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T61p 4GB System Shipped with 32bit - No 64bit Disk
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:03 pm
by DON_P
I just received my T61p today. I ordered it with MS Windows Vista Ultimate. According to Microsoft's website Ultimate includes the 64bit version in the box when you buy the 32bit version.
My system with 4gb came preloaded with Vista Ultimate 32bit. All of the recovery CDs are 32bit. There is no 64bit DVD in the box.
I tried to download Vista 64bit but the links on mydigitallife.info have been removed.
Any ideas on how I can get my system upgraded to Vista 64-bit without buying another copy of Vista Ultimate?
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 2:57 pm
by Springdale
Have you tried consulting with Lenovo in regards to this issue? I would call Lenovo and request for the 64 bit version of Windows Vista Ultimate. Other then that, there is no other options for a freebie upgrade. Lenovo's USA number is 1-800-426-7378. Hope everything works out with your investment towards a ultimate laptop. Keep us updated.
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:15 pm
by richk
I can confirm the fact that the retail version comes with 2 disks (32-bit and 64-bit). I bought a machine that had no HD and no recovery CDs. It had a COA on the bottom for Vista Ultimate. IBM would only sell me 32-bit disks. If you look at recovery part numbers, only Vista Business comes in 64-bit.
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 3:38 pm
by csv96
Retail versions of Vista Ultimate come with both 32-bit and 64-bit media. OEM Versions only come with either 32-bit OR 64-bit media, or no media at all if it's preinstalled by the manufacturer (i.e. Lenovo). But DON_P is correct, you can use the CD-key on the bottom of your unit to activate the 64-bit version if you decide to install it yourself.
This notebookforum post has step-by-step instructions for clean installing Vista 64-bit:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=144783
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:01 pm
by DON_P
Thanks for your replies. I did call Lenovo. After calling 5 different departments I gave up. They all basically said that they can only send me 32-bit recovery disks.
I guess I will have to try ebay and see if I can by a system installers disk or just plain media for Vista 64-bit.
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 4:44 pm
by ryengineer
Oem and retail terms vary from each other, I won't say it's entirely your fault but you should've confirmed the information you read on Microsoft's website with lenovo prior to ordering your thinkpad.
Problem Solved
Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 7:35 pm
by DON_P
I bought the retail version of Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 Upgrade. It comes with a 64-bit. I did a clean install and it worked fine. I am up and running under 64-bit. Just need to install all my drivers now.
Thanks for your help.