XP x64 release

[mdahc]

Will x64 edition be available for sale as an OEM license like XP Home and Pro 32-bit? The x64 edition site only makes mention of buying a new machine with it preinstalled or exchanging your 32-bit edition. Is there not going to be a way of having two separate licenses (i.e. having both OS's installed on one machine)? I'd much rather just keep my existing 32-bit license and buy on OEM 64-bit license later (once I'm assured that all of my desktop components have 64-bit driver support), not to mention there is a July 31st deadline for exchanging.

 

[EndGame]

XP 64bit

 

[Griffinhart]

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/upgrade/default.mspx

Upgrade to Windows XP Professional x64 Edition from Windows XP Professional (32-bit)
Join the Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Technology Advancement Program
Published: April 25, 2005
Already have an x64 PC?

Exchange Windows XP Professional (32-bit) for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition


Note: The Technology Advancement Program will be available for customers using our localized Japanese products in May 2005.

Purchasing technology can be frustrating?the minute you buy something, the new version becomes available. We understand this frustration and have created a program in cooperation with our partners to help alleviate it.

The Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Technology Advancement Program enables customers who have purchased Windows XP Professional (32-bit) to exchange it for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. You will need to have an x64 processor (the AMD Athlon 64, AMD Opteron, Intel Pentium 4 with EM64T, or Intel Xeon with EM64T) to run the new software.

Note: Orders for the Technology Advancement Program must be placed by July 31, 2005.

Since many of our partners are taking part in this program, you should check with your PC manufacturer to see if they support the exchange on your x64 computer. If they support the program, your PC manufacturer will be able to provide you with a CD that includes all of the right drivers and software specific to your computer. If you built your PC yourself or have purchased it through a system builder, you can make the exchange through the link to the right.

Before you make the decision to move to 64-bit, we recommend taking the following steps:

? Read the information on this Web site about Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Unless you are pushing the boundaries of the 32-bit architecture, you will probably find that a 32-bit operating system is still the best option.

? Investigate whether or not 64-bit device drivers are available for the components in your PC and the peripherals that you use (scanners, cameras, and so on). Since your 32-bit drivers will not work on this version of Windows, it is important that you make sure your devices are supported. You can find many of these supported devices on Windows Marketplace.

? Back up your data and settings. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition requires a "clean installation," meaning the contents of your hard drive will be erased during the installation.

Here's the official deal. $12 for shipping and handling. Free upgrade from XP Pro to Win64.

 

[eviljoker]

# By participating in this program, your 32-bit version of Windows® XP Professional will no longer be licensed.

wat if i want to dual boot?

 

[Need4Speed]

Originally posted by: eviljoker
# By participating in this program, your 32-bit version of Windows® XP Professional will no longer be licensed.

wat if i want to dual boot?

then you need another license

 

[Gigadave]

so let me get this straight. If i trade in my XP Pro and then find out it's massively unstable or none of my peripherals work properly I'll have to stick it out or fork out another 100 quid for another XP Pro 32 bit? I know it says 'check compatibility before installing' but how many times have I been told something would work out the box only for it to become a nightmare - Lots.

 

[mandrake99]

Originally posted by: Gigadave
so let me get this straight. If i trade in my XP Pro and then find out it's massively unstable or none of my peripherals work properly I'll have to stick it out or fork out another 100 quid for another XP Pro 32 bit? I know it says 'check compatibility before installing' but how many times have I been told something would work out the box only for it to become a nightmare - Lots.

Yes it looks like you have it in a nutshell! It is a gamble... They say it is only 12 dollars US 22 international but actually it is the original cost of the 32 bit XP plus the 12 dollars. When you trade up to the 64bit version the license key you gave up will no longer activate.

mandrake99