Upgrading

[kid4christ]

I'm running W7 RC right now and I want to upgrade to the RTM. I can get a really good deal through my school so I'm going to do it. I have the 32 bit but I want the 64 bit. Would guys recommended the 64 bit? How will I upgrade from my rc 32 bit. I also have a backup image of my hard drive if i need to restore it.

[EzyStvy]

You can't upgrade the RC version...Well, some people say you can use a hack to do it.

You CAN'T upgrade 32 bit to 64 bit...It requires a full clean install.

[silentbobdrummer]

I have a question along the same lines and didn't want to create a new thread for it. For the upgrade of Windows 7, it says a pre-existing OS license is required. Does the Windows 7 RC qualify under these conditions or does it only recognize an XP or Vista license?

[pam123]

All your questions answered here : http://www.maximumpc.com/article/fea...tions_answered

and here : http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/m...upgrade-rules/

[kid4christ]

Okay, read the articles and it answered a lot of my questions thanks. I still have the question of whether it is a good idea to go to 64 bit or not. Should I stick with 32 bit? Is 64 bit becoming mandatory soon?

[ryuk999]

Originally Posted by kid4christ Okay, read the articles and it answered a lot of my questions thanks. I still have the question of whether it is a good idea to go to 64 bit or not. Should I stick with 32 bit? Is 64 bit becoming mandatory soon?

well what kind of processor do you have? if it's a dual core / quad core / tripple core you can run 64 bit..i also thought there was a Pentium 4 extreme edition that could run 64 bit? lol but that's so old, still plausible though

Anyways if you have a one of those types of processors and not a single core then you can run 64 bit OS, however if you don't have 4GB+ ram that you either need/have currently installed/or want then you won't really benefit from a 64 bit OS.

No it's not mandatory to have a 64 bit OS, and I don't see it becoming mandatory anytime soon. I consider it just more of a nice thing to have.

[pam123]

Unless you're heavily into Photoshop you're don't have to go 64 bit now.
Since the upgrade comes with both 32 bit and 64 bit versions (At least it does if you buy it retail.) you can always change your mind later.
Entirely your call.

edit : If you decide to upgrade to 64 bit redo your backups for data only, not your current 32 bit drive image.

[kid4christ]

Okay, one more question. I have purchased the W7 64 bit. My comp meets the requirements. At the moment, I'm still running the 32 bit RC. Can I do a system image backup and restore my stuff to the 64 W7?

[EzyStvy]

If you're aking: Can you restore your 32 bit image ON TOP of the 64 bit-> NO would be the answer...You could REPLACE the 64 bit install with a 32 bit image...

After you install 64 bit and get it setup like you like-> Make a new image