Any Windows 7 experts out there?
I noticed Microsoft has mentioned the selling of Windows 7 soon, but they have not mentioned much information about the logistics of the 32 vs 64 bit editions.
Do I have to choose 32 or 64 bit at the time of purchase (a different box for each) or at the time of installation (both are on the same disk)?
Microsoft has talked about being able to upgrade from Home Premium to Professional to Ultimate after you have installed Windows 7, but can you also upgrade from 32 to 64 bit?
Thanks!
You should probably install the 64 bit version unless you are installing on a net book. I believe the home premium and ultimate versions will ship with both versions.
According to the MS website you can upgrade to any version, but if you go from 32 bit to 64 bit you will have to perform a “clean install.” In other words wipe the drive clean and then put your files back on after you have done the upgrade.
Usually when you upgrade you don’t need to do a clean install. For instance, when you go from Home Basic to Business Ultimate, you are just adding so you don’t need to do a clean install. When you go from Business Ultimate to Home Basic you’re taking away so you need to do a clean install.
But whenever you change from 32 to 64 bit versions you have to do a clean install regardless.
Of course you have to make sure whatever computer you buy is capable of running a 64 bit version.
To see (in Vista) Go to
Control Panel -> System and Maintenence -> Performance Information and Tools -> View and Print Details
Then you will see under System Type 64-Bit Capable. It will say yes or no