Upgrading from x32 Home P. to x64 Ultimate

Hi everyone, This is my first post here, I hope I've done it right.
I have an Athlon 64 x2 6000+ CPU, 2000 MHz FSB, 500 GB WD 7200 rpm HDD,
4 GB Dual Channel RAM (expandable to 8 GB) in my Pavillion media center
and I would like to upgrade to x64 Ultimate. Can I purchase an upgrade
copy of Ultimate and load the x64 version and if I do will it
upgrade my x32 Home P. to x64 Ultimate? And if so, how do I go
about it, as I am very... new to computers and how they work.
Just to say it, I do very much appreciate youy site and all the work
you evidentaly put into it. "Thank you for shareing" (I hate that term)
but I do thank you all !!!
I hope I haven't overlooked a previous answer to this very same
question as I have only been "lurking" around your site for a few days.
If so please just direct me to where I can find the answer.
Thank you all in advance. Bare Foot Kid

 

Vista x64 cannot be upgraded to. It must be a clean install. You would have
to backup all your files and settings, install Vista x64, and restore your
files.

 

Hi,

A couple of points:

1. You posted your question perfectly fine.

2. There is no upgrade path from 32 to 64 bit, it's a clean install only.
You would need to backup data and reinstall programs from their original
installation media. There is no way to carry them over.

3. There are very few 64 bit applications that would make this change
worthwhile. The bulk of your applications are likely 32 bit and will run in
this mode under 64, thus gaining you no advantage.

4. There is, however, a big shortage of device drivers for the 64 bit
environment. Before upgrading, you are going to have to ensure that these
are available to support your hardware and preferred applications. Without
them, you may lose functionality.

For most users, this upgrade is not a good idea. When 64 bit drivers and
applications become more commonplace, then would be the time.

 

Thank you for your responce. Can I stare a dual boot with x32 H.P.

 

Yes, a dual boot would be fine. You would have to install applications
separately for each, though. Why do you want to go with 64 bit?

 

Thank you for your replies. I'm just a techno phile wanna be.
This is my new hobby/toy and everything is going towards
x64 sooner or later so I figure if I'm going to learn how to do this
I might as well not get left behind. I kind of expected not to be able
to "just" upgrade to x64 Ultimate so I have been working towards
starting a new partition on my HDD I have
already shrunk the volume over 200 GB but I'm going to slow
down and study everything I can so I don't make mistakes
and make my life misserable like some. (Sorry for the one long
sentance). I have no doubt I can do this I just need to take my
time and do it right the first time. Again thank you very much.