Vista x64 Installation Options?

[primedude]

I have a X61t in which I just installed 4 GB of RAM. I'd like to start running Vista x64, but I'm not sure of the best way to go about doing this.

Is there any way to request/order a set of x64 recovery discs from Lenovo? I'll buy an external drive if this is a possibility, but I'd probably prefer not to do that.

Or, is there any way to do an overlay installation with Vista (where the current installation gets moved to C:\windows.old or something like that), where I install off a bootable USB flash drive and access an image mounted on the network?

I'm sure there's a walkthrough on this somewhere, but I haven't been able to find it, and it's been years and years since I've tried to install an OS on a machine lacking an optical drive

[ryengineer]

snip......Is there any way to request/order a set of x64 recovery discs from Lenovo?.......snip

No.

Yes, in case of only if and only if your machine came with x64 version of XP or Vista.

[primedude]

Odd that they would be so unyielding when I don't ever recall seeing such an option on the order form. I gladly would have opted for the 64-bit OS given that option.

Further odd when, as far as I know, a Windows license is fully valid for either the 32-bit or 64-bit version this time around -- I don't see what difference it could possibly make to them.

I wish they would make things a little easier on us, and I could probably pretty easily convinced to pay a reasonable fee to continue to enjoy acess to the RNR environment, but oh well.

No big deal, I'll just buy an external drive and do a fresh install.

[erik]

just follow this guide.

[primedude]

Outstanding, thank you erik. That's perfect. I'm off to buy an external drive now.

[lakeside]

Thanks for this great info.

As I ordered an X61s despite disliking the screen, does anyone know if the Vista ultimate option contains the DVD-upgrade disk or if I have to order it myself to be able to upgrade to 64-bit.

I could not find any info on the Lenovo website, one of their weaknesses, lack of clear information.

[primedude]

Good question. Unfortunately I don't know for sure. However I do know that if you need the 64-bit version of Vista, you can order an Anytime Upgrade disc (which includes Ultimate) directly from Microsoft for a very reasonable fee (either $5 or $10, I believe).

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1 ... fault.mspx

I suspect that you will get an Anytime Upgrade disc with your laptop, but that it will be 32-bits only. That's what I got with my last Thinkpad.

[lakeside]

Thanks for this info. I am quite sure in the meantime that this is the only way to go. Lenovo obviously ships without the 64-bit upgrade DVD.

[draco2527]

Thanks for this great info.

As I ordered an X61s despite disliking the screen, does anyone know if the Vista ultimate option contains the DVD-upgrade disk or if I have to order it myself to be able to upgrade to 64-bit.

I could not find any info on the Lenovo website, one of their weaknesses, lack of clear information.

The retail versions of "Ultimate" contain the 32 AND 64 bit version.

OEM versions of the same application in 32 and 64 bit come in separate media...