Windows 8 replace Vista with win8

[nichosi]

Hi,

I have a Compac laptop with 2core processor & runs Vista.

I have a full win 8 64bit cd I used to install 8 on my PC.

All of a sudden, in Vista, IE will not connect to my BBand, it gives a blank screen.

Managed to install Firefox now.

Can I upgrate the laptop from vista to win8?

I think the laptop is 32bit.

If not, do you think MS will let me have free win 8 32bit, on account that I bought a full win8?

 

[davidhk129]

RE : Can I upgrate the laptop from vista to win8?
You need to run the Win 8 Upgrade Assistant
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows-8/upgrade-assistant-download-online-faq
Excerpt : If you're running Windows XP or Windows Vista, tap or click Download Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to check if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 8.

RE : I think the laptop is 32bit.
If not, do you think MS will let me have free win 8 32bit, on account that I bought a full win8?
Answer : no.
Example.......
I have 2 laptops. 1 runs Win 7 64-bit, and 1 ran Vista 32-bit.
I bought a Win 8 Pro upgrade software which consists of a 32-bit disc and a 64-bit disc, but only one product key.
I used it to install Win 8 Pro 32-bit to my Vista laptop.
Now my Win8 Pro 64-bit disc is useless because I don't have a valid product key for it.

 

[nichosi]

Thanx David,

It seems that with 32 & 64 incompatibility is pointless doing anything. .....nick

 

[davidhk129]

No, no. Your issue has nothing to do with compatibility or lack of it.
Your issue is about valid license.

My win 7 64-bit runs virtually all programs which are 32-bit ( except CCleaner )
Please read this Microsoft article about 32-bit and 64-bit, particularly about " Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer "
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/32-bit-and-64-bit-windows#1TC=windows-7

 

[nichosi]

Thanx,
understood that but, will my w8 pro 64 cd install w8 on my 32bit laptop?

 

[davidhk129]

No, you cannot because you do not have a valid win 8 product key.
The Win 8 product key you have is already in use in your PC.

 

[ussnorway]

Um, a purchased key is different to a msdn key… he can uninstall the windows 8 from his pc and legally use it on the laptop instead but that assumes the laptop meets the physical system requirements which (to be blunt) is doubtful.

Op; your Vista's ie is out dated and more places will block you as time goes on.

I suggest switching to a Linux build for that laptop because that;

1. Is free,

2. Fully legal,

3. And will keep your bank happy.

I suggest mint for a system with windows FEEL about it but Ubuntu also has terrific support… try them both and then decide.

 

[nichosi]

Thanx,

I did use both in the past but, after Win. I found it unyielding & unfortunately my wife can not manage it at all.

Any way of reinstalling IE, perhaps another version? ............nick

 

[ussnorway]

No not one that would run well on an old Vista lappy... IMO Sounds like time to get a new laptop.

 

[nichosi]

Thanx, perish the thought !