EDIT: Windows 7 (64-bit)

[joystickjunki3]

Ok, so here's the deal: I don't consider myself to be bad w/ computers, I'm actually a little above average I think. What I can't seem to get a straight answer on is about upgrading to Windows 7.

I'm currently running Vista Ultimate (32-bit). I know that you can't simply upgrade from a 32-bit to a 64-bit, but what I'm wondering is if I purchase the "Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade 32/64-bit (English) (Student Option)" from my school, if I can do a clean install.

And yes, yes, I get that it says "Upgrade" so please don't just point out the obvious. Is there a difference between the full and upgrade versions solely for licensing issues, or what?

Thanks for the help!

[edit] I appreciate all the advice, but I think I may not have explained myself correctly, and because of that, I am getting mixed responses. One more time: I don't want to upgrade, I want to switch to a decent OS that is 64-bit. I already have all my documents, etc. saved to an external HDD and to DVDs (just in case). If I pay for the Upgrade package of Win7 64-bit (as mentioned above), will it work? Or do I have to already have a 64-bit OS installed?
... and yes, all my drivers, etc. are compatible w/ 64-bit.

[double edit] Maybe the better way to ask this is: Will the upgrade wipe my HDD and install the 64-bit version?

 

[Gxas]

Yes, there is a difference. You can only upgrade with an upgrade copy. However, I believe you can upgrade and clean install with the install cd. Don't take my word on that though.

I am 100% positive that you cannot clean install with the upgrade disc.

 

[AnarchistAbe]

Make sure that all of your equipment (maily the processor) is 64-bit compatable.

Also, to do an upgrade, you need an operating system already installed, so a clean install would not work. I don't know if it would make a difference if the original was 32bit, and the new one is 64bit.

 

[Private Custard]

Yes, there is a difference. You can only upgrade with an upgrade copy. However, I believe you can upgrade and clean install with the install cd. Don't take my word on that though.

I am 100% positive that you cannot clean install with the upgrade disc.

I upgraded first and kept all of my installed programs. But then I had a catastrophic error on Friday and so used the same CD to do a complete re-install.

Much better now...........although I had to write my own driver for my HP monitor!

 

[Forktongue]

As other people have mentioned, the only difference between the two is that a full version can be installed on any computer that can support the software while the upgrade requires you to have either Vista or XP as your OS.

A clean install is only required when upgrading from Windows XP. If your version of Vista has all of the most up-to-date patches, you should be able to upgrade without losing everything OR do a clean install. You should be given the option during the installation when upgrading from Vista. That being said, you should always, always, ALWAYS back up everything on your harddrive before upgrading or replacing your OS.

The only other difference is that with a student copy you are expected to purchase the non-student version when you are done with school. Although that really only applies if you are planning on using your computer for business.

 

[cathou]

A clean install is only required when upgrading from Windows XP . If your version of Vista has all of the most up-to-date patches, you should be able to upgrade without losing everything OR do a clean install. You should be given the option during the installation when upgrading from Vista. That being said, you should always, always, ALWAYS back up everything on your harddrive before upgrading or replacing your OS.

The only other difference is that with a student copy you are expected to purchase the non-student version when you are done with school. Although that really only applies if you are planning on using your computer for business.

Sorry to correct you but : A clean install is only required when upgrading from Windows XP OR from a 32 bits system. you cannot upgrade from a 32 to a 64 bits OS without clean install.

BUT be carefull, i have one from the student offer last november at 30$, i reformat the whole thing, reinstall it, no trouble. But i also have a free student version from MSDNAA and that one is very picky on how you do the upgrade.

 

[joystickjunki3]

Thread edit (see OP).

 

[Forktongue]

Sorry to correct you but : A clean install is only required when upgrading from Windows XP OR from a 32 bits system. you cannot upgrade from a 32 to a 64 bits OS without clean install.

BUT be carefull, i have one from the student offer last november at 30$, i reformat the whole thing, reinstall it, no trouble. But i also have a free student version from MSDNAA and that one is very picky on how you do the upgrade.

That's what I get for replying to a technical question without my recommended daily intake of coffee! I didn't notice that the OP wanted to upgrade from 32-64, sorry about that. Cathou is correct, if you want to switch to 64 then it will require a clean install. During installation it should ask what you want to upgrade to, 32 or 64. If you choose 64 then it should do a clean install automatically due to your current OS.

 

[Virgil]

Maybe the better way to ask this is: Will the upgrade wipe my HDD and install the 64-bit version?

Yes, it will. It has to, to go from 32- to 64-bit. Here's a very detailed article on the process [http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp].

 

[joystickjunki3]

Maybe the better way to ask this is: Will the upgrade wipe my HDD and install the 64-bit version?

Yes, it will. It has to, to go from 32- to 64-bit. Here's a very detailed article on the process [http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/clean_install_upgrade_media.asp].

Thanks so much, that helped a lot.

And thanks to everyone else for taking the time to help me out!