Upgrade Windows 7 Ultimate from 32 Bit to 64 Bit

Question

My Latitude E6420 shipped with Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit. I have the 64 bit reinstallation media from Dell. I can't find any instructions on how to upgrade to the 64 bit version and Dell has offered to sell me the instructions - basically I have to purchase a software support contract for one year.

Does anyone have the instructions on how to upgrade to 64 bit or do a clean installation from the 64 bit reinstallation media? Tried booting with the media in the drive, using F12 to boot from CD/DVD drive and using F8 to boot and none of these options worked. Get an error message that the version on the CD is not compatible with the version I'm running.

ieee488 · Accepted Answer

You could easily have gotten an answer using Google. Google is excellent. You should use it. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions#

fireberd · Accepted Answer

You will have to do a complete new install. You can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit.

Before you do, backup all your user data to some external media such as a USB flash drive, as you will want to reformat the hard drive and do the install and when you do that, all will be lost.

Along with the Windows 7 64 bit DVD, do you have the Dell drivers and utilities disc? If not, you will probably need some of the Dell drivers as Windows 7 will install some device drivers but they will not be full function. e.g. the sound driver needs the Dell driver for proper operation. The 64 bit Dell drivers are HERE

Basically on an install the correct and required install sequence is (1) Install Windows (2) Install Dell Laptop System Software (3) Install motherboard chipset drivers (4) Install Device Drivers including video, Dell sound, Ethernet, touch pad, etc. As I noted Win 7 will install a lot of drivers but on devices that do not work or do not work correctly you will need to install the Dell driver.

After you get the OS installed and all the basic items installed, you can then start to reinstall your applications, user data, etc. If you don't have an antivirus program, the free and highly rated Microsoft Security Essentials will work well. Click Me

kfedele · Answer

Thanks to both of you for your help.  I had used Google and followed the instructions posted at Microsoft's website for the clean install.  When I booted from the CD/DVD drive the system would not load the screen to do the Custom install; it proceeded to boot.  Tried this several times.  I shut down completely, unplugged the system from AC, removed the battery and then used the F12 option again to book from CD/DVD.  This time it worked.

Philip_Yip · Answer

I wrote a full guide in doing so, see 'A clean install of Windows 7' below if you need any more help.

Windows General

Upgrade Windows 7 Ultimate from 32 Bit to 64 Bit

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