32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

[Guest Jonathon]

I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home

premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a

64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to

Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using a

32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something. However, I

have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging with

this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of windows or

do I need to start buying computers from HP?

[Guest Charlie Russel - MVP]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM

version, which wouldn't accept your key.

 

Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If

they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.

 

Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though

only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else you

have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key as

the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)

 

--

Charlie.

"Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-EB5B1C31F3BF@microsoft.com...

>I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home

> premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a

> 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to

> Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using a

> 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something. However,

> I

> have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging with

> this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of windows

> or

> do I need to start buying computers from HP?

[Guest Jonathon]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

In that case. Can I purchase a 64-bit OEM version and install that on my

Dell or do I have to get a retail version?

 

"Charlie Russel - MVP" wrote:

> You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM

> version, which wouldn't accept your key.

>

> Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If

> they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.

>

> Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though

> only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else you

> have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key as

> the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)

>

> --

> Charlie.

> "Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-EB5B1C31F3BF@microsoft.com...

> >I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home

> > premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a

> > 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to

> > Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using a

> > 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something. However,

> > I

> > have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging with

> > this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of windows

> > or

> > do I need to start buying computers from HP?

>

>

[Guest Charlie Russel - MVP]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

Yes, you should be able to purchase a 64-bit OEM version. However, keep in

mind that any OEM version is permanently tied to the one machine - if you

decide to dump that machine and build a new one, you have no rights to move

the copy. Oh, and one other thing - an OEM version doesn't have support from

MS. A retail one does.

 

Note also that buying an "any time upgrade" moves you from OEM to Retail -

with the attendant rights.

 

--

Charlie.

"Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:6E81E317-FFC2-410D-959A-A79E38C1BA58@microsoft.com...

> In that case. Can I purchase a 64-bit OEM version and install that on my

> Dell or do I have to get a retail version?

>

> "Charlie Russel - MVP" wrote:

>

>> You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM

>> version, which wouldn't accept your key.

>>

>> Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If

>> they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.

>>

>> Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though

>> only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else you

>> have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key as

>> the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)

>>

>> --

>> Charlie.

>> "Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-EB5B1C31F3BF@microsoft.com...

>> >I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home

>> > premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a

>> > 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to

>> > Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using

>> > a

>> > 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something.

>> > However,

>> > I

>> > have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging

>> > with

>> > this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of

>> > windows

>> > or

>> > do I need to start buying computers from HP?

>>

>>

[Guest Jonathon]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

So it is possible! But is it actually legal? I'd rather just spend $100 to

get another OEM version if there is any chance of me getting in trouble.

 

"Mark H" wrote:

> Obviously, Charlie hasn't tried it.

>

> A retail version WILL accept your OEM key and install correctly. The OEM key

> must be the one on the bottom of the machine, not the one supplied by Dell

> as part of the manufacturer's setup. (If you extracted the current product

> key, it doesn't match the one on the bottom.) To install this, you would

> have to clean install, use the OEM key on the bottom of the machine (during

> installation), and activation would have to be with a representative at MS.

> (Who will give you the activation string by telling them Dell is the

> manufacturer. I've done this with two machines to remove all the "Dell/HP"

> garbage and maintain OEM.) Removal of the recovery partition is up to you,

> but until you know it worked, leave it alone.

>

> Another option is to google "Vista ABR" (no quotes.) This little program

> will extract your Dell product key and activation file to a USB stick.

> Perform a clean install of x64 with the retail disk, but do not enter a

> product key when asked. Upon completion, use the ABR program to put the key

> and activation back on the drive. NOTE: This will only work with the machine

> for which the Dell product key was intended since it is tied to the BIOS.

>

> In both cases, you will need to get your drivers from the Dell website.

>

>

> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message

> news:Oio0rit7IHA.4108@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> > You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM

> > version, which wouldn't accept your key.

> >

> > Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If

> > they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.

> >

> > Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though

> > only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else you

> > have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key as

> > the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)

> >

> > --

> > Charlie.

> > "Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> > news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-EB5B1C31F3BF@microsoft.com...

> >>I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista home

> >> premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire a

> >> 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to

> >> Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that using a

> >> 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something. However,

> >> I

> >> have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging with

> >> this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of windows

> >> or

> >> do I need to start buying computers from HP?

> >

>

[Guest Mark H]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

You will have the same OEM version of Vista as originally installed with

it's legally purchased product key (one on the bottom, or the Dell "company

OEM" PK) and activated on the machine to which it was originally "tied."

That meets the EULA.

