Upgrading 32 bit OS to 64

So I just picked up an E6220, and it's a great machine, but I noticed that it only has the 32-bit version of Windows 7 professional installed. What's weird is that the product key on the bottom is for Home Premium, but the Dell CD it came with says Windows 7 Pro 32-bit (I bought it used and seller is not sure). Does the 64-bit version exist on the 32-bit CD, or can Dell send me a 64-bit version? A bit confused as to how this happened.

 

The 32 bit version supports up to 4GB Ram, so it is better if you are gonna upgrade to 64 bit. Dell CD with 32bit OS will not contain the 64 bit, so you have to download from somewhere and if you are lucky enough the 32 bit keys will work to activate the system.

 

32 and 64 windows versions use different cd keys.

 

the keys are compatible with either version, and have been that way since Vista/Server 2008. a 32 key works on 64 bit, and vice versa.

 

No... Since Vista, 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows use the same key (as long as you use the same edition... by that I mean Home Premium, Professional, etc.). I have used a key that came with a machine with 32-bit preinstalled to "upgrade" to the 64-bit version several times without any trouble — though they will possibly make you phone in for activation.

You just need to find a 64-bit disc to install from. Dell might be able to ship you one, or maybe you can nab one from a friend or coworker who has 64-bit install media for Windows 7 Professional. Note, the edition (Professional) is important. With Vista they included all editions besides Enterprise on most discs and your key determined which you got, but with Windows 7 they went back to edition-specific media.

 

I guess the only question I have is that how do I get the COA number off this installed and activated version of 7 Pro? I have Home Premium on the bottom of the laptop and I guess I could just use it, but would prefer Professional. If Dell sent me a 64-bit Pro disc do I not need to worry about the COA at all?

 

I think the Dell installation DVD comes preactivated for Dell laptops.

 

windows are preactivated on laptops.
thera was a program (forgot the name) with helps you to extract sertificat and oem key from your machine, then you can do fresh install and use sert+key for activation

 

Yeap... just grab x64 DVD and installed it, prefer do a clean installation better than upgrade due to the x86 to x64 platform... doing my previous E6500 without hassle, automatic shows windows activated...with DELL it's embedded I guess..

 

Sounds like I need to find an X64 Dell install DVD then. Gonna have to figure out how to get an optical drive hooked up here...lol. The ESata port might come in handy after all.