64-Bit Vista Ultimate Question

I have ordered R61 with Vista Ultimate and it looks like they are installing 32-bit version. Is there a way to switch to 64-bit. I am planning to upgrade to 3GB Ram and would like to see if 64-bit offers any performance improvement.

 

Try to see if the recovery dvd( if there is one) is a vista reinstall one; if it is you should have the option the choose between 32 or 64 bit as the serials are interchangeables.

 

if you want 32bit, call and tell them to change the OS. If you wait, you will have to find a anytime upgrade disk, or buy a new 64b disk in most cases. Plus, you would have to do a clean install for the 64b system--> the only good thing is that going from 32 to 64 bit is just a lateral, not an upgrade, as long as you use the same version- home to home, ultimate to ultimate.

 

If Lenovo is shipping you an OEM version of Vista 32bit, you will not qualify for Microsoft or Lenovo to send you a 64 bit copy.

If you bought Vista in the store and went home with the 32bit retail version, and then in the future you decided you wanted to bump up to 64 bit, you could call MS and they would ship you out a 64 bit disc. With an OEM version, you're stuck with what they give you.

 

Just download the 64-bit version and burn yourself to a DVD. Your OEM key will work.

 

Thanks for the responses.

Is 64-bit faster than 32-bit.? I shall call Lenovo and ask them to install 64-bit OS

 

Yes. 64 bit benchmarks at 8-10 percent faster than 32 bit.

 

I'd def do that, eve if it changes the delivery date. That way all the drivers are installed when you get it...........

 

I called Lenovo and it seems they do not support Vista Ultimate 64-bit version for R61. Only 64-bit OS they have is Vista Business which I do not want. I guess I need to look at alternate ways to get 64-bit.

Is it legal to download and use an OEM key.

 

It is perfectly legal.

Here is an excellent clean install guide written specifically for Lenovo laptops:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783

Just make sure you have 64 bit version of all the drivers you need.

 

In my experience, Vista 64 has pretty much all the drivers with a couple of notable exceptions.

You almost must have the lenovo UltraNav drivers. I did take the time to install many lenovo drivers but the only driver that was obvious defective was Ultranav where the cursor tended to jump all over the page.

 

Thanks for the help. I shall play around 32-bit and then try to install 64-bit to see the improvements. Hope all the components have good drivers.

 

yup, totally legal and I have personally used it to go from 32bit to 64bit- the abr toll is awesome, leave orev a rep if you can the key and certificate you save, restore easily into the 64bit version

 

Sorry Notscot6. Your post went totally over my head. Can you explain what is abr toll and who is orev?

 

He meant Orev's Activation Backup & Restore (ABR) tool.
In a nutshell taken off the guide :

more info here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=120228

Additonally you can check out Stallen's guide which is tailored for thinkpad users and based on orev's guide.

 

ok got it now. I would check it out and leave orev a rep.