 

Doesn't matter what disk the product comes from. You can even switch between

32-bit and 64-bit with the same key. (Of course, requires a different

install disk.)

 

 

"Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:8B4BC66C-0DAA-4F2F-A44A-B4B5C1987BD3@microsoft.com...

> So it is possible! But is it actually legal? I'd rather just spend $100

> to

> get another OEM version if there is any chance of me getting in trouble.

>

> "Mark H" wrote:

>

>> Obviously, Charlie hasn't tried it.

>>

>> A retail version WILL accept your OEM key and install correctly. The OEM

>> key

>> must be the one on the bottom of the machine, not the one supplied by

>> Dell

>> as part of the manufacturer's setup. (If you extracted the current

>> product

>> key, it doesn't match the one on the bottom.) To install this, you would

>> have to clean install, use the OEM key on the bottom of the machine

>> (during

>> installation), and activation would have to be with a representative at

>> MS.

>> (Who will give you the activation string by telling them Dell is the

>> manufacturer. I've done this with two machines to remove all the

>> "Dell/HP"

>> garbage and maintain OEM.) Removal of the recovery partition is up to

>> you,

>> but until you know it worked, leave it alone.

>>

>> Another option is to google "Vista ABR" (no quotes.) This little program

>> will extract your Dell product key and activation file to a USB stick.

>> Perform a clean install of x64 with the retail disk, but do not enter a

>> product key when asked. Upon completion, use the ABR program to put the

>> key

>> and activation back on the drive. NOTE: This will only work with the

>> machine

>> for which the Dell product key was intended since it is tied to the BIOS.

>>

>> In both cases, you will need to get your drivers from the Dell website.

>>

>>

>> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message

>> news:Oio0rit7IHA.4108@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>> > You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM

>> > version, which wouldn't accept your key.

>> >

>> > Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice.

>> > If

>> > they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.

>> >

>> > Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit,

>> > though

>> > only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else

>> > you

>> > have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key

>> > as

>> > the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)

>> >

>> > --

>> > Charlie.

>> > "Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>> > news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-EB5B1C31F3BF@microsoft.com...

>> >>I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista

>> >>home

>> >> premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire

>> >> a

>> >> 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to

>> >> Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that

>> >> using a

>> >> 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something.

>> >> However,

>> >> I

>> >> have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging

>> >> with

>> >> this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of

>> >> windows

>> >> or

>> >> do I need to start buying computers from HP?

>> >

>>

[Guest Charlie Russel - MVP]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

We have been told, repeatedly, that the EULA for OEM version is one. Or the

other. But not both. So you make a _one time_ choice - 32-bit or 64-bit. If

you change your mind, and want to change architectures after the initial

install? You require a new copy.

 

--

Charlie.

"Mark H" <jmhonzell@nospam.comcast.net> wrote in message

news:CD427004-3CF4-4201-8AB2-BB2097563311@microsoft.com...

> You will have the same OEM version of Vista as originally installed with

> it's legally purchased product key (one on the bottom, or the Dell

> "company OEM" PK) and activated on the machine to which it was originally

> "tied."

> That meets the EULA.

>

> Doesn't matter what disk the product comes from. You can even switch

> between 32-bit and 64-bit with the same key. (Of course, requires a

> different install disk.)

>

>

> "Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:8B4BC66C-0DAA-4F2F-A44A-B4B5C1987BD3@microsoft.com...

>> So it is possible! But is it actually legal? I'd rather just spend $100

>> to

>> get another OEM version if there is any chance of me getting in trouble.

>>

>> "Mark H" wrote:

>>

>>> Obviously, Charlie hasn't tried it.

>>>

>>> A retail version WILL accept your OEM key and install correctly. The OEM

>>> key

>>> must be the one on the bottom of the machine, not the one supplied by

>>> Dell

>>> as part of the manufacturer's setup. (If you extracted the current

>>> product

>>> key, it doesn't match the one on the bottom.) To install this, you would

>>> have to clean install, use the OEM key on the bottom of the machine

>>> (during

>>> installation), and activation would have to be with a representative at

>>> MS.

>>> (Who will give you the activation string by telling them Dell is the

>>> manufacturer. I've done this with two machines to remove all the

>>> "Dell/HP"

>>> garbage and maintain OEM.) Removal of the recovery partition is up to

>>> you,

>>> but until you know it worked, leave it alone.

>>>

>>> Another option is to google "Vista ABR" (no quotes.) This little program

>>> will extract your Dell product key and activation file to a USB stick.

