I have Home Premium retail, but the version inside is 32-bit. Someone told me I can get a free 64-bit version from Microsoft by asking. What do I need to do?

And, is it unstable? I know 64bit XP was quite unstable, but Vista was 64-bit from the start, yes?

Hello? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Um, he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious.



I have heard you can order the CD/DVD from Microsoft. I never heard xp 64 was unstable, just had no driver support which resulted in using 32 bit drivers being used causing instability. I am looking at vista 64 bit also? anyone provide some guidance here....

There is, or never was any instability issues with Vista, 32 or 64 bit as long as all your hardware is Vista compatible. Any rumors you may have heard is mostly baloney.

To get a 64 bit DVD for your version of Windows for about $10, go here.
I did this when I bought Home Premium, took about a week to get it.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvi [...] fault.mspx

have your product key ready.

You'll also need to supply the following information:
Your name
Your shipping address
Credit card information
Card type
Card number
Expiration date
Billing address
Media choice
Your e-mail address**

you pay for the cost of media and shipping and handling.

Windows Vista Alternate Media

Congratulations on upgrading to Windows Vista. The retail package product ships on DVD with 32-bit edition software, but two forms of alternate media are available to help meet your specific requirements:

32-bit CD
If your system features a CD drive but no DVD drive, you can order Windows Vista on CD-ROM. The installation files span multiple discs, so unattended installations are not possible.

64-bit DVD
If your system features a 64-bit processor, you can take advantage of its advanced design by ordering 64-bit software media. You'll get the same interface, features, and functions, but you'll get them in an operating system that takes advantage of access to vastly more memory. All installation files are on a single disc. Please note that 64-bit media is included in the box with the purchase of Windows Vista Ultimate.

The 64-bit version of Windows Vista is not for everyone. Please confirm that your system, applications, and devices are compatible with a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista before installing. Learn more about the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista.

You can order either of these alternate media for a minimal fee, including shipping and handling. To order, you'll need to supply the 25-character product key that came with your purchase.* You'll find the product key on a yellow sticker on the back of your DVD media holder.

Stability issues?? What are you talking about? There are no stability issues with Vista64.

The only stability issues i have ever heard of are mrsbytch's constant unstable online persona.

in all seriousness, vista x64 is very stable, and compatible with a lot of hardware, and software.

Vista 64 is very stable, plenty fast, and pretty much works with everything - so long as you are not running really old apps or hardware, which applies to 32 also, - go for it. You will find that contrary to superficial blog coverage Vista, particularly 64, has quite a following among enthusiasts.

I have a Conroe e6600. I built my PC specifically to take Vista. Is there anything else I need to worry about? This was my first ever computer I built and I really might have messed up somewhere.

The only "old" things I run are games from the early 2000s and Age of Empires.

oh, and could I get that upgrade link again? It doesnt work.

There's one thing MS forgot to do about my PC. I'm running Vista 64 Ultimate with 2x500 GB in RAID 0. After I've update to SP1 it shows me black screen says "Disk reading occured Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart". I've been installing windows for 5 times and I've figured it out "Hey, MS made my system unstable" lol.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvi [...] fault.mspx
Sorry, try this one.

Thanks!

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvi [...] fault.mspx


EDIT: dang, I'm slow.

By the way, remember you cannot *upgrade* a 32 bit OS to a 64 bit OS.
You have to do a complete fresh install.

I'm actually having less trouble under Vista 64 than I was under 32 -- The Witcher no longer crashes every hour or so for example. Go figure.

Unstable? TOTAL BS

You CAN use the 64 bit vista disc with your 32 bit licence number - works AOK

I just wanna add that Vista 64-bit is stable as a rock. I've used it since february 2007, and never had a crash. All of my games (except DOS ones LOL) works fines until now, so all is good... to me at least

I agree with NightlySputnik, Vista is and was stable as a rock right from the beginning, even before the service pack. Some problems experienced before had been the result of poor software from some OEM manufacturers.

The website offers Windows Vista SP1 64-bit. But, I bought Vista months ago, pre SP1. Will it work anyway?

Yes, it will work fine.
As I said, you must do a complete fresh install anyway.
Did they let you order it? If so, you are good to go.

Exactly, im so over the BS with the bugs and whatever.

Personally, i cant wait for the manufacturers to stop making drivers and software for xp, and force everyone to buy new, when there old POS dies they get forced to vista, come on XP is over 6 years old now people! Thats OBSOLETE!!!!! Would you use a 6 year old PC? (Pentium 4/Athlon XP, 512mb memory, GeForce4/ATi 8500) - there so dammed slow!