Question regarding Windows 32 and 64 bit versions.

[dangel]

On Vista, there's next to no difference thesedays in terms of support (32bit versus 64bit) as MS enforce 64Bit support for third party driver providers.

[Zadock]

Upgrading from x32 premium to x64 might be more tricky than you think, especially if you have an OEM copy. I was politely informed by microsoft customer services via email that if I had an OEM copy I would not be able to upgrade to x64?! they said that you have to have the retail boxed version, sounds like nonsense to me or its just to make sure they squeeze the maximum amount of cash out of you.

[dangel]

It's probably true (sadly) and for no good reason in all honesty.

[Caroline]

Sadly it is all too true... Not only that, but apparently if you change too much hardware, they consider it a 'new' machine (mobo is the key, I believe) and won't let you activate it. Which is why I bought the boxed Home Premium Upgrade version for this new machine and sold on my oem version with the box it was registered to. Just too much hassle.

Caroline

[YOYOtech - Mark]

hi there, when you buy a retail version of vista - in the box you will get both 32bit and 64bit version of the system.....but you do pay for that retail vista £300 plus

when you buy an oem - you pay for only one version of the program around £70.....

so oem will not let you upgrade you need to buy another copy of the 64bit ...

mark

[Zadock]

Sadly it is all too true... Not only that, but apparently if you change too much hardware, they consider it a 'new' machine (mobo is the key, I believe) and won't let you activate it. Which is why I bought the boxed Home Premium Upgrade version for this new machine and sold on my oem version with the box it was registered to. Just too much hassle.

Caroline

Hmmm... well I'm using the OEM copy of XP that I used on my previous PC (may it rest in pieces in my spare room)... oh crap! does that make me a Crime-in-al? a criminal?

[dangel]

Hmmm... well I'm using the OEM copy of XP that I used on my previous PC (may it rest in pieces in my spare room)... oh crap! does that make me a Crime-in-al? a criminal?

No in the sense it's not a criminal offence Worst case MS could take civil action against you for breaking an EULA but i'll switch to linux if that happens (are you listening Jo?).