>>> Perform a clean install of x64 with the retail disk, but do not enter a

>>> product key when asked. Upon completion, use the ABR program to put the

>>> key

>>> and activation back on the drive. NOTE: This will only work with the

>>> machine

>>> for which the Dell product key was intended since it is tied to the

>>> BIOS.

>>>

>>> In both cases, you will need to get your drivers from the Dell website.

>>>

>>>

>>> "Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in

>>> message

>>> news:Oio0rit7IHA.4108@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

>>> > You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a

>>> > non-OEM

>>> > version, which wouldn't accept your key.

>>> >

>>> > Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice.

>>> > If

>>> > they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.

>>> >

>>> > Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit,

>>> > though

>>> > only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else

>>> > you

>>> > have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key

>>> > as

>>> > the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)

>>> >

>>> > --

>>> > Charlie.

>>> > "Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>>> > news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-EB5B1C31F3BF@microsoft.com...

>>> >>I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista

>>> >>home

>>> >> premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire

>>> >> a

>>> >> 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link

>>> >> to

>>> >> Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that

>>> >> using a

>>> >> 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something.

>>> >> However,

>>> >> I

>>> >> have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging

>>> >> with

>>> >> this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of

>>> >> windows

>>> >> or

>>> >> do I need to start buying computers from HP?

>>> >

>>>

>

[Guest Colin Barnhorst]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

"Charlie Russel - MVP" <charlie@mvKILLALLSPAMMERSps.org> wrote in message

news:Oo1Er7y7IHA.2260@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Yes, you should be able to purchase a 64-bit OEM version. However, keep in

> mind that any OEM version is permanently tied to the one machine - if you

> decide to dump that machine and build a new one, you have no rights to

> move the copy. Oh, and one other thing - an OEM version doesn't have

> support from MS. A retail one does.

>

> Note also that buying an "any time upgrade" moves you from OEM to Retail -

> with the attendant rights.

>

> --

> Charlie.

> "Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:6E81E317-FFC2-410D-959A-A79E38C1BA58@microsoft.com...

>> In that case. Can I purchase a 64-bit OEM version and install that on my

>> Dell or do I have to get a retail version?

>>

>> "Charlie Russel - MVP" wrote:

>>

>>> You can't order OEM media from MS - what you'd end up with is a non-OEM

>>> version, which wouldn't accept your key.

>>>

>>> Dell doesn't have to sell you a 64-bit version - that's their choice. If

>>> they do, they have to provide the media or other method of loading it.

>>>

>>> Retail versions of Vista can be used for either 64-bit or 32-bit, though

>>> only retail Ultimate comes with both DVDs in the box. Everything else

>>> you

>>> have to order your media for 64-bit. And that media takes the same key

>>> as

>>> the 32-bit. (Again, this is RETAIL ONLY.)

>>>

>>> --

>>> Charlie.

>>> "Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

>>> news:EF8009DE-C5FD-4562-AAF8-EB5B1C31F3BF@microsoft.com...

>>> >I recently purchased a computer from Dell with 4GB of ram and vista

>>> >home

>>> > premium 32-bit. I've complained numerous times in attempt to acquire

>>> > a

>>> > 64-bit version. Today, one of the people at Dell emailed me a link to

>>> > Microsoft's order media website. I was under the impression that

>>> > using a

>>> > 32-bit OEM key for 64-bit media violates the EULA or something.

>>> > However,

>>> > I

>>> > have read that this actually works. Dell doesn't seem to be budging

>>> > with

>>> > this issue. Can I legally use my OEM key for a 64-bit edition of

>>> > windows

>>> > or

>>> > do I need to start buying computers from HP?

>>>

>>>

>

 

 

Since OEM packs do not come with both x86 and x64 dvds and since an OEM

product key does not qualify you for both dvds you should consider just

buying a retail copy of Vista. Also, the OEM (System Builder) license does

not grant the purchaser of the OEM pack the right to use the software, but

only to install it on a computer for sale to a customer. Don't get involved

with questionable licensing for your computer.

[Guest Mark H]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

Why are you two making it sound so sinister to perform something Microsoft

supports?

> Since OEM packs do not come with both x86 and x64 dvds

Neither do any retail versions other than Ultimate.

> and since an OEM product key does not qualify you for both dvds

That is correct, sort of. MS will not honor an OEM product key to purchase

the alternate media. (You are not a recognized Licensed System Builder.)

Instead, they will refer you to the maker of your computer who can choose to

provide the other bitness. Some do, some do not, even though they are both

under the System Builder EULA. (I don't see MS jumping on them for giving

you the other version.) If you are the maker, then you will not be able to

obtain the alternate media.

> you should consider just buying a retail copy of Vista.

Why?

