Question About Vista 64-Bit And OEM

[hexagram23]

I've been thinking about upgrading my OS (Vista Home Premium) from 32 to 64-bit.

The only problem is, I'm confused about what exactly to order.

When I got to a place like Amazon, and see this:
Amazon.com: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit English 1pk: Software

It says it can't be moved to another computer. Is that normal?

Or if I do a search on Newegg this comes up:
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - Operating Systems

Which says the same thing (OEM) also "for system builders". Reading the reviews it seems people are having trouble installing new hardware because of this OS.

Basically I'm wondering, if I want to get Vista Home Premium 64-bit, what do I order? I also plan on getting a GTX285 card, and installing 8 Gigs of RAM, so am I going to be able to do this, with the versions of Vista I have linked here?

Thanks for the info.

[Cephius]

Hold off on buying any of those, it could be a waste of cash. When you purchase Vista, you're automatically entitled to both 32 and 64 bit versions. Simply go to this website, throw in your key, pay the $10 shipping fee and they'll send you a 64-bit installation disc. Your current key will work on the 64 bit version.

To answer your question though, there is no real difference between retail and OEM copies of operating systems. The difference lies in licensing, like you mentioned. OEM installs will require you to buy another license if you make a "major hardware change" which generally means a new motherboard. This can sometimes be worked-around if you sweet-talk a Microsoft rep, but for the most part it holds true. Retail copy licenses can be moved from computer to computer as long as only one is in use at a time.

Both OSs you linked are OEM builds. But anyway, don't buy either until you try to get hooked up with the alternate media first.

(Also 8 gigs of RAM is a waste unless you do a heavy amount of programming and graphic rendering. To play games, 4 is plenty, and 64 bit Vista will let you address all of it)

[Rockstaru]

^ this. After trying out the Windows 7 Beta, I decided that a format couldn't hurt, got a copy of the 64-bit Vista Home Premium DVD, and my OEM key worked fine.

[hexagram23]

Hold off on buying any of those, it could be a waste of cash. When you purchase Vista, you're automatically entitled to both 32 and 64 bit versions. Simply go to this website, throw in your key, pay the $10 shipping fee and they'll send you a 64-bit installation disc. Your current key will work on the 64 bit version.

To answer your question though, there is no real difference between retail and OEM copies of operating systems. The difference lies in licensing, like you mentioned. OEM installs will require you to buy another license if you make a "major hardware change" which generally means a new motherboard. This can sometimes be worked-around if you sweet-talk a Microsoft rep, but for the most part it holds true. Retail copy licenses can be moved from computer to computer as long as only one is in use at a time.

Both OSs you linked are OEM builds. But anyway, don't buy either until you try to get hooked up with the alternate media first.

(Also 8 gigs of RAM is a waste unless you do a heavy amount of programming and graphic rendering. To play games, 4 is plenty, and 64 bit Vista will let you address all of it)

Thanks for the info.

Vista Home Premium came with this computer....am I still entitled to the 64-bit version, even though I didn't technically buy this copy?

I was told by someone on a Vista board that I'd have to buy the 64-bit one because of this

EDIT:

I've tried to get the alternate media before. The site you linked up always gives me an error message after I input my product key. Like, page won't load and it says "Error we are unable to process your order at this time. Please try again later". It's said this around....15-20 times I've tried it, over the last month.

[Rockstaru]

I was in the same situation. If you can get your hands on a copy of the x64 DVD, your OEM key should work - mine did.

[Alishe]

I am seeding a copy of it right now, you're entitled to it so just dl it!

[Boyiee]

Do not get 8gb of ram, such a waste for you most likely.

[hexagram23]

What's a good amount of RAM for a gaming machine? 4 Gigs? I'm getting this RAM:
Newegg.com - CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

I'm gonna get the GTX285 too, probably this one:
Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1285-AR GeForce GTX 285 SC Edition 1GB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

This stuff sound good? I was told that's good RAM by people on here.

I'm not trying to run "Crysis" or anything....just games like "Bioshock", "Mass Effect", "Dead Space", "Orange Box" and a few games in the (relatively) near future....like "Mass Effect 2" and "Half Life 2: Episode 3".

Thanks for the info guys.

[Rockstaru]

That should easily run Crysis on high settings. Certainly the other games you listed will run maxed out.

[Azkarin2]

Hold off on buying any of those, it could be a waste of cash. When you purchase Vista, you're automatically entitled to both 32 and 64 bit versions. Simply go to this website, throw in your key, pay the $10 shipping fee and they'll send you a 64-bit installation disc. Your current key will work on the 64 bit version.

Wow. I have the 64 bit that came installed with my laptop and I regret that decision. Am I able to downgrade through that site also? I never created any back up DVD's of the 64 bit OS though (not sure if that affects anything).

[Cephius]

Wow. I have the 64 bit that came installed with my laptop and I regret that decision. Am I able to downgrade through that site also? I never created any back up DVD's of the 64 bit OS though (not sure if that affects anything).

Yes, you can order a 32-bit CD assuming your key works. I guess some people like the OP are having problems getting their keys to authenticate, but assuming you get past that then you should have no problems.

[Azkarin2]

Any idea where I would find the CD Key? I never got any CD's to load the OS and am not sure where I would find it....

[Rockstaru]

Magical Jelly Bean Software - Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder v2.0.1

[Alishe]

Your key should be on the bottom of your laptop. On a Microsoft sticker.

[Azkarin2]

Thanks to both of yall! Follow up question: I entered in my key and it said that there was no offer available for me. Any idea/tips? This was an awesome solution to my semi-problem and I was wondering if yall had any idea before I tried to call them up.

[Rockstaru]

It shouldn't be difficult to find a copy somewhere (torrent, friend, etc...I'm sure there's a direct download somewhere on rapidshare or some corner of the internet.)

[Alishe]

Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit (x64) Final English DVD Image 3560993 TPB : Software > Windows - Other - Mininova

[Ragnell]

Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit (x64) Final English DVD Image 3560993 TPB : Software > Windows - Other - Mininova

Anyone still have this Iso? I really need this right now..

[Olo401]

When you buy a system builders license it's a full license even if it says upgrade. This is doubly true if it's 64-bit because most people don't have 64-bit yet.

And if you get the 32-bit license, you can request a free copy of 64-bit from Microsoft. Well relatively free you'd have to pay like 5-10 bucks S&H.

[Ragnell]

What if i find a 64 bit ISO of Vista Home, can I use the same Lisence or it has to be that dvd from MS?