Question about changing 32-bit windows 7 to 64-bit

[scot]

Hello, I upgraded my computer months ago but not my RAM wich is 4 GB on windows 7 32-bit wich means it only uses 3.25, I wonder how can I change to 64-bit, my computer came with windows vista but I needed to reinstall windows and forgot to make the backup disc for it so since my father is a teacher and had the right to a windows 7 disc he gave me his one.I read on microsoft site that you can change 32bit windows to 64bit windows if you reinstall the system and choose the custom option, thing is my father and I tried that with another computer just to see if there was such option but we didn´t find it.My father says probably will have to buy windows 7 64-bit package and I hope not I wish to spend money for more RAM.Thank you for your time

[Rydan]

AFAIK you cannot upgrade from 32 to 64 bit, you need to do a clean install (buying a 64 bit dvd) or setup a dual boot configuration. But their product keys (for 32 and 64) are interchangable. Edited October 26, 2011 by Rydan

[scot]

Oh... I see, yes what I mean by reinstalling the system is the clean install but microsoftsite made it sound like windows 7 has an option in the same disc. ("If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or vice versa, you'll need to back up your files and choose the Custom option during Windows 7 installation.") How much does it cost a 64 windows 7 package?

[Fonger]

check your critical hardware before installing Win64bit

 

many devices do not have 64 bit drivers

 

and if a required application or device only has 32 bit drivers

 

you are left standing in the snow

 

of particular note:

 

Sony voice recorders

Linksys 802.11b/g usb adapters

Ahead Nero

[scot]

I use my PC for gaming and my graphic card is a GTX 560 ti and supports 64-bits, the only drivers I install are the graphic card ones, don´t see what others should I look for :S Just checked windows 7 packages and they are all above 100 euros, it´s too expensive I need my money to upgrade my RAM though I can´t without 64 bit -.- guess I´ll just have to save some money.

[robert01]

I use my PC for gaming and my graphic card is a GTX 560 ti and supports 64-bits, the only drivers I install are the graphic card ones, don´t see what others should I look for :S Just checked windows 7 packages and they are all above 100 euros, it´s too expensive I need my money to upgrade my RAM though I can´t without 64 bit -.- guess I´ll just have to save some money.

 

You need to make sure that you sound, network, usb devices etc, printers, doohickeys all work under x64. Most newer hardware will, but it is always good to check.

[Thor.]

Windows 7 it shouldn't be a problem, windows 7 hardware compatibility is just as good as the 32bit version, If not a tad better in My opinion (:.

 

http://www.newegg.ca...N82E16832116992

 

Also windows 7 has a unique feature that allows you to add better compatility if your version of windows 7 doesn't have if you don't choose to get Win7 pro.

 

the download for the compatiblilty mode for windows 7 if your doesn't have it.

 

 

http://www.microsoft...c/download.aspx

Edited October 27, 2011 by Thor.