If I have Vista Home Premium 32bit, can I use the same licence for a 64bit version? if so where can I get a copy on the cheap?
Currently reading:
Quick question on Vista
I'm about 95% sure, no, keys are non transferable between 32 and 64 bit versions.
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OEM or retail key?
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OEM no, Retail Yes. Not 100% though, rarely deal with vista as it was such an abortion of an operating system 
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Agreed with Chris, although there is a workaround here:
http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-1103084.html
"I ran the ABR utility and indeed it extracted my windows key that was very different from the one on my sticker. That guide says all I need to do is backup my key with the utility, reinstall vista with the x64 version and choose "activate later", then run the utility that extracted your key again to apply the same -already activated- key."
http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-1103084.html
"I ran the ABR utility and indeed it extracted my windows key that was very different from the one on my sticker. That guide says all I need to do is backup my key with the utility, reinstall vista with the x64 version and choose "activate later", then run the utility that extracted your key again to apply the same -already activated- key."
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It was pre-installed. Sticker is on the front door of the case.
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Ooh, so its doable then. Just need to get my hands on the disc...
As said, technically OEM - no, retail - yes.
The key you're extracting is the manufacturers OEM key - http://freemygadgets.com/forums/showthread.php?46-Windows-Vista-OEM-SLP-Keyshttp://techdows.com/2011/07/downloa...h-sp1-iso-official-direct-download-links.html
Dom
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So all I need is to use the key in the first link to activate it? I dont need to go through that extraction process?
Second link is for Win 7, dont suppose I could use the Vista key with it?
Second link is for Win 7, dont suppose I could use the Vista key with it?
Not sure on the keys as it can be a ballache with some pcs.
Good point.:bang: I was on auto pilot.
I haven't got time to look at it but have a look at this:
http://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/57-windows-vista-direct-download-links
Dom
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Would love to, just cant afford it at the moment. But, will end up migrating to it at some point.
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Ive given up.
Every link ive seen gives the 32bit, even if it says 64 :bang:
Every link ive seen gives the 32bit, even if it says 64 :bang:
Are you doing an upgrade from Vista to 7? If so, you can only update like-for-like AFAIK.
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No, 32-64 Vista.
You'll need to buy a new key then, if you've got a 32-bit key it'll only give you 32-bit Vista, regardless of what distro you download.
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You need to do a clean install surely.
Well, yes, that too, but I'm almost 100% certain you can't use a key for a 32-bit version to activate a 64-bit version.
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I found out that you can (thanks to dom). You extract the program key using ABR Utility.
Install Vista 64 (clean install).
But all links to Vista 64, just gives me Vista 32
Aparantly you get both versions on the retail disc (didnt get the disc with the machine) but OEM will work if you get the same version , i.e if you have Home Premium, make sure you get Home Premium.
So, ive given up.
Install Vista 64 (clean install).
But all links to Vista 64, just gives me Vista 32
Aparantly you get both versions on the retail disc (didnt get the disc with the machine) but OEM will work if you get the same version , i.e if you have Home Premium, make sure you get Home Premium.
So, ive given up.
