Upgrade from Windows 7 32bit to 64bit

[gheliviu]

I have already upgraded from Vista and now i need to upgrade from the 32 bit version to 64 bit version. I have also the upgrade disk from Vista to Windows 7.
Does anybody know how to make the upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit ?

[Blencogo]

You cannot upgrade from a 32-bit system to a 64-bit system. You will need to buy a 64-bit version of Windows 7.

The process needed is a clean install by formatting your hard drive and installing a completely new 64-bit operating system. You will lose all the preinstalled software, programs and data and then you will need to find and install all the 64-bit drivers and utilities.

You do not say which Vaio model you have so I cannot tell you how difficult it will be to find the 64-bit drivers.

[Twinsen]

Hello, i also have a question to ask.

I've upgraded my VAIO VGN-FW11M from Vista 32bit to Windows 7 32bit. My VAIO originally came with Vista 32bit and at that date, Windows 7 hasn't been published, yet. I had no driver compatibility problem with upgrading to Windows 7 32bit. But if i install 64bit Windows 7, will be there any driver compatibility problem? Can you give me a suggestion on that, please?

[Blencogo]

Hi Twinsen,

All the drivers and utilities will be different for 64-bit - your 32-bit drivers will not work.

Sony do not support your model for an upgrade to 64-bit so you will have to find the 64-bit drivers (if they are available) from other newer Vaio models or from the device manufacturer's site. You will have to install them all individually.

You will probably find most of the 64-bit drivers and utilities you need on the download page for the VGN-FW4 series Vaios here: -

http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/updates/index.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VGN-FW4&os=10

[Twinsen]

Hi Twinsen,

All the drivers and utilities will be different for 64-bit - your 32-bit drivers will  not work.

Sony do not support your model for an upgrade to 64-bit so you will have to find the 64-bit drivers (if they are available) from other newer Vaio models or from the device manufacturer's site. You will have to install them all individually.

You will probably find most of the 64-bit drivers and utilities you need on the download page for the VGN-FW4 series Vaios here: -

http://support.vaio.sony.eu/computing/vaio/downloads/updates/index.aspx?l=en_GB&m=VGN-FW4&os=10 

 

Thank you.

[Twinsen]

Oh, something popped out in my mind again. Here's another question:

So, i'm using Windows 7 now and planning to do a recovery soon these days. What about all the VAIO and Windows Updates that i have? I'm using a limited Internet, so i can't download all the updates again. Is there a way to keep them to install again without downloading?

After the recovery, my VAIO will use Vista again, because it's out of the factory with Vista. So, i'll need to install Windows 7 again after the recovery and then the updates problem will occur, or not...

[Blencogo]

Every time you do a recovery or install a new OS you will have to download and install all Microsoft Updates.

You have confused me - if your ultimate goal is to install Windows 7 64-bit there is no need to do a recovery first. The 64-bit OS will format everything on your drive before it installs. You will be starting with a bare, empty drive.

If there a particular reason why you want to install 64-bit? You seem to be risking making problems for yourself.

[Twinsen]

I suppose i couldn't make myself clear on that one, you're right to be confused.

I was just wondering about the 64bit, but i don't think about installing it. At least, for now. So, the recovery is just for letting my VAIO to breathe clean air. I think i have a lot of things installed on my notebook and i can't stand seeing it like that. It's like 2 years since i bought it and i though it's a good idea to do a recovery.

Thank you, i got my answer. If i really decide to do a recovery, it will take a lot of time to have everything what i have right now. I have to think about it.