Software Windows 7 32 bit to 64 bit

[MJR]

As the title says, I need help on updating from the 32-bit to the 64-bit version. However, I don't know how to properly boot with the CD on start up. Better yet, I am not sure if I can even upgrade windows 7 32-bit to 64-bit. Some help would be nice.

 

[Quick_Nick]

I'm not sure, but I highly doubt you can 'upgrade'. AFAIK the processors for 32 bit vs 64 bit are different. (if it is somehow possible, it's highly impractical)

 

[Hielor]

Assuming you have a 64-bit processor, just put the install disc in your drive, and then restart your computer.

 

[Revolpathon]

all recent processor's are 64 bit processor's

if you post the processor you have then i can tell you if it's a 64 bit one or not, also if you can't use the upgrade function when you pop the cd in your drive while under windows 7 32 bit then you can use the "windows easy transfer" utility which backs up all your settings and anything else that you want backed up, you can find it in the start menu>accessories>system tools>windows easy transfer

save the file to a different hard disk so you don't loose it or burn it on a cd or dvd depending on the size (or a memory stick) or load it to another computer on your network, after that do a clean install and then copy the file windows easy transfer made back to your own pc and run it (you need a bit of patience since it will take a while to restore everything) in the end it gives you a list of programs you had installe on your own pc that you might want to re-install

 

[orb]

I think the question was rather, whether there is an option (of setup disk) to upgrade the system from 32-bit to 64-bit, without complete reinstall of everything, i.e. reinstalling software and rebuilding registry. And I can't answer to it, because I don't have Windows 7, and if I had, it would be probably only 64-bit.

 

[Revolpathon]

i got windows 7 64 bit, but with the windows easy transfer you mostly circumvent the problems that come with a clean install, if it isn't possible, every LEGAL windows 7 disk can upgrade if the base OS is supported by the upgrade install program. i'm not sure if it is supported so i provided a solution in the case that it isn't though i think it is supported, i think so because windows 7 64 bit has an extensive 32 bit emulator so technicly it could easily transfer the 32 bit application into the emulator of the 64 bit OS.

 

[garyw]

Why would you want to upgrade to 64 bit? Is there some special requirement that you have for 64bit? Even with a 64bit processor most apps drop down to 32bit so unless you have an app that requires 64bit of if you are planning to go above 3GB of memory 32bit will do the job fine.

 

[Hielor]

I think the question was rather, whether there is an option (of setup disk) to upgrade the system from 32-bit to 64-bit, without complete reinstall of everything, i.e. reinstalling software and rebuilding registry. And I can't answer to it, because I don't have Windows 7, and if I had, it would be probably only 64-bit.

You cannot do an upgrade install from 32 to 64, and must do a clean install (which will move all programs and documents from the old install to C:\Windows.old).

 

[Quick_Nick]

Why would you want to upgrade to 64 bit? Is there some special requirement that you have for 64bit? Even with a 64bit processor most apps drop down to 32bit so unless you have an app that requires 64bit of if you are planning to go above 3GB of memory 32bit will do the job fine.

I would guess that it's for RAM.

 

[Bj]

Better yet, I am not sure if I can even upgrade windows 7 32-bit to 64-bit. Some help would be nice.

start -> run ->
msinfo.exe

find system type, should say x64 for 64 bit, or x86 for 32 bit. If it doesn't say x64 then you cannot do the 'upgrade'.

The disk will warn you though.

If just placing the disk into the tray and restarting doesn't work, then on restart press one of (F8-F9-F10-F11-F12) (Depends on the make of the computer, and bios version). Only press the one that makes you open the selection screen for the boot devices.
-Or you could edit the BIOS so that it will automatically try to boot from the CD drive.

 

[Revolpathon]

You cannot do an upgrade install from 32 to 64, and must do a clean install (which will move all programs and documents from the old install to C:\Windows.old).

correct, but that's only if you do not format the disk before install, a format is recomended though

 

[TSPenguin]

correct, but that's only if you do not format the disk before install, a format is recomended though

Why? It is not like there are different filesystems for 32 and 64 bit.

 

[Revolpathon]

no but if you do a quick format or a real format (i'm not patient enough for the full format one's) then you don't have "waste files" flying around which could be infected by spam and spy ware. the spam ans spy ware are additional reasons though, i generally hate waste files that a system doesn't need, also think of file fragmentation, if you perform a clean install on a freshly formatted drive the reading head that reads the "platters" (or disks in the harddrive) have to move less and thus your system is faster, since windows defragment utility can't move system files that are in use you can't correct it later.

(i'm translating dutch terms to english so some of the words may seem unfamilliar).

though i agree that if you don't do a format you could always recover files that you didn't back up.

 

[RangerPL]

I don't think that it's possible to directly upgrade to x86-64 from x86 without nuking the computer because the underlying structure of Windows is different. It's not like upgrading from Home Premium to Ultimate where you merely install new features.