There are versions of Windows that allow either 32- or 64-bit installation. The Home editions do not.
If you want 32-bit Windows, you will need to purchase a copy of the 32-bit version. Further, be absolutely sure you find all the drivers you'll need BEFORE you make a final decision - Dell does not have 32-bit Windows 7 drivers for this model. You may find that 32-bit Vista drivers will work but could well be in for some difficulty finding other drivers.
i've seen that people select the type of win7 they want to install (i mean 32 or 64) at the beginning of the installation process. also, the thing is that i want to replace the win7-64 with win7-32. so i think there's no need for a separate partition
so the home editions do not let you choose the processor type. this must be the answer. also i wasn't thinking about the drivers at all. thanks for the quick and exact answer, ejn63
IMHO - you are wrong. I received a signature copy of Windows Ultimate before it was released to the public. It came with both x64 and x86 dvds. There was only 1 key, and it DID work on both versions.
A Dell OEM version of x64 or x86 Win 7 will be automatically activated when the system is booted up, due to system settings recognising and utilising the SLP key, regardless of what version (x64 or x86) it originally shipped with.
The purpose of the C.O.A. key is to allow for re-installation of an operating system if the system restore feature (hidden partition) or the restore dvd fail.
Thus the use of a genuine microsoft OEM version of the applicable software installation will accept the OEM key on the C.O.A.
for what it's worth, if it was me, I'd download one of the myriad of genuine microsoft x86 isos around, having first checked the hash/shah values.
It's always worth having a second operating system, even if you rarely use one of them, but it makes copying data from a crashed windows installation (and that is always a matter of time, not if).
Seeing as the Windows 7 DVDs are the first to allow keys to be used on x64 or x86 installs; I'd leave the original system, use a proprietry partition software to repartition the hard drive (if you've got x64 win 7 on a newish laptop, I assume you've at least got a 320GB hard drive) Resize original partition to say 90GB, create a new 90 GB for the Win 7 x86 and leave the rest for storage or downloads etc.
Initiate install of new x86 Win 7 and when prompted for a key, enter the key on your C.O.A.
The new install will pass all activation and validation procedures, as it is GENUINE.
There are versions of Vista and 7 that have both 32- and 64-bit included. The OEM versions DO NOT.
You are correct that a Dell OEM CD does not need a license key, nor does it need activation. However, it is not in keeping with the license to use a 32-bit version when a 64-bit version is shipped with the system. It violates the license agreement - OEM systems are licensed (and OEM licenses are valid) ONLY with the version shipped with the system.
If you want 32-bit when you've purchased the system with 64, you MUST purchase a new license with the Home versions.
The Dell OEM key will work ONLY with a Dell OEM copy of Windows - and only with the version it's shipped with (i.e., a key from a 64-bit version will fail if used on a 32-bit version).
I mentioned the 2 disc sets as an example that the win 7 key will work on either x64 or x86 installations - FACT.
I'd previously purchased a vista full version 2 dvd set - the vista's had a different key for each version.
As far as I am concerned, if the key allows me to install the version I want, and it does because it works on either version and the version is not denoted on the C.O.A. then that's what I'd do, and I think I would be within the licence parameters, provided I am installing the O/S at the same level (i.e. Home Premium for Home Premium, Ultimate for Ultimate etc.)
I am not condoning any piracy or illegal activation methods or workarounds, just stating the obvious for someone seeking information........
That's not what was shipped with the system here. And yes, the OEM license is restricted to the copy of Windows shipped with the system, and yes, it IS a violation of the license agreement to use a 32-bit version when a 64-bit version is shipped.
The bottom line: if your system shipped with a 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home, and you want a 32-bit version, you MUST purchase it. Anything else is a violation of the license agreement.
cjh652: in may case, I wouldn't use a dual boot because of the common problems that always emerge from dual os installations. and the thing about using a win7 without a proper license will put you in a position where all your rights about complaining will vanish and it's not something that people usually do. i won't do it either. also, just like ejn63 said, the installation pack you're reffering to, is not what was shipped with my system, unfortunately.
ejn63: i believe that with a simple contact to microsoft everyone gets the answer you gave. there's no other way than to purchase a 32 bit version. however i think it's really annoying to be forced to use 64-bit os and i should have payed more attention to the os processor type while buying my laptop. anyway what's done is done and for now i'm back to 64 bit version
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
1
July 10th, 2011 05:00
There are versions of Windows that allow either 32- or 64-bit installation. The Home editions do not.
