vista licence

If the 32-bit version comes pre-installed in my laptop, am I entitled to a
copy of the 64-bit version? The system resources can adaquately run the
64-bit version. I understand that it is not recomended to switch to the
64-bit version, but I am wondering if I would be entitled to the other
version. On the Microsoft website, it states that the 64-bit version is
availale is Vista was purchased as a "retail, packaged product." Does that
not include pre-installed versions of Vista?
Thanks

Q. "If the 32-bit version comes pre-installed in my laptop, am I entitled to a
copy of the 64-bit version?"

A. No. Only a retail version of Vista Ultimate provides an option to install
either a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Vista.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows System & Performance




"Kyle_Aaron" wrote:

> If the 32-bit version comes pre-installed in my laptop, am I entitled to a
> copy of the 64-bit version? The system resources can adaquately run the
> 64-bit version. I understand that it is not recomended to switch to the
> 64-bit version, but I am wondering if I would be entitled to the other
> version. On the Microsoft website, it states that the 64-bit version is
> availale is Vista was purchased as a "retail, packaged product." Does that
> not include pre-installed versions of Vista?
> Thanks

"Kyle_Aaron" <> wrote in message
news:3FBA19BA-0323-4DFB-BB64-...
> If the 32-bit version comes pre-installed in my laptop, am I entitled to a
> copy of the 64-bit version? The system resources can adaquately run the
> 64-bit version. I understand that it is not recomended to switch to the
> 64-bit version, but I am wondering if I would be entitled to the other
> version. On the Microsoft website, it states that the 64-bit version is
> availale is Vista was purchased as a "retail, packaged product." Does that
> not include pre-installed versions of Vista?
> Thanks

You have an OEM license, so the only possibility for getting the 64 bit
version is through the OEM (the laptop manufacturer). The information you
read on the Microsoft site applies to retail licenses, thus not to your OEM
license.

Kyle_Aaron <> wrote:

>If the 32-bit version comes pre-installed in my laptop, am I entitled to a
>copy of the 64-bit version? The system resources can adaquately run the
>64-bit version. I understand that it is not recomended to switch to the
>64-bit version, but I am wondering if I would be entitled to the other
>version. On the Microsoft website, it states that the 64-bit version is
>availale is Vista was purchased as a "retail, packaged product." Does that
>not include pre-installed versions of Vista?

"Retail, packaged product" means you bought the CD in a retail box at
a retail store or online.

It does not include pre-installed versions.

Kyle_Aaron wrote:
> If the 32-bit version comes pre-installed in my laptop, am I entitled to a
> copy of the 64-bit version? The system resources can adaquately run the
> 64-bit version. I understand that it is not recomended to switch to the
> 64-bit version, but I am wondering if I would be entitled to the other
> version. On the Microsoft website, it states that the 64-bit version is
> availale is Vista was purchased as a "retail, packaged product." Does that
> not include pre-installed versions of Vista?
> Thanks


Be aware that changing OS may invalidate any warranty, and in the event
of such a claim you would likely have to put the 32 bit back, so make
sure you keep a copy of whatever media you got with it (DVD or HS
partition) and ask the manufacturer's tech support first. If they don't
sell media to do this there may not be 64 bit signed drivers, so even if
you buy a retail copy you may still end up hosed. There is no real
advantage in 64 bit unless you have more than 4GB RAM and some software
may not work.

"Kyle_Aaron" <> wrote in message
news:3FBA19BA-0323-4DFB-BB64-...
> If the 32-bit version comes pre-installed in my laptop, am I entitled to a
> copy of the 64-bit version? The system resources can adaquately run the
> 64-bit version. I understand that it is not recomended to switch to the
> 64-bit version, but I am wondering if I would be entitled to the other
> version. On the Microsoft website, it states that the 64-bit version is
> availale is Vista was purchased as a "retail, packaged product." Does that
> not include pre-installed versions of Vista?
> Thanks


Preinstalled software is also called "OEM". Retail, packaged means a box
like the one pictured on this page:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116473. All retail
editions entitle you to both the x86 and x64 dvds. Preinstalled software
entitles you to what came preinstalled on the computer and nothing more. If
you want to migrate from x86 to x64 you must do so by purchasing a retail
upgrade or standard edition of Vista. Vista Ultimate has both dvds in the
retail box. The other editions have only the x86 dvd in the box but also
include instructions for obtaining the x64 dvd for shipping and handling
($10).

Kyle_Aaron wrote:
> If the 32-bit version comes pre-installed in my laptop, am I entitled to a
> copy of the 64-bit version?


No, of course not. Did you pay for a 64-bit edition?


> The system resources can adaquately run the
> 64-bit version. I understand that it is not recomended to switch to the
> 64-bit version, but I am wondering if I would be entitled to the other
> version. On the Microsoft website, it states that the 64-bit version is
> availale is Vista was purchased as a "retail, packaged product."


Which immediately tells you that your much less expensive OEM license
isn't included.


> Does that
> not include pre-installed versions of Vista?


Er... No, it doesn't.


--

Bruce Chambers

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