Help going from Vista x32 to Vista x64

[methimpikehoses]

I moved my Vista 32bit to a different rig but I am having trouble getting it off of my present one so I can put vista64 on it. When I try to load from my x64 dvd it boots, loads files, runs bars, then gets to the green vista background with the pointer icon and dies. I think it's trying to run the x64bit executable file in x32. Not sure tho.

Can someone give me a quick tip for formatting my HDD... I only have the one drive with Vista x32 on it and no floppies. USBs tho.

[Darkoz]

I gather you are trying to do a clean install.
Boot off the Viista 64bit DVD and when you get to the setup showing you the available partions/drives you need to choose the advanced/extra settings on the lower right side of the screen and choose the format option first.
From there you should be able to continue the installation.

[methimpikehoses]

Right. When I boot off the x64 DVD it dies. I get the boot, the "loading files" screen, the green windows bars, then that greenish vista background and a pointer but no menus. wtf?

[Darkoz]

Are you using a legit copy of Vista and you do have a 64 bit compatible CPU right?........Oops, just saw your sig with an E6600......
Otherwise could be a number of things, but the first thing I'd check is your RAM, most install problems are caused by RAM issues.
If you have more than one stick of RAM installed take them out and try with only one stick installed.

[methimpikehoses]

Yes my versions are legit and I should be all set to go.

I get to that vista green screen and then nothing but the pointer. I can move it around, but there are no menus and no HDD activity whatsoever. Weird.

I'm trying to make a boot disk from my USB so I can format the drive and start clean, but the HP boot disk utility won't run in Vista!

Will try a stick of RAM, but I don't think the RAM is the issue... never had a problem with it before.

[Darkoz]

Yes my versions are legit and I should be all set to go.

I get to that vista green screen and then nothing but the pointer. I can move it around, but there are no menus and no HDD activity whatsoever. Weird.

I'm trying to make a boot disk from my USB so I can format the drive and start clean, but the HP boot disk utility won't run in Vista!

Will try a stick of RAM, but I don't think the RAM is the issue... never had a problem with it before.

It's worth checking the RAM though, even if you've never had problems before, there's a first time for everything.
How long did you wait on the screen with no menus before you gave up?

[methimpikehoses]

I waited for 3-4minutes. But there was NO drive activity at all.

[methimpikehoses]

Well I'm up an running x64 now.

I'm an idiot BTW: you were right, I wasn't waiting long enough at the blank screen. After several minutes (5 maybe?), the menus came on and I reformatted the HDD and installed.

Now to get the gfx drivers and I'm set.

Thanks for the help.

[einstein_314]

Yeah it pauses there for me too. For like a good 5 minutes. It's weird though because my Laptop which has a core duo in it only pauses for 30 seconds or so....I'm not sure why this is...but it does. Oh well. As long as it works I'm happy.

[methimpikehoses]

Right, when I installed x32 it only paused for a second or two, so I expected x64 to do the same thing.

Works fine now tho.