> Also, the OEM (System Builder) license does not grant the purchaser of the

> OEM pack the right to use the software, but only to install it on a

> computer for sale to a customer.

Which only applies to Licensed System Builders acknowledged by MS

and does not apply to the end-user.

> Don't get involved with questionable licensing for your computer.

What's questionable?

 

I agree, don't pirate your software. If you want support, get the retail

version.

But, as long as MS supports activation of a single product key for either

bitness, whether OEM or retail, it's not questionable.

[Guest Jonathon]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

So if I decide to reformat my computer as soon as I get it and install 64-bit

and use the OEM key on my Dell laptop thats fine?

[Guest Jonathon]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

 

 

"Jonathon" wrote:

> So if I decide to reformat my computer as soon as I get it and install 64-bit

> and use the OEM key on my Dell laptop thats fine?

 

Its my understanding that Dell's initial install does not actually activate

the product key that ships with the laptop. I don't know how, but thats what

I've heard. It is also my understanding that you cannot "anytime upgrade"

from 32-bit to 64-bit. The issue at hand is that Dell will not give me

64-bit media. I don't want to break the law, but I also don't want to spend

$300 on a retail version. I don't see how installing 64-bit right off the

bat is breaking the law if Home premium 32-bit and Home premium 64-bit cost

the same to begin with.

[Guest Charlie Russel - MVP]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

None of us are, or need to be, apologists for Microsoft. I don't happen to

agree with their licensing in several areas, not the least of it OEM. But

you asked a question and we've tried to give you the most accurate answer we

could. If Dell won't sell that laptop with 64-bit, your issue is with Dell.

Dell has sold you a 32-bit OS, with the hardware that it is assigned to. Why

they won't sell 64-bit with it, I don't know. Possibly because there aren't

drivers for all the hardware on it available, possibly because they don't

want to support it, possibly because the moon is made of green cheese.

Honestly, only Dell can answer that question.

 

Your cheapest solution is probably to buy a 64-bit OEM copy of Vista. But it

_might_ be to do an anytime upgrade to Ultimate. And then turn around and

order media for 64-bit. I honestly don't know. But I do know that using

other media to move your machine to 64-bit might be technically possible,

but is almost certainly a violation of the license. (With the caveat, of

course, that IANAL.)

 

--

Charlie.

"Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:4E96E22C-C290-4385-87F8-72399A7B7261@microsoft.com...

>

>

> "Jonathon" wrote:

>

>> So if I decide to reformat my computer as soon as I get it and install

>> 64-bit

>> and use the OEM key on my Dell laptop thats fine?

>

> Its my understanding that Dell's initial install does not actually

> activate

> the product key that ships with the laptop. I don't know how, but thats

> what

> I've heard. It is also my understanding that you cannot "anytime upgrade"

> from 32-bit to 64-bit. The issue at hand is that Dell will not give me

> 64-bit media. I don't want to break the law, but I also don't want to

> spend

> $300 on a retail version. I don't see how installing 64-bit right off the

> bat is breaking the law if Home premium 32-bit and Home premium 64-bit

> cost

> the same to begin with.

[Guest Mark H]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

First, you need to have 64-bit media.

Second, you should not "format" the computer. There is probably a recovery

partition you will want to keep until you know everything is working.

 

Make sure you have any Dell specific drivers for x64 on a USB stick or CD

before you start.

Simply install 64-bit media [Home Premium] (Custom) using the OEM key.

(It's easier if you use ABR, but that's up to you. Should you use ABR, you

don't enter the key during install.)

Install drivers and anti-virus.

Perform MS updates.

Then, go through the activation process. You will have to talk to a

representative since the process will fail.

When you read the first six digits, they will recognize that it is OEM

and ask who manufactured the computer... "Dell."

Is it installed on any other computer... "No."

They should give you the activation string.

 

Later, when you get Anytime Upgrade, it will upgrade to whatever you buy as

64-bit.

 

 

 

"Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:A6456C1B-0F22-4E48-BB4D-5ADE7E60D7B0@microsoft.com...

> So if I decide to reformat my computer as soon as I get it and install

> 64-bit

> and use the OEM key on my Dell laptop thats fine?

[Guest Jonathon]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

Well i appreciate all of your help guys. I certainly don't want to get into

any legal trouble. I've tried complaining to Dell but they have either

ignored my emails or given me BS responses. One of the Dell guys actually

told me that MS was releasing an update for Vista that would allow the 32-bit

versions to address 4gb of ram. So... since Dell is dumb and stubborn, I'll

just stick with 32-bit for now. I'll probably be able to address 3.5-3.75gb

which should be plenty. I'll just wait until Dell has better 64-bit support

and then upgrade to Ultimate. Again, thanks for all of your help.

