Vista Business x86, x64

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Antioch · #1 Post by **Antioch** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 3:32 pm

I was wondering, when we receive Windows Vista Business with our machines, I'm assuming it comes with the 32-bit version. Can we get 64-bit recovery disks from Lenovo if we call - or is this option not available?

Is there any way to get the 64-bit version aside from going and buying *another* copy?

Thanks!

#2 Post by **ryengineer** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 4:40 pm

Antioch wrote:I was wondering, when we receive Windows Vista Business with our machines, I'm assuming it comes with the 32-bit version. Can we get 64-bit recovery disks from Lenovo if we call - or is this option not available?

Lenovo won't be sending Product Recovery discs for a license (yes 32 and 64 bits are two different licenses) other than the one that you bought with the machine, the only exception applies here is with the recent free Vista upgrade from Moduslink in the beginning of this year where the original machine came with Windows XP and users were provided with the upgrade and then sent appropriate Vista recovery media, when required.

So what you're asking is illegal by all means and Microsoft can sue lenovo if they start doing it.

Antioch wrote:Is there any way to get the 64-bit version aside from going and buying *another* copy?

No.

Antioch · #3 Post by **Antioch** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 5:52 pm

Can I ask them to deliver my machine with a 64-bit copy and not the default 32-bit copy?

#4 Post by **ryengineer** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 7:14 pm

Antioch wrote:Can I ask them to deliver my machine with a 64-bit copy and not the default 32-bit copy?

Unfortunately, lenovo won't accommodate your request.

Antioch · #5 Post by **Antioch** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:04 pm

Well that sucks.

mgags7 · #6 Post by **mgags7** » Thu Aug 02, 2007 8:43 pm

cought bittorrent cough

jamess · #7 Post by **jamess** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 1:37 pm

Aren't there some upgrade DVD's available from MS? I thought I read about it - people upgrading vista ultimate 32 to 64 bit somehow.

bhtooefr · #8 Post by **bhtooefr** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 1:44 pm

I was under the impression that there was a way to get an "Anytime Upgrade" DVD or something...

#9 Post by **ryengineer** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 2:42 pm

bhtooefr wrote:I was under the impression that there was a way to get an "Anytime Upgrade" DVD or something...

Lenovo is shipping new machines with anytime upgrade DVD's. If you opt to upgrade your current lenovo's factory installed oem Vista to another higher version lets say going from Vista Home to Business, Microsoft will handle your request, charge you and will send you a lenovo labeled upgrade DVD. This upgrade will make the current license affixed on the back of your machine null and void and next time if you request lenovo for Product Recovery disks they would send you the disks for the version you upgraded to, Vista business in this instance.

Antioch · #10 Post by **Antioch** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 2:58 pm

I thought that the upgrade DVDs (for free) were only for Vista Ultimate switching between 32bit and 64bit.

It looks like the 32bit and 64bit versions of Vista Business cost the same, so if I called microsoft they'd send me a 64-bit disc for free and "void" my existing 32-bit sticker-key?

I realize this is improper, but whats to stop me from using my 32-bit restore CDs? Since they are activation free they'd work still, right?

#11 Post by **ryengineer** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 4:20 pm

Antioch wrote:I thought that the upgrade DVDs (for free) were only for Vista Ultimate switching between 32bit and 64bit.

No, they can upgrade your machine to any higher version of Vista for example Home to Business, Business to Ultimate etc.

Antioch wrote:It looks like the 32bit and 64bit versions of Vista Business cost the same, so if I called microsoft they'd send me a 64-bit disc for free and "void" my existing 32-bit sticker-key?

The upgrade DVD is free but the upgrade process is not. This upgrade requires you to have a lower version present (installed-activated) beforehand in order to achieve the higher. Since you're "upgrading" so you'll be losing the former, otherwise it would had been named "clean install" and you won't be saving some money on an upgrade. Also this upgrade will make some changes in your BIOS data that will de-activate your current oem license.

Secondly the upgrade DVD (free) possesses the power of clean install but it will ask you for a valid license key after installation.

Thirdly in your case, Microsoft states:

Upgrading from a 32-bit version to a 64-bit version:
You cannot perform an upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows Vista to a 64-bit version of Windows Vista. You must use a full copy of Windows Vista to perform a clean installation of a 64-bit version.

Installing a 64-bit version of Windows Vista on computer that is running a 32-bit version of Windows Vista:
If you have purchased an Upgrade license together with a Windows Vista DVD, you must use one of the following methods.
Method 1
Purchase a full version of the 64-bit version of Windows Vista.
Method 2
1. Remove the 32-bit version of Windows Vista.
2. Install Windows XP.
3. Install the 64-bit version of Windows Vista by using an installation method that is listed earlier in this article.
If you have purchased a full license together with a Windows Vista DVD, follow these steps:1. Back up all the data and settings by using Windows Easy Transfer. Windows Easy Transfer is available on the Windows Vista DVD. However, you must use the version that is on the Windows Vista DVD for your currently installed 32-bit version of Windows Vista.
2. Insert the 64-bit version of Windows Vista into the system DVD drive, and then restart the computer.
3. Start Windows Vista Setup from the DVD when you are prompted.

Note You must start Windows Vista Setup by starting the computer from the Windows Vista 64-bit DVD. The installation package will not run on a 32-bit operating system.
4. When you are prompted during Windows Vista Setup, remember to select Custom as your installation choice.
5. When the installation is complete, you can restore the data from its backup location.

Antioch wrote:I realize this is improper, but whats to stop me from using my 32-bit restore CDs? Since they are activation free they'd work still, right?

The first thing these Product Recovery Disks do is to check the generic lenovo key on your system and since the upgrade makes a change in the BIOS data tables so the recovery disks will refuse to run.

A very good explanation from a fellow member that can perfectly apply in this case as well:

kf_man wrote:The key is embedded in the disk and is a generic Lenovo key. The missing piece of the puzzle is the SLIC data that needs to be in the BIOS ACPI tables that Vista uses to activate your machine. The original T60 machines do not come loaded with this table (You can see your ACPI tables using the latest beta of Everest Ultimate 2007), but the newer machines do. The tables do not appear to be affected or modified by BIOS updates, so that's not the solution either. Basically, any solution would be far too hazardous to your machine to be worth it.

Vista Business x86, x64

Vista Business x86, x64

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