Nepkerl said:I've read the windows 7 FAQ and it said of your upgrading from XP, a clean install is required to upgrade but does the upgrade offer allow for xp 32bit to be upgraded to w7 64bit?
A clean install and an upgrade are different things (opposites, in fact); an upgrade just "changes" your present OS to the new OS and a clean install wipes off your old OS and installs the new OS, erm, newly. Windows XP can't upgrade to 7, meaning you'll have to do a clean install. Back up your documents, files, folders, etc. that you want to keep and then do a clean install. You'll then have to reinstall your programs and everything since you'll start out on a blank slate again.
Hope that helps
Sorry, you can't use the upgrade media to go from XP 32-bit to 7 64-bit. The fact that it's XP to 7 makes it impossible, plus the fact that a 32-bit to 64-bit is impossible too. You'll have to buy the full version of Windows 7 and perform a clean install which will completely wipe out XP and install 7. Also make sure you have a 64-bit processor because a 64-bit OS won't install unless the processor is also 64-bit.
How do I know if I am eligible for this offer?
To be eligible for the offer, you need to be running a genuine copy of the Windows XP or Windows Vista operating systems.
Which product should I purchase?
You can choose between the Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade and the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade.
Will I get 32-bit or 64-bit discs?
You’ll get both. Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional packaged products include both 32- and 64-bit discs.
I am running Windows XP, can I upgrade to Windows 7?
Microsoft designed Windows 7 Upgrade media for Windows Vista. A customer with Windows XP can purchase Windows 7 Upgrade media but must back up their files, clean install, and then reinstall their applications.
I think several people are not understanding the actual question being asked here.
The question being asked is:
I currently own Windows XP Professional 32-bit. Microsoft has already said that the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade package will allow you to upgrade from Windows XP, but it will need to perform a clean install of the program (the Upgrade disks can do a clean install). Microsoft has already certified that the Upgrade Package will include a disk each for 32-bit and 64-bit in the same package. Windows Vista users can do an "upgrade" over the top of their existing OS and saving their current program settings, but Windows XP users will have to format their Hard Drive and start from the beginning with the same DVD software disk.
But, will the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade 64-bit install disk authenticate my acceptability to install it if I only own a 32-bit version of Windows XP Professional with the 32-bit key that I am wanting to qualify from?
-- Unfortunately, I do not have the answer, but I do have the same question.
That is also my question. I know that you can't upgrade existing 32bit OS with 64bit OS without clean install, that is logical. But I have Vista Home Premium 32bit and XP pro 32bit and for me is cheaper if is possible to buy upgrade option, Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Upgrade and Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade. But question is, can I use upgrade option for clean 64bit install, or license is connected with current 32bit OS?
This is where I get mixed opinions. Per microsoft the answer is a resounding no! They say 32 bit or 64 bit can not be written over with an upgrade.
But...per many website forums, I get yes because you are getting a clean install. One of them is from a UK software Engineer who works for Microsoft on a contract basis. I don't have the link but I found it via search. Just type UK microsoft upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit... see if you can find it. I am thinking of trying it since you are clean installing. The product key is my only concern as the clean install wipes the hard drive, drivers, etc... But be warned. if you upgrade using a 32 bit platform for windows 7, you cannot buy Home Premium, you must get Business per microsoft sales. But of course that is more money so why not tell you what you need. I have contacted another software guru and am waiting for a reply.
So If this is what I think it is, they (Microsoft-Windows7) don't care what architecture you have in your PC. Propably I can choose 32/64bit in install option.Upgrade to Windows 7
All editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista qualify you to upgrade.
So, this is propably answer to my qustions. According to this, I can buy upgrade DVD, and I can choose 32bit or 64bit Windows 7. Of course, 64bit will be clean install.You will also need to decide whether to install a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows Vista. For help deciding, see 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions.
Exactly.
It doesn't matter which bit version of 2000 or XP or Vista you currently have - you qualify for the upgrade deal.
You just need to use the upgrade dvd to perform a clean install if you are installing a different bit version.
You also need to use the upgrade dvd if you currently have 2000 or XP - irrespective of the bit version.
MS are not insistent about the bit versions - they would like you to move to 64 bit - but the choice is yours.
That is because there is no difference in price between 32 and 64 bit.