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December 22nd, 2011 16:00
Media for 64-bit Win7
Hi Folks,
A long time ago when I ordered my Vostro 1720 I got it with a Vista license, (it shipped with XP pre-installed which I've used since I got the system). My vista license entitled me to a Free Win7 upgrade, so I orgainsed the discs in that first month I got the system.
2 years later...I've decided that it's time to take the Win7 plunge and do a clean install straight to Win7.
The problem...
At the time, I opted for 32-bit Win7. But I'm thinking now that if I'm going to all that trouble I really should be going 64-bit, and I've noticed now that the Dell DVDs proivded say "32-Bit Edition Only" :(
Now... According to Microssoft my licesne key is valid for one install of of Win7 Ultimate and they don't care if it's 32--bit or 64-bit.
My questions:
1) Do I need the official Dell 64-bit DVD and if so how can I get one?
2) If I don't NEED the Dell discs can I legitiamtely run the install from non Dell 64-Bit discs, and will there be any specific problems to look out for?
Thanks,
Paul
fireberd
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December 22nd, 2011 16:00
You should be able to download the 64 bit version from Microsoft and use the product key provided with the Dell version, according to other posts on here.
theflash1932
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December 22nd, 2011 22:00
1. The only way to get a Dell Windows 7x64 DVD is to get one on eBay, purchase a new computer with one, or borrow one from a friend (they don't even need to be a friend).
2. As firebird said, you can indeed install Windows 7x64 using a Retail DVD, then activate using the key on your system (must be same version - Pro, Home Premium, etc., but architecture - x86/x64 - does not matter). It will not automatically activate however, so you will need to activate by phone (just click the link after activation fails).
Philip_Yip
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December 23rd, 2011 06:00
See my wiki Microsoft Downloads to obtain the correct download link to a x64 Windows 7 .iso file. Use this to install Windows 7 64 bit with your product key and activate via phone. For full install instructions refer to my other wiki A Clean install of Windows 7. Wiki links may be found in my signature below.
Also if going to upgrade to the 64 bit OS ensure you have 4 GB of RAM otherwise you will lose performance. See crucial for the upgrade.