upgrading to vista 64 bit - quick question

I recently purchased a computer that I can use Vista 64 bit on. I had
purchased Vista Home Premium back when it was launched, and contacted
Microsoft to find out about getting 64 bit media. I was told it'd be 9.95 or
something along those lines.

I asked if the key that I have for my 32 bit version will be the key that I
will use when I install the 64 bit version; one rep told me that YES, I use
the same key, and another rep told me NO that I would get a new key with the
64 bit CD, finally the last rep told me that I'd only get the CD for the
9.95, and have to pay MORE to get a LICENSE/KEY.

So, who's right? I ended up ordering the CD anyhow, and will have it in a
week or so, but I'd like to know what I'll be looking forward to when I do
get it.

Will I be able to use the key from my 32 bit version, or will I get a new
key with the 64 bit CD, or will I have to call MS yet again, and BUY another
key.

Any help would be appreciated. I've read so much conflicting information
about this, that I'm so lost at this point.

Thanks.

This may not apply to you, but I have a Home Premium Upgrade license.

I was able to use the product key to install the X64 version of Home
Premium. The only sticky bit was that I'd previously activated the 32 bit
version, so I couldn't activate online. I had no trouble doing it by
telephone, although I had to go to the live representative.

Note that the 64 bit version cannot be installed over a 32 bit version; it
must be a clean install. (An upgrade license gives you the option of doing a
clean install.)


Return address scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

"loki1984" <> wrote in message
news:453759E0-474B-4D50-AF7D-...
>I recently purchased a computer that I can use Vista 64 bit on. I had
> purchased Vista Home Premium back when it was launched, and contacted
> Microsoft to find out about getting 64 bit media. I was told it'd be 9.95
> or
> something along those lines.
>
> I asked if the key that I have for my 32 bit version will be the key that
> I
> will use when I install the 64 bit version; one rep told me that YES, I
> use
> the same key, and another rep told me NO that I would get a new key with
> the
> 64 bit CD, finally the last rep told me that I'd only get the CD for the
> 9.95, and have to pay MORE to get a LICENSE/KEY.
>
> So, who's right? I ended up ordering the CD anyhow, and will have it in a
> week or so, but I'd like to know what I'll be looking forward to when I do
> get it.
>
> Will I be able to use the key from my 32 bit version, or will I get a new
> key with the 64 bit CD, or will I have to call MS yet again, and BUY
> another
> key.
>
> Any help would be appreciated. I've read so much conflicting information
> about this, that I'm so lost at this point.
>
> Thanks.
>

I have the full install version of 32 bit Home Premium. I also did the
anytime upgrade thing to Ultimate (but I don't have the actual "key") just
some file thats stored in "Digital Locker" thingy..

I just need to find out if (hopefully) the key I have thats on my Home
Premium (32bit) box, will work to install Home Premium (64 bit)..

I've done tons of searching, and I keep reading conflicting answers,
hopefully someone can chime in and clarify.


"Bob Knowlden" wrote:

> This may not apply to you, but I have a Home Premium Upgrade license.
>
> I was able to use the product key to install the X64 version of Home
> Premium. The only sticky bit was that I'd previously activated the 32 bit
> version, so I couldn't activate online. I had no trouble doing it by
> telephone, although I had to go to the live representative.
>
> Note that the 64 bit version cannot be installed over a 32 bit version; it
> must be a clean install. (An upgrade license gives you the option of doing a
> clean install.)
>
>
> Return address scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.
>
> "loki1984" <> wrote in message
> news:453759E0-474B-4D50-AF7D-...
> >I recently purchased a computer that I can use Vista 64 bit on. I had
> > purchased Vista Home Premium back when it was launched, and contacted
> > Microsoft to find out about getting 64 bit media. I was told it'd be 9.95
> > or
> > something along those lines.
> >
> > I asked if the key that I have for my 32 bit version will be the key that
> > I
> > will use when I install the 64 bit version; one rep told me that YES, I
> > use
> > the same key, and another rep told me NO that I would get a new key with
> > the
> > 64 bit CD, finally the last rep told me that I'd only get the CD for the
> > 9.95, and have to pay MORE to get a LICENSE/KEY.
> >
> > So, who's right? I ended up ordering the CD anyhow, and will have it in a
> > week or so, but I'd like to know what I'll be looking forward to when I do
> > get it.
> >
> > Will I be able to use the key from my 32 bit version, or will I get a new
> > key with the 64 bit CD, or will I have to call MS yet again, and BUY
> > another
> > key.
> >
> > Any help would be appreciated. I've read so much conflicting information
> > about this, that I'm so lost at this point.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
>
>

Yes your product key will work for both x86 and x64.

If the product key is OEM you will need to activate by phone. If your
product is a retail version(boxed) you will be able to activate online.


--
joel406

"loki1984" <> wrote in message
news:453759E0-474B-4D50-AF7D-...
>I recently purchased a computer that I can use Vista 64 bit on. I had
> purchased Vista Home Premium back when it was launched, and contacted
> Microsoft to find out about getting 64 bit media. I was told it'd be 9.95
> or
> something along those lines.
>
> I asked if the key that I have for my 32 bit version will be the key that
> I
> will use when I install the 64 bit version; one rep told me that YES, I
> use
> the same key, and another rep told me NO that I would get a new key with
> the
> 64 bit CD, finally the last rep told me that I'd only get the CD for the
> 9.95, and have to pay MORE to get a LICENSE/KEY.
>
> So, who's right? I ended up ordering the CD anyhow, and will have it in a
> week or so, but I'd like to know what I'll be looking forward to when I do
> get it.
>
> Will I be able to use the key from my 32 bit version, or will I get a new
> key with the 64 bit CD, or will I have to call MS yet again, and BUY
> another
> key.
>
> Any help would be appreciated. I've read so much conflicting information
> about this, that I'm so lost at this point.
>
> Thanks.

Join the screwed up experience of figuring the MS licensing.

Cha Cing $$$.

"loki1984" <> wrote in message
news:453759E0-474B-4D50-AF7D-...

> I recently purchased a computer that I can use Vista 64 bit on. I had
> purchased Vista Home Premium back when it was launched, and contacted
> Microsoft to find out about getting 64 bit media. I was told it'd be 9.95
> or
> something along those lines.
>
> I asked if the key that I have for my 32 bit version will be the key that
> I
> will use when I install the 64 bit version; one rep told me that YES, I
> use
> the same key, and another rep told me NO that I would get a new key with
> the
> 64 bit CD, finally the last rep told me that I'd only get the CD for the
> 9.95, and have to pay MORE to get a LICENSE/KEY.

I had Vista Home Premium Upgrade (retail), and got the 64-bit DVD for $9.95.
Used the same key I got with the 32-bit version and it activated fine online
with no issues. I have since rebuilt this PC twice (new processor and new
motherboard) and had to reactivate by phone in those instances but it was
relatively painless.

You won't get a new key, and you won't need to buy a new one either. Just
reuse the key you got with the 32-bit version.