📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses how the original poster, who has Windows 7 64-bit installed without a product key, wants to switch to the 32-bit version due to limited RAM. A helper advises downloading a Windows 7 32-bit ISO, creating a bootable DVD, and performing a clean installation using the current product key. The original poster is advised that the 32-bit version is referred to as x86, and they can find their product key on the bottom of their laptop. Overall, the exchange is informative and helpful, guiding the user through the process to revert to a 32-bit Windows 7.
H

Happidaise

New Member
Member details
Joined
Nov 15, 2013
Messages
6
Thread Author #1
I was running windows 7, 64 bit on my laptop. It was factory installed (no cd). I realize that I should have chosen 32 bit, as I only have 2GB ram. I tried reinstalling windows from the computer application in windows 7, but it didn't offer me a choice of which system to install this time and instead just reinstalled 64 bit again. How can I reinstall factory settings to 32 bit instead? Thanks!
 

davidhk129

davidhk129

Essential Member
Member details
Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
1,315
#2
1.You'll need to download a Windows 7 32-bit ISO. Make sure you choose the same version as your 64-bit, ie. Home Premium, Ultimate etc.
http://www.mydigitallife.info/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-digital-river/
*** The source is 100% legal. Digital Rivers is supported by Microsoft ***

2.Then you burn the iso file into a bootable DVD.
Link Removed

3. Then you do a clean install using the bootable DVD. You will use your current 64-bit product key to install.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html
 

H

Happidaise

New Member
Member details
Joined
Nov 15, 2013
Messages
6
Thread Author #3
Thanks, but the computer came with windows installed, no product key...
 

davidhk129

davidhk129

Essential Member
Member details
Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
1,315
#4
Product key can be found at the bottom of your laptop.
It is a set of 25 numbers and digits combo, divided into 5 groups of 5.
 

H

Happidaise

New Member
Member details
Joined
Nov 15, 2013
Messages
6
Thread Author #5
Thanks so much for your help! :)
 

davidhk129

davidhk129

Essential Member
Member details
Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
1,315
#6
You are welcome.
 

davidhk129

davidhk129

Essential Member
Member details
Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
1,315
#8
Happidaise said:
Sorry, but what is a bootable DVD? Thanks :)
Click to expand...

See my 1st reply, #2.
It is a DVD which contains the operating system, in this case it would be a Windows 7 operating system.
It is used to install or re-install an operating system into the hardware, the computer.
 

H

Happidaise

New Member
Member details
Joined
Nov 15, 2013
Messages
6
Thread Author #9
Thanks. I checked the first link, but could only see windows 7: x86 or x64, not x32...
 

H

Happidaise

New Member
Member details
Joined
Nov 15, 2013
Messages
6
Thread Author #11
Thanks David. Lol! :)
 

S

silhouttejames

Member
Member details
Joined
May 3, 2013
Messages
30
#12
Happidaise said:
I was running windows 7, 64 bit on my laptop. It was factory installed (no cd). I realize that I should have chosen 32 bit, as I only have 2GB ram. I tried reinstalling windows from the computer application in windows 7, but it didn't offer me a choice of which system to install this time and instead just reinstalled 64 bit again. How can I reinstall factory settings to 32 bit instead? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Link Removed

Restore the PC to original condition with the HP Recovery Manager
Follow the steps below to use HP Recovery Manager to return your notebook to its baseline factory condition, then allow the PC to run all the setup programs.

Press the power button to turn on the PC, and press F11 on the keyboard immediately while the computer is starting up. The HP Backup and Recovery Manager window will appear.

NOTE: Depending on the BIOS version, your computer may display multiple prompts during startup including F11 to start System Recovery. Pressing the F11 key on a computer with an HP factory image wiill start System Recovery even if the prompt is not displayed.

Click Advanced options , select the System recovery option, and then click Next .

If the Recovery Manager can access the hard drive it displays a prompt to backup up user files before continuing the recovery. You may either backup your files, or skip the backup and recover the operating system.

If the Recovery Manager cannot access the hard drive to fix the system errors, use the set of Recovery disks that you created to recover the hard drive to its original condition.

After the hard drive is returned to its original condition, restart the PC and allow the PC to run all the setup programs.
 

davidhk129

davidhk129

Essential Member
Member details
Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
1,315
#13
@silhouttejames ,
How did you know the OP is using HP computer?

Not all computers use F11 to start Recovery.
 

Last edited:
badrobot

badrobot

Senior Member
Member details
Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
1,008
#14
Why don't you just upgrade your RAM? Adding another 2GB of RAM will not hurt your pocket so much and is a lot easier and better than downgrading your system (that is, if your RAM is expandable). That extra 2GB will take care of the RAM hungry 64-bit systems. Just a thought.
 

Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.