The 32-Bit Switch

Bryan · **Posted:** July 11th, 2009, 10:03 pm

This thread is based on this Informer Article written by Shane.

Hi.
As you might know, I'm getting a new computer on July 20th, but I need some advice on how I should use Windows 7 with 32-bit and 64-bit. Shane's article outlined what I needed to know about choosing between 64 and 32-bit computers. In the end, I chose 64-bit.

But there's one thing I didn't get, or wasn't mentioned in the article. (I was too tired to skim for a fourth time!)

This is my problem:
Once I get my computer, I will then,
1) Install Windows 7 RC1 32 with my RC disk. Gets rid of Vista Home Premium 64.
2) Since I qualify for the Windows 7 Upgrade Option, I will get Windows 7 64 bit for free.
3) I would then use a System Recovery Disk to wipe out my system and head back to Vista 64, and then install Windows 7.

This is my question:
Would Step 3 work?
I mean, since a System Recovery formats the system drive to its original state, I can go back to 64 from 32, right? I can't install it directly but I can restore it.

Thanks everyone in advance for answering.
I'll edit this post if details are unclear.

Adbot · **Posted:** July 11th, 2009, 10:03 pm

Chief Snake · **Posted:** July 12th, 2009, 12:04 am

Well if you can go from 32-bit to 64-bit, I see no reason why you couldn't reverse that. As far as I'm aware, this would be possible.

Bryan · **Posted:** July 12th, 2009, 9:29 am

Chief Snake wrote:

Well if you can go from 32-bit to 64-bit, I see no reason why you couldn't reverse that. As far as I'm aware, this would be possible.

It works both ways, but I'm sure you're right then.
Thanks.

Pfkninenines · Global Moderator 12/4/08

Supposedly, all you'll need to use the upgrade version is your key code, or potentially a dvd of your Vista install.

You can go from 32-64 bit if you are totally reinstalling, but you can not do in place upgrades from 32 to 64 or vice versa.

Aquw VettelS 776 · **Posted:** July 14th, 2009, 8:27 am

Have Windows Vista installed on your system. It doesn't matter if Vista is 32 or 64-bit. Then use your free 64-bit Windows 7 upgrade disk. It doesn't matter what bit version your going from or to.

From what I understand, in the event of you wanting to upgrade to a different bit version, a clean install takes place, in which case you must back up first. E.g. upgrading from 64-bit Vista and 64-bit Windows 7.

If you're staying with the same bit version, e.g. upgrading 64-bit Vista to 64-bit Windows 7, a simple upgrade is performed, where technically you don't need to backup because the current operating system isn't being deleted. However, you should backup anyway, just in case, as I'm sure you know.