 

"Charlie Russel - MVP" wrote:

> None of us are, or need to be, apologists for Microsoft. I don't happen to

> agree with their licensing in several areas, not the least of it OEM. But

> you asked a question and we've tried to give you the most accurate answer we

> could. If Dell won't sell that laptop with 64-bit, your issue is with Dell.

> Dell has sold you a 32-bit OS, with the hardware that it is assigned to. Why

> they won't sell 64-bit with it, I don't know. Possibly because there aren't

> drivers for all the hardware on it available, possibly because they don't

> want to support it, possibly because the moon is made of green cheese.

> Honestly, only Dell can answer that question.

>

> Your cheapest solution is probably to buy a 64-bit OEM copy of Vista. But it

> _might_ be to do an anytime upgrade to Ultimate. And then turn around and

> order media for 64-bit. I honestly don't know. But I do know that using

> other media to move your machine to 64-bit might be technically possible,

> but is almost certainly a violation of the license. (With the caveat, of

> course, that IANAL.)

>

> --

> Charlie.

> "Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

> news:4E96E22C-C290-4385-87F8-72399A7B7261@microsoft.com...

> >

> >

> > "Jonathon" wrote:

> >

> >> So if I decide to reformat my computer as soon as I get it and install

> >> 64-bit

> >> and use the OEM key on my Dell laptop thats fine?

> >

> > Its my understanding that Dell's initial install does not actually

> > activate

> > the product key that ships with the laptop. I don't know how, but thats

> > what

> > I've heard. It is also my understanding that you cannot "anytime upgrade"

> > from 32-bit to 64-bit. The issue at hand is that Dell will not give me

> > 64-bit media. I don't want to break the law, but I also don't want to

> > spend

> > $300 on a retail version. I don't see how installing 64-bit right off the

> > bat is breaking the law if Home premium 32-bit and Home premium 64-bit

> > cost

> > the same to begin with.

>

>

[Guest Mark H]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

Vendors install Vista using a special key that pre-activates the product

without calling Microsoft. This key and file are locked to your BIOS. If you

move them to another computer, it will report as non-genuine. This key is

not the key on the bottom of your computer which is the actual OEM key that

you purchased with the computer. If you use ABR, you are moving the Dell key

to your re-install. (Which must be the same machine. Allows re-install or

bitness change.) If you use the OEM key on the bottom of the computer, you

will have to "manually" activate by calling the rep and getting the

necessary string. MS doesn't care what bitness is installed, but want to

know it is the only use of the product key and it's on the original machine.

 

The first method above is only recommend if that is going to be your final

product. If you are planning on upgrading above Home Premium, then

because Dell won't give you the 64-bit media, you will be less troubled in

the future if you simply buy a retail product. Anytime Upgrade is not very

convenient if you ever need to do a re-install down the road. (Must install

the OEM first, activate, then perform the Anytime Upgrade.)

 

 

 

"Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:4E96E22C-C290-4385-87F8-72399A7B7261@microsoft.com...

>

>

> "Jonathon" wrote:

>

>> So if I decide to reformat my computer as soon as I get it and install

>> 64-bit

>> and use the OEM key on my Dell laptop thats fine?

>

> Its my understanding that Dell's initial install does not actually

> activate

> the product key that ships with the laptop. I don't know how, but thats

> what

> I've heard. It is also my understanding that you cannot "anytime upgrade"

> from 32-bit to 64-bit. The issue at hand is that Dell will not give me

> 64-bit media. I don't want to break the law, but I also don't want to

> spend

> $300 on a retail version. I don't see how installing 64-bit right off the

> bat is breaking the law if Home premium 32-bit and Home premium 64-bit

> cost

> the same to begin with.

[Guest Jonathon]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

So if I want to reformat/reinstall vista 32-bit simply to remove the

bloatware should i use the OEM key on bottom or the ABR key?

[Guest Mark H]

Re: 32-bit OEM key with 64-bit media

 

Either will work.

Again, reformat not required. Do a custom install to the partition where

Vista already resides.

 

With any OEM install:

Make sure you have specific vendor drivers first.

Make sure you have recovery disks or a recovery partition.

 

"Jonathon" <Jonathon@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message

news:5D86B9A0-E4DD-40ED-8308-C45C27759323@microsoft.com...

> So if I want to reformat/reinstall vista 32-bit simply to remove the

> bloatware should i use the OEM key on bottom or the ABR key?