upgrade from 32bit vista ultra to 64bit upgrade or full version needed ?

There is no upgrade from 32 to 64 bit. All 64 bit installs much be done clean. So you would need a new disk. You might want to look into an OEM disk. They have a couple of drawbacks, legally but are cheaper.

You will not get any software support with them as You become the OEM( like Dell) but once you change your os on your Dell from the shipped OS you will lose the software support anyways

Also With an OEM disk it can only be installed on one system. You cannot install it on one system and then deinstall and install on another with out going through MS for activation.

thanks

i think i will stay put for now or do you think im being over cautious as im new to vista and dont want any greaf

nigel

you should be fine on 32 bit even for everyday use and gaming. Switching to 64 does require some homework

You need to mak sure all your system hardware is supported.

 It does as drivers are available on the Dell Support site

You need to make sure all your external hardware is supported, ie printers scanners etc

You need to make sure all your Software is supported. 

  Generally but not always, if the software will run on 32 bit vista then it will run on 64

thanks again

so just to recap if i want to change from 32 to 64 bit i will need a NEW ! disc and that a 32/64 twin dvd disc new or upgrade  set wont do .

i have checked with dell suport and thay have said that the laptop is ok to upgrade to 64bit .thay say that thay sell the 64bit .it costs a lot more from them . my only worry is the lack of support.

thanks for all your help

legin512.....

Nothing to worry about... you have the best support right here on DCF ;)



Peace

From your original post, I see you have a xps m1730. Which does support the 64 bit version. You will need a 64 bit dvd to install 64 bit.  Now rumor has it that Dell is on the verge of changing their policy of furnishing the dvd to business customers only.  There are people coming out of the woodwork wanting to go 64 bit.

there are discussions all over this forum.  If you are new to vista, learn it and feel comfortable with it.  When dell offers the dvd to us low people on the totem pole, get it.  I purchased another hard drive and installed x64 on it so as to not mess up my oem setup.  Now my m1530 is not supported by dell and had to acquire drivers on my own.  I now have x64 ultimate and cant see going back to 32 bit.