Vista 32 to 64

Hi all,
Does anyone actually know if you can upgrade from vista 32 to vista 64 without buying a second copy of vista to upgrade it?

I want to start off with getting my drivers compatible with vista 32 until more manufacturers get updated enough with 64-bit that I can switch to it. I want vista 64 because most games coming out will run better on 64-bit such as Crysis which is said to have a 10-15% increase in threads.

Future thanks to all reply's

 

you can buy an upgrade disk ($100 ish i think)

 

but do you need to buy a new copy to upgrade from 32 to 64?

 

From what I heard, every purchase of Vista should come with both the 32 and 64bit versions. The 64bit CD may need to be shipped to you after you contact MS with your key# though.

 

Here is the info from Microsoft, link.

If you have Vista Ultimate, you should already have both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs, more info from Microsoft about 32-bit and 64-bit Vista versions, here.

 

Thank you very much eternal, the link explained a lot of what I wanted to know

 

CoD, you're welcome. Glad I could help.

 

Vista is great, love the eye candy but unfortunately lots of my programs won't run under it. No drivers/software update as yet. Reverted back to XP. Will wait until companies update their softwares for Vista. Special warning to all.... Iolo System Mechanic Pro 7 though it states it's compatible with Vista, it's not. Attempted to install under Vista and now I have a dead program (only allows you to install 3 times). Wasted my time and $$$ on SMP7.

 

Although eternal gave you a very good answer, I wanted to mention that it is dependent on if you are purchasing Vista yourself or receiving it preinstalled (OEM) on a new system.

If you purchase a retail upgrade or full version of Ultimate, you get both discs. If you purchase a retail upgrade or full version of any other version of Vista, you get the 32-bit disc, and you can then order a 64-bit disc for a nominal fee. Also, you can borrow a 64-bit disc if you know someone who has one, to avoid paying anything extra. The key that came with your purchase works to install the correct version of Vista-64 as well.

That is not the case with versions of Vista preinstalled on new PCs. Those OEM versions do NOT have an offer to "upgrade" from 32-bit to 64-bit. Depending on how the vendor's OEM keys work, you MAY be able to get the real key for your machine and try to do a new install using a 64-bit disc you "acquire", one way or another. But it's far from a sure thing, unlike retail purchases.

The third option, to be even more confusing, is that you can purchase OEM or systembuilder copies of Vista (from retailers like NewEgg, etc.). Those versions also do NOT include the ability to "upgrade" from 32-bit to 64-bit, but are available to order either as 32-bit or 64-bit versions. If you go that route, definitely order the 64-bit disc if that's the version you want.

Hope that all helps.