Can i upgrade from 32-Bit Vista to 64-Bit??

[RV]

Hi Guys! I've a Dell Laptop with Windows Ultimate 32-bit [x86]. I want to upgrade it to windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit. [x64]. Will i get a free upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit or i'll have to buy a new copy? Thanx

[jesse]

If you have a Retail version, Microsoft will send you a 64 bit
DVD, with you just payying shipping and handling. If you have an OEM version, whether purchased or included with the PC you bought, then you have to buy a 64 bit copy.

[RV]

Ok I have a retail version! But can i upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit or i need a clean install? If i need to clean install, how can i migrate my data so that i don't miss my important files!?

[Solomon]

You cannot upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit, you need to clean install 64-bit Vista! Back-up your important data on a removable disk and restore it when you are done with 64-Bit installation. The reason you cannot upgrade 32-bit to 64-bit is, The kernel is the heart of the OS, it interpretes the instructions [commands] with the hardware. When 64-bit OS is installed on a 64-Bit processor machine, it utilizes the hardware more then 32-bit OS does, so the Operating System's hierarchy of 32-bit is totally different from 64-bit! Anyways Hope This Helped You... All the Best!

[RV]

Ok, Thanks for the help, or i would have screwed my important data which would have let my boss fire me! Well i did'nt knew 32-bit OS and 64-Bit OS are developed according to the hardware! Thanks once again!