Windows Vista 32bits and 64bits

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chiefie

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#11551 30-Jan-2007 15:00

Well the final moment is here... Windows Vista is available finally.

I haven't rush out to get my copy of Vista, didn't really feel the urge... (Actually more on the reason of $$).

Anyhow, I am wondering, if one get the 32bits today, but later would want to utilise the 64bits hardware... does one have to purchase the 64bits DVD? or are both 32bits and 64bits binaries are on the same DVD media?

Key reason for this question is: If one got Vista 32bits and later decided to move towards 64bits, then it actually cost more because you will have to get another copy.

HOWEVER, if there is a cross-upgrade by product key option, then it'll be "gentle".

So can someone clarify the upgrade/cross-upgrade paths please?

What would be great is, outlining the cost (in NZ$) for Windows Anytime Upgrade; for cross-upgrade (32bits->64bits).

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bradstewart

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#59248 30-Jan-2007 15:56

Not sure about the 32 and 64 bit in the same package, but you cannot upgrade 32 to 64 bit.

chiefie

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#59250 30-Jan-2007 16:09

Yes Brad. I know as far as that... but what I mean is, with 32bits DVD, and purchase for cross-upgrade from 32bits to 64bits for the 64bits product key, are we able to retain and reuse the DVD? I know it involves a clean installation to go from 32bits to 64bits but what are other things one should know if one is going to stick with 32bits today, and 64bits later down the track.

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bradstewart

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#59251 30-Jan-2007 16:14

Hmm the key will work for both 32 and 64 bit versions, but obviously you can only have one activated at a time. I had been told that the media for 32 and 64 bit would come in same box so all you would have to do would be reinstall from the other DVD, but I have heard otherwise since then, so maybe if somebody like Nathan from MSFT could clarify...

NokiaRocks

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#59252 30-Jan-2007 16:18

Just take bigger bites so you end up with less bits left over.

chiefie

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#59253 30-Jan-2007 16:26

I am concerning this as there's OEM 32bits and then there's OEM 64bits. So if the DVD does not contain both 32bits and 64bits binaries, it will be hard for one to decide whether one should go 32bits today for wider-range of driver supports... or hold the purchase (which basically stun both hardware and Vista's sales) and wait for full 64bits support at later stage.

I for one is the one be willing to wait and hold off all Vista purchase until I know better of this situation.

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bradstewart

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#59254 30-Jan-2007 16:28

There is the problem... It was the retail version that I understood to have both versions, not OEM. Although it would still be cheaper to buy OEM 32 AND 64 than buying retail. But if you were to buy 32 bit now and leave the 64 bit till later, it would come integrated with SP1 and may have come down in price as well.

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ictgeeknz

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#59271 30-Jan-2007 19:24

Speaking of OEM... most products are on backorder.

"The 'Wow' starts now" for system builders and home enthusiasts wanting OEM, isn't for another two weeks!

bcourtney

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#59274 30-Jan-2007 20:29

I ordered my OEM copy of Vista Ultimate last Thursday and received it on the Friday morning...

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#59275 30-Jan-2007 20:30

like chiefie I really want vista, and soon. I have a 64bit laptop and not sure whether to get 32 or 64 bit version. on 32bit xp now, and don't specifically need 64bit for anything I know of...

oh what to do... waiting for a price drop and sp1 sounds fairly attractive...

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#59285 30-Jan-2007 21:29

bcourtney:
I ordered my OEM copy of Vista Ultimate last Thursday and received it on the Friday morning...

Aye... I ordered Home Premium about the same time last week and it ended up being placed on backorder. I've just checked supplier stock levels now, stock is available, so I *might* receive mine in the next day or so.

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#59299 30-Jan-2007 23:02

XP (my homebrew butched blitering lite version) will be serving me for years to come, What does Vista offer asides a "Macincopy" interface and DRM riddledness? not much... when I see the anti-DRM hacks arrive, THEN i'll be interested ;-)