Thinkpads Forum

I purchased a new X301 that came with 2 GB of RAM and 32-bit Win 7 Pro. I removed the 2 GB and replaced it with 2 x 4 GB. Therefore I would like to use 64-bit Win 7. Am I entitled to switch to the 64 bit version of Windows at no extra cost (if I stay with the same edition, ie. Pro)? If so, what is the most convenient way to install it? If not, where can I purchase the upgrade? Thanks, Dominique

domi wrote:I purchased a new X301 that came with 2 GB of RAM and 32-bit Win 7 Pro. I removed the 2 GB and replaced it with 2 x 4 GB. Therefore I would like to use 64-bit Win 7. Am I entitled to switch to the 64 bit version of Windows at no extra cost (if I stay with the same edition, ie. Pro)?

No, the COA is specific to the Version and 32 bit, therefore you are not entitled to get 64bit recovery discs from Lenovo for free.

If so, what is the most convenient way to install it?

There is no upgrade path from 32 bit to 64 bit in any OS, so you'd have to install from scratch

If not, where can I purchase the upgrade? Thanks, Dominique

From Lenovo

1. Lenovo charges you a service and handling fee for the 64 bit Recovery discs, you are not actually paying for the license or anything.

2. The OEM serial no. for Vista and Win 7 is valid for both 32 bit and 64 bit version of the OS.

3. http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows ... efore.html <--- this is a legal portal for downloading the win 7 32 bit or 64 bit iso, and you can use it install your 64 bit version of the OS, which you can activate with your OEM serial no.

These are the few pointers for installing drivers for X301.

http://forum.lenovo.com/t5/Windows-7-Kn ... a-p/325173

lead_org wrote:3. http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows ... efore.html <--- this is a legal portal for downloading the win 7 32 bit or 64 bit iso, and you can use it install your 64 bit version of the OS, which you can activate with your OEM serial no.

Thanks a lot for that excellent link! I was able to do everything described in it: 1) backup the activation data of my already installed Win 7 Pro, 2) download the generic version of 64-bit Win 7 Pro from Digital River's site and turn it into an ISO, 3) make a bootable version of that ISO, using a 4 GB USB stick and the Microsoft tool mentioned in the link, 4) install 64-bit Win 7 from the USB stick (I selected the Pro edition, since it was what my license was for), 5) restore the activation data. I then used Windows Update and Lenovo System Update to add all the latest updates and Lenovo specific drivers and utilities. The only thing I'm missing so far is the "Think" desktop wallpaper

domi wrote:The only thing I'm missing so far is the "Think" desktop wallpaper

Regards