Upgrade to Win7 64 Bit from WinVista 32 Bit via Lenovo?

[Marked_0ne]

I have a T500 system eligible for the Windows 7 Upgrade from Lenovo, but i'm hesitant because it makes you select which bit OS during ordering. Can I do a clean install or a "custom install" to a 64 Bit system?

Here is what I'm talking about:


Since I'm thinking of upgrading to 4gb RAM, I'll want the 64 bit OS to be able to recognize this

*I'm still seeking a definitive answer, see lower post for clearer question

[GomJabbar]

You can always do a clean install. I believe I read that you can do an upgrade install from 32-bit to 64-bit, but not vice versa. Upgrade install means leaving your existing programs intact, provided they are compatible with the new OS. As I recall, to upgrade from 64-bit Vista to 32-bit Windows 7, you have to do a clean install.

[tinue]

Am upgrade install only works if all relevant aspects of the existing Vista and the new Windows 7 are the same:
- Bit (32 vs. 64)
- Language (what counts is the original installation language, not any language packs you might have added)
- Edition (Home Premium, Ultimate etc.)

Once on Windows 7, one can additionally upgrade to a higher edition, if language and "bitness" remain the same. To the best of my knowledge one cannot directly upgrade from Vista Home Premium to e.g. Windows 7 Ultimate.

With Vista, one couldn't even perform a clean install with only an Upgrade key, but this seems to have changed with Windows 7.

Regards, Martin

[Marked_0ne]

Can anyone confirm this? And if so, would I be better off getting the Lenovo Windows 7 Upgrade or just a full version of 7 Home Premium (for $30 with that deal, I'm a college student)

[GomJabbar]

Am upgrade install only works if all relevant aspects of the existing Vista and the new Windows 7 are the same:
- Bit (32 vs. 64)
- Language (what counts is the original installation language, not any language packs you might have added)
- Edition (Home Premium, Ultimate etc.)

Once on Windows 7, one can additionally upgrade to a higher edition, if language and "bitness" remain the same. To the best of my knowledge one cannot directly upgrade from Vista Home Premium to e.g. Windows 7 Ultimate.

Well, we were both right - and wrong. Your first 2 points above are correct, but the 3rd one is not.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/featur ... s_answered

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows- ... 5280.shtml

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/libr ... S.10).aspx

[tinue]

Interesting...

Do I need a full (i.e. non-upgrade) Windows 7 Ultimate to upgrade from say Vista Home Premium? Or can I use the Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade Version to upgrade from any Vista Edition?

Actually, over here in Europe the question is irrelevant, because the (system builder) full version of Ultimate is actually cheaper than the (retail) upgrade version.

Regards, Martin

[Marked_0ne]

I've been reading contradictory things and still need this question answered, so here it is more basically:

Currently Using:
Windows Vista 32 bit that came with my Lenovo T500

Want to Upgrade To:
Windows 7 64 bit Clean or "Custom" Install

Should I go with Lenovo's Win7 Upgrade Program? If so, what options shall I select.. Should I just say I have a 64bit currently, or does that option not matter (both 32 and 64 included the upgrade disc)

[Harryc]

For Lenovo's upgrade program it is one for one. If you have Vista Business 32bit on the T500 the only upgrade choice is Windows 7 Professional 32 bit. Versions and proof of purchase are verified.

Upgrades are based on the licensed Windows Vista version and language you ordered when you bought your PC as specified in the following table:

Eligible Vista version Entitled Windows 7 Upgrade
Windows Vista® Home Premium - Windows® 7 Home Premium
Windows Vista® Business PC - Windows® 7 Professional
Windows Vista® Ultimate PC - Windows® 7 Ultimate

[schmidtj]

For Lenovo's upgrade program it is one for one. If you have Vista Business 32bit on the T500 the only upgrade choice is Windows 7 Professional 32 bit. Versions and proof of purchase are verified.

I have a similar problem. It seems the W700 only supports version Win 7 Professional x64. I have a W700 comming in with Vista Business x32. That qualifies for a Free Upgrade to Win 7 Pro but no mention of x32->x32 or x64-x64 being a requirement. If Win 7 Pro x64 is in fact the only flavor supported by the W700 it seems there is NO valid upgrade available using the "Free" Windows 7 Upgrade.
In a nutshell, you can order a W700 today with Vista Business x32 but to go to Win 7 Professional you must go x64 but there is no way to do that using the "Free" Windows 7 upgrade mechanism.
Or is there?