Windows 7 How can I do a 64 bit installation of Windows 7?

[Xarzu]

I have 32 bit Vista on my home built computer but I think it can handle a 64 bit Windows 7.

Yet when I tried to install 64 bit Windows 7 it would not allow me to (at first, anyway, unless there is a trick). The installation program checks what OS you currently have rather than the hardware.

How can I do a 64 bit installation of Windows 7?

 

[RAK]

You don't have much to say about how you attempted it?
Upgrade. Retail OEM?

Best solution is to create another partition and do a customised install. This will give you the opportunity to examine both before you decide which you prefer.
"it would not allow me to (at first, anyway, unless there is a trick). " Was there any message?

 

[kemical]

Sounds to me like you tried to 'upgrade'. Unfortunately you cannot upgrade from 32bit to 64bit as it has to be a clean install.

 

[Xarzu]

I guess with a clean install instead of an upgrade, I will have to back up all my files because the hard drive is going to go back to zero.

 

[kemical]

Correct.. Back up what you can and then do the clean install.