CZroe
Lifer
- Jun 24, 2001
- 24,195
- 857
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Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
So let me get this straight:
There are two Windows Vista DVDs out there for each flavor (home, business, ultimate) or Vista:
64-bit
32-bit
Retail versions of Vista Ultimate include both 32-bit and 64-bit install disks.
OEM and Academic versions of Vista Ultimate only include either 32-bit or 64-bit install disks.
1. If you buy a retail version of the 32-bit, you can get a 64-bit DVD shipped to you for $10 while still using the same CD-key that came with your 32-bit version.
2. If you buy the OEM version of the 32-bit, you CANNOT get a 64-bit DVD shipped to you. This includes academic versions.
-----a. However, the 32-bit OEM CD-key will work when installing the 64-bit version, provided you can somehow get the 64-bit install disk.
-----b. Since Microsoft won't ship you a 64-bit install disk if you have the 32-bit OEM version, you're forced to download the 64-bit install disk from some place like a torrent site? And after doing so you install the 64-bit version using the CD-key that came with your original 32-bit OEM version?
I recently purchased an Academic version of Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade for $100. The install disk that is included is the 32-bit version. I need 64-bit. Does this mean I have to try and find or download the 64-bit install disk somewhere since MS refuses to ship me this?
Thanks for making it more organized! It's all correct exccept for the Torrent parts. I hit the trackers, IRC channels, and even the NFO sites: They all nuke releases that require legal keys because they consider it inferior to their hacked "ALL VERSIONS NO KEY REQUIRED!" release. You gotta know somebody. I got my Ultimate OEM 64-bit key and media and a sealed OEM 32-bit version. When I sell the 32-bit version, I will provide my buyer access to the 64-bit media if they want so I can effectively sell either version (remember, I'm selling a license according to the EULA and both disc versions accept that purchased license/key).
TechNet is an awesome value.