Windows Vista Vista x32 to x64

A friend just recently purchased the upgrade version of Vista HP. I am running Vista HP x64. Without doing anything illegal, can she use the replacement dvd that I received from Microsoft to take her copy of Vista HP to Vista HP x64? Possible or no? Many thanks, Frank

 

You need to look at the license. Her license will be OEM and only for her computer. Your "upgrade" license is probably only for one computer and if you have used that license for your computer, you can't use it for another (some licenses might cover, say, two of your computers...a laptop and a desktop machine and a replacement/upgraded machine), but you own the license, it won't cover anyone else.

If you have not used the upgrade on your computer, I expect you could give it to your friend as a gift. Then she owns the license.

I doubt you will be able to do anything "illegal ", the built-in anti-piracy will probably stop you (stumble upon a magic method that the pirates haven't thought of? ).

The licenses are probably one each per machine. Be careful, you might run an upgrade on her machine, then find it cannot be activated, the only way out may be to reformat (re-image) her system. Maybe I am thinking of Win XP, but I don't think you can go back to 32-bit from 64-bit.

If everything seems OK, still ask HP Support. Her system may not support 64-bit (no system drivers).

I don't think the actual disk is a problem. It depends on the license agreement and if OK, whether HP supports 64-bit on her system.

That's the way I have viewed the information I have read.

Matt
PS My 32-bit system zooms along very quickly. Why is 32-bit slow? Speed will be gained from having a 64-bit system, using 64-bit drivers, on an application/program that is 64-bit based.

 

She has purchased and installed the 'retail' Vista HP upgrade. I have the retail Vista HP and have purchased the x64 dvd from Microsoft. If she uses the x64 dvd and her key from her Vista HP, can she install the x64 dvd ? Thanks,

 

Thank you sir, that'll make her happy. I hope. Best regards