New T400, 2nd guessing Windows 32-bit, what can be done?

[Optigrab]

Hi all, it's been a while. I ordered a T400 with Windows 7 Pro 32-bit and it arrives in two days. At the time of order, I had some misconceptions about 32-bit vs 64-bit, particularly thinking many of my applications wouldn't run. Now I understand the issue a bit better (the one time I'm guilty of taking too little time for research as opposed to taking too much time ),

Now I think I am wishing I ordered Windows 7 Pro 64-bit. I understand my license key will work with either flavor, and there was no price difference when I configured the machine, so I'm hoping I'm not stuck.

(1) What are my options? What are the chances I can coax support to send me a set of 64-bit recovery discs?

(2) If Lenovo won't accommodate me out of courtesy, could I pay for recovery discs? If I have to shell out some money, I think I'd still prefer using recovery discs rather than a generic Windows 7 install because I'd lose the recovery partition, wouldn't I?

(3) Finally, if all other options won't work or are very expensive, is returning the laptop and starting over more expense and hassle than it is worth (that is a 15% restocking fee likely)?

Many thanks!

[ARD]

You van buy the recovery discs from lenovo for $45.
There should be no problem in obtaining them.
Call them up.

[Optigrab]

No dice. After sales support politely told me once they ship the computer, it's not their domain. They directed me to Tech Support. Tech Support told me they're not allowed to send recovery discs for anyhting other than the OS I ordered.

Looks like my options are:

(1) return the machine
(2) stick with the 32-bit o/s and worry about other stuff
(3) try to score 64-bit recovery discs some other way (it is my understaning that it is legitimate to use the windows key on the bottom of my new machine to activate the 64-bit OS instead of the 32 bit os - correct me if I'm worng).
(4) go retail version of Windows 7 64-bit, sacrifice the recovery partition.

[visionviper]

It's not bad to use 32-bit windows (unless you have more than 4gb of ram). That being said, you can score an OEM copy for <$100 from places like Newegg.

[jdhurst]

I put Windows 7 Pro 64-bit on my T61p. It came with Vista Business 64-bit and of course, Lenovo won't ship Windows 7 to me because it was not available at the time of my purchase 18 months ago.

I wish I have Lenovo recovery DVD's because the Preload is easier to install and work with than doing it yourself (but I don't have that option).

In your case, see if someone here will make you the 64-bit recovery DVD's.

Today (Heavens above 2 years ago) 32-bit is dead in the water. Staying 32-bit is not wise (even if you must for some strange reason). Go 64-bit. The extra speed is worth it alone.

... JDH

[dlai]

There's a user here named Brad who's very helpful. I brought some custom recovery disks from him before for my T60. He might be able to help you out here with a custom T400 64 bit build. You might want to PM him....

[bill bolton]

(3) try to score 64-bit recovery discs some other way (it is my understaning that it is legitimate to use the windows key on the bottom of my new machine to activate the 64-bit OS instead of the 32 bit os - correct me if I'm worng).

This really only applies to retail copies of Windows 7.

For volume OEM (VLK key in the factory installed image, OEM key on the CoA) supplied copies, the key on the CoA is supposed to work only for the specific version of the OS supplied with the system and shown on the attached CoA. It may work with both a x86 and x64 version (I presonally don't know one way or the other on that) but it is not licenced that way. This is why Lenovo will only supply you with a restore disk set that exactly matches the CoA.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[GrandMasterKhan]

With Vista at least, their was a MSFT Anytime Upgrade DVD, about $10. I have read of people, TP users included, using it to go from 32 to 64 but that was with Vista. Came in 2 flavors 32 and 64 and permitted a Vista user to migrate up from Home to Ultimate. You might look into that.

[wallybear]

I can answer these questions because I've been through the same thing myself.

1- The COA key on the machine (or upgrade discs from Lenovo) will work for BOTH x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) versions. I know this for a fact because I ordered the x86 upgrade from Lenovo and I installed it with the key on the disc package. I then replaced that installation with the x64 version (more on doing that below) and I reentered the 32-bit COA key. Voila! Activation successful.

2- The best way to replace 32-bit with 64-bit is to borrow a 64-bit installer DVD from someone who has purchased the Win7 Professional upgrade (or full version). Notice I said "replace" because it is NOT possible to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit (i.e., keep your applications intact). But, you can do a clean install without wiping the partition so you can keep your data files intact. All your old Windows files and applications and data will be moved to a folder at the root directory named "Windows.old".

3- The reason I said to "borrow" a 64-bit installer disc is that all retail packages of Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate include both installation discs. I bought the Family 3-pack of Home Premium when it was first offered so I know this to be true. The retail package includes both discs, 32- and 64-bit. However, unlike Vista, the Windows 7 discs do NOT include all versions of the OS (i.e., a Vista Business disc could be used to install Vista Home Premium and vice versa). Therefore, the one thing you need to obtain that you don't have is a 64-bit disc from the retail package (or from a TechNet subscription download) of Windows 7 Professional.

4- The reason why Lenovo will not send you a set of discs for "anything other than what you bought" is that their license with Microsoft prohibits them from doing so. In other words, they pay a certain fee to Microsoft for the 32-bit installation. That fee does not cover the 64-bit installation. I know, I know, this is confusing and weird. Lenovo's license restriction is your license restriction. But, ironically, your COA key will work for both types of installations. Weird but true. You can do a web search for details on Windows licensing policies for OEMs if you want to see the fine print.

I hope this information helps. If you need any more specific help, send me a private message. Good luck!