32-bit Win 7 to 64-bit....key?

[makenzie71]

I just bought an Inspiron 9100 and it came with 32-bit Windows 7 Pro already installed. Can I use the same activation key if I install 64-bit 7? I assume I can because when I bought a boxed copy of Windows 7 it only came with one key.

If so, how do I retrieve the activation key used on this copy of 7?

 

[JCB1]

i dont believe you can use the 32bit serial for the 64bit os

 

[makenzie71]

I just went through my win 7 pro box thoroughly and there was only one activation key. The key's have to work between 32/64 bit or separate keys would be included.

 

[JCB1]

Thinking about it you will need a new license. I rebuilt my hp laptop with windows 7 64 bit (It came with windows 7 32 bit) and the serial that is on my hp laptop didnt work for the 64bit OS but did work on my 32bit OS

 

[iPwn]

With all windows installs (except Starter and Home Basic) you get a key for both 32 and 64 bit. However, with OEM installs, it's different. I believe, but don't quote me on this, the key that you get is only good for the version that's installed. I could be wrong on that though, but I do know that if you purchase the retail copy, then it's good for both architectures.

 

[makenzie71]

Is a Windows 7 license key valid for both 32-bit and 64-bit?

Windows 7 Upgrade Activation Key - Are 32 bit & 64 bit Keys Interchangable?

activation key (32 and 64 bit)

will a 32 bit key work on a 64bit version - Windows 7 Forums

You find hit after hit on Microsoft's forum about. I don't know why it wouldn't have worked with your HP...based on what I've read you shouldn't have had any issues.

With all windows installs (except Starter and Home Basic) you get a key for both 32 and 64 bit. However, with OEM installs, it's different. I believe, but don't quote me on this, the key that you get is only good for the version that's installed. I could be wrong on that though, but I do know that if you purchase the retail copy, then it's good for both architectures.

I could see this being the case. The laptop I'm dealing with, though, was upgraded to Win 7 from XP...or wiped and had XP put on it. If I can retrieve the activation key I should be able to install the 64 bit version.

 

[compdude]

It is wise to check your motherboard specifications before buying windows 7 to see whether yours is 32bit or 64 bit, or if buying a new motherboard check ur current windows to see if its 32 bit or 64 bit. Trust me I've learnt my lesson by getting windows 7 32 bit and finding out my motherboard was 64 bit.

 

[sahabcse]

Best way is try to contact MS customer support. In my experience I have degraded the windows licence form windows 2008 to 2003 with the help of microsoft customer tech upport.

 

[iPwn]

It is wise to check your motherboard specifications before buying windows 7 to see whether yours is 32bit or 64 bit, or if buying a new motherboard check ur current windows to see if its 32 bit or 64 bit. Trust me I've learnt my lesson by getting windows 7 32 bit and finding out my motherboard was 64 bit.

It's actually the CPU that needs to be 64bit...

Best way is try to contact MS customer support. In my experience I have degraded the windows licence form windows 2008 to 2003 with the help of microsoft customer tech upport.

What...??