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    Can I use my 32 bit key to install 64 bit vista home premium?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by kojack, Oct 27, 2011.

  1. kojack

    kojack Notebook Prophet

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    I bought vista home premium a while back, can i use my 32bit key on a copy of 64 bit vista?
     
  2. Mark Larson

    Mark Larson Notebook Evangelist

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    yes you can.
     
  3. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    only if you're running ONE copy of the OS on that key.

    Multiple machines require multiple keys.
     
  4. Yotsuba

    Yotsuba Notebook Evangelist

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    I tried using my 32-bit product key from Windows 7 Home Premium to install 64-bit and it did not work.
     
  5. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    I guess it was a OEM key.
     
  6. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    If the key was from OEM sticker on the computer, it should work on both versions without any issues.

    However, if it was taken from the factory original installation... it isn't even supposed to work like that.
     
  7. talin

    talin Notebook Prophet

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    It works for me. But that's doing a clean install with the OEM license and product key. I could also do it with retail vista discs.
     
  8. Yotsuba

    Yotsuba Notebook Evangelist

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    I was using an upgrade key, so that may be why I couldn't use it with a 64-bit copy.
     
  9. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    Upgrade key will work too but it isn't as simple as full retail key.

    Paul Thurrott has written a nice guide for us:
    Clean Install Windows 7 with Upgrade Media

    Read that, it's much better explained there than I can :)
     
  10. 3Fees

    3Fees Notebook Deity

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    Yes,there is no license I have seen that says 32 bit or 64 bit,,its says the operating system--oem act,,ect for retail........

    Cheers
    3Fees :)
     
  11. xwingkiller

    xwingkiller Newbie

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    strange, i tried to do the same thing and it wouldn't work.
    the key i had with my 32 bit package did not work on a 64 bit install.