Question

Windows 7 Upgrade problem

Asked by: smetterd

If I have a 64 bit capable pc with a 32 bit OS (Vista) then is there a way to do a direct upgrade to Windows 7 without having to reformat the HD or install a brand new version of Windows?

When I tried to do it by putting in the CD while Vista was booted up, I got an error stating that I must start the installation from booting to the CD. I tried that and rec'd a message stating that I couldn't do an upgrade from 32-bit OS to a 64-bit.

I would like to stay with a purely 32-bit Windows 7 so I can do a straight upgrade without having to reformat, move data back and forth, and install a completely new OS.

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Asked On
2009-10-15 at 12:20:44ID24816065
Topics

Windows 7

,

Windows Vista

Participating Experts
5
Points
500
Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: ngailfusPosted on 2009-10-15 at 12:24:27ID: 25583836

You would have format and reinstall if you are trying to go from 32bit to 64bit.  I believe your key should work with a 32bit version.  We only received only one key from Microsoft for our volume licenses and we are able to download 32 or 64bit versions.  Of course we have yet to install Windows 7 on any machines.

 

by: 219comPosted on 2009-10-15 at 12:24:52ID: 25583838

I reccomend a clean install.  I have had issue after issue when i have tried to leave the original OS in place.  I will agree it is a pain to try to track down all your application CD's for a full rebuild, but when you take into consideration that 7 is  a new OS, you might not want to tempt the IT gremlins by leaving and old errant driver or file that may cause issues with 7.  If you insist on leaving Vista on the drive, you can upgrade 32 bit Vista to 32 bit 7, but you cannot upgrade to 64 bit from 32 bit.

 

by: BitsBytesandMorePosted on 2009-10-15 at 18:09:58ID: 25586287

According to Microsoft .... you cannot...see attached pdf.

 

by: BitsBytesandMorePosted on 2009-10-15 at 18:12:29ID: 25586294

You can upgrade from Vista 32-bits to Windows 7 32-bits...

 

by: BitsBytesandMorePosted on 2009-10-15 at 18:14:49ID: 25586315

I've been trying to pdf the whole list of supported upgrade scenarios but it cuts off. This is the link:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd772579(WS.10).aspx

 

by: FirebarPosted on 2009-10-16 at 06:27:01ID: 25589265

One can upgrade from Vista 32-bit to 7 32-bit.  What version of Vista are we upgrading from, and to what version of Windows 7.  That does make a difference.

For non-corporate environments, PCMover is nice and worth the $$$ over headaches.  

I would go with the clean install option, if it were my machine.

 

by: FirebarPosted on 2009-10-16 at 06:27:56ID: 25589274

Forgot the link (sorry): http://www.laplink.com/pcmover/  

 

by: Alex_WPosted on 2009-10-16 at 06:44:18ID: 25589418

To move from 32bit to 64bit you need to format and fresh install.  Upgrade isnt an option, unless your license allows you to use Windows 7 32bit (and if you have the software).  

If you PC is 64bit compatiable you may even notice a difference in speed, I did with my Vista 64 setup.  Best thing to do is backup the files you want to keep to a seperate drive or write to disks etc and setup your 64bit.  REMEBER formatting or deleting partitions = everying wiped and staring a fresh, which is necessary to move up to 64bit from 32.

 

by: BitsBytesandMorePosted on 2009-10-16 at 07:05:27ID: 25589665

smetterd,

The complete upgrade path and all the options are already posted above in the Windows 7 Upgrade Paths link I pasted above:


http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd772579(WS.10).aspx

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