Vista Home Premium OEM 32bit to Ultimate OEM 64bit

I have a PC running an OEM 32bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium.
I am contemplating installing an extra 2GB of RAM and am wondering if this
change of spec entitles me to download and purchase the OEM 64bit version of
Vista Ultimate.
Microsoft seem to be reticent about their financial options. As a home user
I do not wish to fork out for the full/retail version.

Doug

 

No change of spec is necessary. If you found a retailer that has what
you want at the price you want to pay... go for it.

Note that you will have to do a clean install. You can't upgrade.

Realize that there can be no expectation of support from Microsoft for
an OEM version.

DDW

 

Using more than 2GB of RAM is really not necessary.
Read the following:

The Vista RAM puzzle: Is 2GB enough?
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=282

Only "retail" editions of Windows Vista allow you to
obtain 64-bit Windows Vista discs from Microsoft.
OEM versions would require a new 64-bit license and
would have to be purchased from a third-party source such as newegg.com.

Example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

---------------------------------------------------------------

I have a PC running an OEM 32bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium.
I am contemplating installing an extra 2GB of RAM and am wondering if this
change of spec entitles me to download and purchase the OEM 64bit version of
Vista Ultimate.
Microsoft seem to be reticent about their financial options. As a home user
I do not wish to fork out for the full/retail version.

Doug

 

While you can read, your comprehension leaves something to be desired.

The OP was looking to use the purchase of 2G of RAM as the "hardware"
qualifier so that an OEM version of Vista could be purchased.

The OP knew that. Like I said...

DDW

 

Doug regarding "...am wondering if this
change of spec entitles me to download and purchase the OEM 64bit
version...." - Simple answer "no". technically there ae no OEM versions to
purchase via download - "OEM version"is applied to software installed by the
manufacturer.

Your computer must be 64 bit capable - processor, chipset and so forth
otherwise the OS will not install - also it must be a clean install not an
upgrade.

Regarding 32 bit RAM - lots of opinions about 2 gig versus 4 gig. Video and
audio drivers are loaded in the bottom half of the memory stack -(one of the
application limitations in addtition to addressing that limits 32 bit to 4
gig). If you are a heavy graphics and audio "usere" 4 gigs is a definite
assest.

In addition , most users have Vista set to manage virtual memory - Vista
sets virtual memory size based on RAM - 2 gig RAM and virtual memory about
3.5 gigs - 4 gigs RAM memory 6 gigs. Virtual memory, Superfetch and
ReadyBoost work in concert- draw your own conclusions.

 

That really depends on what you are using the machine for.

Common everyday work scenario for me:
Open apps for working between them-

ArchiCAD 11
Adobe Photoshop CS3
Adobe Acrobat Pro 8
3ds Studio Max 10
Sketchup Pro 6
sometimes Adobe Illustrator CS3
Skype
Outlook 2007

2x 22" CRT monitors @ QXGA resolution

ss.

 

You don not need to purchase hardware, Vista Ultimate x64 OEM is available
from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Ultim..._20?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1220692338&sr=8-20


Or, if you are in the UK:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Windows-Vis..._14?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1220692449&sr=8-14

 

That's not even CLOSE to being the best price.

Newegg.com has it for $47 less. Royaldiscount.com for $60 less.

 

Thanks everyone for your replies.
If I buy from any of the sources mentioned would there still be a legal
constraint against using VUx64OEM in place of the VHPx32OEM I am using at
present, and, if so, would the insertion of two extra GB RAM be a sufficient
hardware upgrade for my machine to qualify for an OEM licence?

 

No legal constraint on the use of the new product, EXCEPT that it
cannot be [legally] installed on another machine once installed.

You do NOT have to buy any hardware to buy the OEM edition of Vista.

However... you might check to see if you can combine the two and get
free shipping on both. On Newegg.com you can.

Royaldiscount.com sells only software. But is ships free.

 

BTW... I've done mucho business with Newegg.com and give it five
stars. Free 3-day shipping (sometimes doesn't arrive until day 4) on
many items.

I bought the version of Vista I am using on this machine from
Royaldiscount.com and give it the same, based on the single purchase.

 

Thanks, Paul, reassuring and much appreciated - Doug