View Full Version : Vista x64 Upgrade Question...
so, as i have stated many times, i acquired Vista Ultimate through an upgrade program available at my school.
however, i only have a 32-bit disc. i tried to obtain alternate media on microsoft's site, however it seems that the offer is not available to me, probably because i am using an upgrade disc, as opposed to an OEM or retail disc. other upgrade packages come with 32-bit and 64-bit discs, but mine did not, probably because it is an education package.
so here's the question: can i use a borrowed 64-bit disc to install Vista x64 and will my CD key still work? also, is this legal?
maybe i should just buy an OEM version? i would like to spend as little money as possible, but if i must spend, then so be it.
TIA :D
conroejoe
01-30-08, 01:11 PM
so, as i have stated many times, i acquired Vista Ultimate through an upgrade program available at my school.
however, i only have a 32-bit disc. i tried to obtain alternate media on microsoft's site, however it seems that the offer is not available to me, probably because i am using an upgrade disc, as opposed to an OEM or retail disc. other upgrade packages come with 32-bit and 64-bit discs, but mine did not, probably because it is an education package.
so here's the question: can i use a borrowed 64-bit disc to install Vista x64 and will my CD key still work? also, is this legal?
maybe i should just buy an OEM version? i would like to spend as little money as possible, but if i must spend, then so be it.
TIA :D
My buddy had the same problem, his wife got it through work - a college. He was not able to get the x64 version from the website either. I believe the keys are some sort of volume licensing available through educational facilities which is why they aren't compatible with the x64 bit version.
He tried a borrowed x64 disc with his key and it would not take it.
You would have to buy a copy.
My buddy had the same problem, his wife got it through work - a college. He was not able to get the x64 version from the website either. I believe the keys are some sort of volume licensing available through educational facilities which is why they aren't compatible with the x64 bit version.
He tried a borrowed x64 disc with his key and it would not take it.
You would have to buy a copy.
sonuva B :(
ill just run 32-bit til i have the cash to get the x64. i know i wont be able to utilize all 4GB, but that's ok for now. ill probably just go with an OEM. maybe if laptop performance with Vista improves ill upgrade my lappy to 32-bit Vista.
thx joe :)
Dr.Nick
01-30-08, 02:59 PM
A Vista x86 key will work to activate it's x64 version (retail or oem makes no difference). All you have to do is get a hold of the x64 disk. You will probably have to call to activate it but it will be no different than any other activation call.
A Vista x86 key will work to activate it's x64 version (retail or oem makes no difference). All you have to do is get a hold of the x64 disk. You will probably have to call to activate it but it will be no different than any other activation call.
so MS cannot differentiate between a 32-bit and 64-bit key?
also, arent upgrade versions treated like retail copies, so i shouldnt need to activate?
well, ill borrow a buddy's 64-bit disc, and if it works, great.
but if not, ill probably just buy an OEM 64-bit Home Premium copy and put my 32-bit ultimate copy on my laptop.
Dragunov
01-30-08, 05:41 PM
so MS cannot differentiate between a 32-bit and 64-bit key?
also, arent upgrade versions treated like retail copies, so i shouldnt need to activate?
Ur key decides if it is Basic, Premium, Business or Ultimate, it doesn't say if it is 32-bit or 64-bit
So yes, u can use ur 32-bit key to install and activate ur 64-bit copy
conroejoe
01-30-08, 05:49 PM
Guys these keys from schools are not regular retail keys - they are volume licensing keys. They dont work the same way a retail key does. Volume licensing keys will not work with x64, at least my buddies doesn't, and he's not eligible to get x64 from MS because when he entered the key he was told he was not eligible to get Vista x64 for the discounted price.
Its not that its an x86 or x64 key, its that it's a volume licensing key. It means they let you buy Vista x86 for really cheap because you are a student or teacher... you dont get to step up to x64 with it and it wont work with a retail DVD - again, at least from my experience with it.
Guys these keys from schools are not regular retail keys - they are volume licensing keys. They dont work the same way a retail key does. Volume licensing keys will not work with x64, at least my buddies doesn't, and he's not eligible to get x64 from MS because when he entered the key he was told he was not eligible to get Vista x64 for the discounted price.
Its not that its an x86 or x64 key, its that it's a volume licensing key. It means they let you buy Vista x86 for really cheap because you are a student or teacher... you dont get to step up to x64 with it and it wont work with a retail DVD - again, at least from my experience with it.
well, i dont have the same key as everyone at my school. my friend obtained a copy from the school as well and he had a different CD key than me.
maybe you mean the keys are all different but still part of a volume licensing thing?
on my packaging it says:
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit English Disk Kit CD
Dragunov
01-30-08, 05:58 PM
No, the keys just says which version u can install: basic, home, Business or Ultimate, but is not bound to 32-bit or 64-bit
Well just with trail and error, u can see if it works, I already have a copy of Vista Ultimate 64-bit here
No, the keys just says which version u can install: basic, home, Business or Ultimate, but is not bound to 32-bit or 64-bit
Well just with trail and error, u can see if it works, I already have a copy of Vista Ultimate 64-bit here
got my hands on a retail Vista x64 disc and my key works.
will i have to reactivate via phone, or can i just reactivate via the internet? i am changing my motherboard, processor, and RAM.
anyone know if i can activate via the internet with an upgrade version? or will i have to call MS?
Dr.Nick
01-31-08, 12:25 PM
It depends on how many times you have already activated it over the web. Even on my retail copy after two or three online activations I'm forced to call.
It depends on how many times you have already activated it over the web. Even on my retail copy after two or three online activations I'm forced to call.
ive only activated once.
Viventis
02-01-08, 02:16 PM
I recently installed the Vista 64 Upgrade and activated over the web. I originally installed Vista 32 Upgrade, got the Vista 64 disc directly from Microsoft by following the instructions on a card that came with my box that said "Do you need CD's or a 64 bit DVD?" I used the same product code number as my original Vista 32 install (per instructions) and it activated on the net with no problems.
well, i installed 64-bit using a friend's disc. it didnt activate online, but i just called in and the automated service gave me the activation numbers. i think the activation service was down or it was having problems because my system clock was still set on Jan. 1 2007 (just installed the board lol).
either way, got it to activate :D
vBulletin® v3.7.1, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.