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How to upgrade to windows 7 64 bit when I have Windows XP 32 bit using the "upgrade windows 7 version"

I had been using windows XP 32 bit before I decided to get windows 7. I have been reading around and figured that you could purchase the "upgrade version of windows 7" and go from windows xp 32 bit to windows 7 64 bit. Unfortunately, when I got home to do a clean install of windows 7, I got an error message when I put in the 64 bit and said that the disk was not compatible with my current windows. I called Mircrosoft and they told me that with the "upgrade windows 7 version" you cannot go from 32 to 64 bit, that I would need to get the full version of it for $200 here in Canada. Unfortunately, by this time, I have the product installed and running. I'm kind of disappointed in this seeing my 6GB of ram go to waste and not to mention my $120 that I spent. So what I wanted to know is other than blowing $200 for the full windows 7 and wasting my $120 on the upgrade version, is there another method to get the 64 bit? Because at this point I'm at a total loss.
Answer
Answer
Upgrading from Windows XP?

Please read these instructions carefully and completely before you begin installing Windows 7: There are important steps that you need to follow to upgrade from your PC from Windows XP to Windows 7 in order to preserve your files and settings.

Before you begin, you'll need to back up all your data to an external storage device, and you'll need all of the installation discs for programs you want to keep. Please make sure you have an external hard drive (see details below).

More detailed instructions are available at windows.microsoft.com/upgrade-windows-xp. Here are the basic steps.

1. Run Windows Upgrade Advisor (winodws.microsoft.com/upgradeadvisor) to see if there are any known issues that might affect the installation and whether you should install the 32 or 64 bit version of Windows 7.

2. Save your files and settings on an external hard drive using Windows Easy Transfer (windows.microsoft.com/windows-easy-transfer). If you don't have an external hard drive you won't be able to use Windows Easy Transfer. Alternatively, you can copy files you want to keep on a USB flash drive, CDs, or DVDs.

3. You'll need to manually reinstall your programs, such as Microsoft Office, after you install Windows 7. Gather the installation discs for your programs and any associated product/license keys. You might be able to download some programs from the Internet. For example, Windows Live Messenger can be installed from download.live.com/messenger.

4. Inset the Windows 7 DVD into your PC. When asked "Which type of installation do you want? click "Custom (advanced)."

5. After Windows 7 is installed, use Windows Easy Transfer to restore your files and settings.

If you're not comfortable installing Windows 7 yourself, check with a local retail store or PC services company to see if they offer upgrade services.
Andre Da Costa http://adacosta.spaces.live.com http://www.activewin.com
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Andre
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You can go from 32-bit XP to 64-bit Windows 7 by doing a custom (clean) install using an upgrade version disk.  You don't need to buy a full version disk.  But you can't do it by booting from the upgrade disk.

I'm not sure what you have installed now.  If XP is installed, turn on the computer, insert the upgrade DVD after XP starts, and follow the prompts.  That method might also work if 32-bit Windows 7 is installed.  If it doesn't, might have to re-install XP to start the upgrade. 
Steve Winograd

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Last updated April 29, 2024 Views 28 Applies to: