There must be similar questions to this floating around, but perhaps not my exact situation, so here goes. I am currently running 32-bit XP, and I have just bought and received 64-bit Vista Ultimate. My computer is more than compatible with it. i have been informed however that you cannot upgrade from 32-bit XP to 64-bit Vista, but instead have to do a clean installation. Does this mean I have to format my drive first (assuming that I can't be bothered with having multiple partitions for different things)? I have a backup of everything in case something goes wrong, and I have copies of things ready to go to Vista, but I need to know if a reformat is first required? I suppose even if it wasn't, it'd still make for a cleaner and less buggy transition, wouldn't it?
2007-02-08 01:17:26 · 5 answers · asked by Rich 5 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
I'm afraid that it's all true. You can't upgrade a 32 bit OS to a 64 bit.
In any case, I'd recommend a clean installation anyway. This will clear out all the crap that Windows accumulated over the years before installing the new version. Of course, backup all you data first and make sure you've downloaded the Vista64 drivers for all your hardware before wiping XP!
2007-02-08 01:22:39 · answer #1 · answered by QWERTY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm, I though that 64 bit Vista was delayed for a couple months....? Interesting....
Microsoft posted a trick on how to install a fresh install of Vista when using the Upgrade DVD that gets around having to first have XP installed and then upgrading to Vista.... Now that is something to really look into.... NOT !!!!
Most recommend to do a clean installation on Vista.... Since you backup up most info, do a quick search on Vista upgrade with no OS.... Chekc out the link below:
2007-02-08 07:45:36 · answer #2 · answered by JohnS 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
64
2016-05-24 06:24:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can. But, make sure you have your license code for Windows XP. I've spent 18 hours trying to install vista. It has been a real joke. It has asked me for my old XP codes and everything. I finally had to reinstall vista over vista. Makes no sense. First time it actually told me that Vista was older then XP??? whatever. It's pretty cool but is a pain in the butt to use.
2007-02-08 01:24:06 · answer #4 · answered by PrettyEskimo 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You seem to have a pretty good grasp on the situation. I would go with a clean install. No point in taking any chances with overlaying the new OS on the old. Good luck.
2007-02-08 01:23:21 · answer #5 · answered by phxfet 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