lack of maintenance from my wife's use and a bad virus issue. I decided since I am running 64 bit on my HTPC I would use it (multi-license) on my laptop too. I am less then pleased with my performance and think my Dual core 1.8Ghz AMD w/ 2 GB RAM would be best to utilize 32 bit like it was before.

So if I popped my 32 bit version in and just did an upgrade will my documents/pictures and programs I spent the greater part of yesterday loading still be there?

Thanks in advance.

In order to move from a 64-bit os to 32-bit you will need to perform a clean install. To learn more about the differences to 32-bit vs. 64-bit architecture, please go here: http://bit.ly/oj1fV

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team

 

[tjlmbklr]

Well, what I ended up doing was backing up my critical and personal files. Then I ran the 32bit disc. What happens is Windows actually keeps ALL you old files in a folder named Windows.old

Thanks for the help