If you want 32-bit Windows, you will need to purchase a copy of the 32-bit version. Further, be absolutely sure you find all the drivers you'll need BEFORE you make a final decision - Dell does not have 32-bit Windows 7 drivers for this model. You may find that 32-bit Vista drivers will work but could well be in for some difficulty finding other drivers.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 04:00
You'll need separate partition, and a new copy of (32-bit) Windows.
ahmadi.ir
5 Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 04:00
i've seen that people select the type of win7 they want to install (i mean 32 or 64) at the beginning of the installation process. also, the thing is that i want to replace the win7-64 with win7-32. so i think there's no need for a separate partition
ahmadi.ir
5 Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 05:00
so the home editions do not let you choose the processor type. this must be the answer. also i wasn't thinking about the drivers at all. thanks for the quick and exact answer, ejn63
cjh652
1 Rookie
•
6 Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 07:00
IMHO - you are wrong. I received a signature copy of Windows Ultimate before it was released to the public. It came with both x64 and x86 dvds. There was only 1 key, and it DID work on both versions.
A Dell OEM version of x64 or x86 Win 7 will be automatically activated when the system is booted up, due to system settings recognising and utilising the SLP key, regardless of what version (x64 or x86) it originally shipped with.
The purpose of the C.O.A. key is to allow for re-installation of an operating system if the system restore feature (hidden partition) or the restore dvd fail.
Thus the use of a genuine microsoft OEM version of the applicable software installation will accept the OEM key on the C.O.A.
cjh652
1 Rookie
•
6 Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 07:00
for what it's worth, if it was me, I'd download one of the myriad of genuine microsoft x86 isos around, having first checked the hash/shah values.
It's always worth having a second operating system, even if you rarely use one of them, but it makes copying data from a crashed windows installation (and that is always a matter of time, not if).
Seeing as the Windows 7 DVDs are the first to allow keys to be used on x64 or x86 installs; I'd leave the original system, use a proprietry partition software to repartition the hard drive (if you've got x64 win 7 on a newish laptop, I assume you've at least got a 320GB hard drive) Resize original partition to say 90GB, create a new 90 GB for the Win 7 x86 and leave the rest for storage or downloads etc.
Initiate install of new x86 Win 7 and when prompted for a key, enter the key on your C.O.A.
The new install will pass all activation and validation procedures, as it is GENUINE.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 07:00
There are versions of Vista and 7 that have both 32- and 64-bit included. The OEM versions DO NOT.
You are correct that a Dell OEM CD does not need a license key, nor does it need activation. However, it is not in keeping with the license to use a 32-bit version when a 64-bit version is shipped with the system. It violates the license agreement - OEM systems are licensed (and OEM licenses are valid) ONLY with the version shipped with the system.
If you want 32-bit when you've purchased the system with 64, you MUST purchase a new license with the Home versions.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 07:00
The Dell OEM key will work ONLY with a Dell OEM copy of Windows - and only with the version it's shipped with (i.e., a key from a 64-bit version will fail if used on a 32-bit version).
cjh652
1 Rookie
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6 Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 08:00
I mentioned the 2 disc sets as an example that the win 7 key will work on either x64 or x86 installations - FACT.
I'd previously purchased a vista full version 2 dvd set - the vista's had a different key for each version.
As far as I am concerned, if the key allows me to install the version I want, and it does because it works on either version and the version is not denoted on the C.O.A. then that's what I'd do, and I think I would be within the licence parameters, provided I am installing the O/S at the same level (i.e. Home Premium for Home Premium, Ultimate for Ultimate etc.)
I am not condoning any piracy or illegal activation methods or workarounds, just stating the obvious for someone seeking information........
ahmadi.ir - I suggest you google for;
File Name: en_windows_7_home_premium_with_sp1_x86_dvd_u_676701.iso
Date Published (UTC): 5/12/2011 2:33:58 PM Last Updated (UTC): 5/12/2011 2:33:58 PM
SHA1: 6071B4553FCF0EA53D589A846B5AE76743DD68FC ISO/CRC: 85B5EF4A
Search and you'll find what you need, and how to use it.
ejn63
9 Legend
•
87.5K Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 08:00
You're correct, FOR the 2-disc sets.
That's not what was shipped with the system here. And yes, the OEM license is restricted to the copy of Windows shipped with the system, and yes, it IS a violation of the license agreement to use a 32-bit version when a 64-bit version is shipped.
The bottom line: if your system shipped with a 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home, and you want a 32-bit version, you MUST purchase it. Anything else is a violation of the license agreement.
If you don't believe that, the terms are here:
www.codenamewindows.com
ahmadi.ir
5 Posts
0
July 10th, 2011 10:00
cjh652: in may case, I wouldn't use a dual boot because of the common problems that always emerge from dual os installations. and the thing about using a win7 without a proper license will put you in a position where all your rights about complaining will vanish and it's not something that people usually do. i won't do it either. also, just like ejn63 said, the installation pack you're reffering to, is not what was shipped with my system, unfortunately.
ejn63: i believe that with a simple contact to microsoft everyone gets the answer you gave. there's no other way than to purchase a 32 bit version. however i think it's really annoying to be forced to use 64-bit os and i should have payed more attention to the os processor type while buying my laptop. anyway what's done is done and for now i'm back to 64 bit version