Is it Possible To Install Windows 7 64 Bit With A 32 Bit Product Key | or Vice Versa? This is my question for long time. I have a Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit NFR (Not For Retail) Installation DVD, but I want to install the 64 bit version. Is it possible to use the key that I've received for the 32 bit Windows 7 Ultimate version to install the 64 bit version?
Today’s PCs come pre-installed with either the 32-bit (also known as x86) or the 64-bit (also known as x64) edition of Windows. With the full retail package of Windows 7 (which includes one 32-bit and one 64-bit disc) now available.
But if you have purchased a new computer, Operating system (OEM) will be pre installed on it and you can only have the recovery disk and not the original disk but just one product key. That is either 32 Bit or 64 Bit will be included. What to do if you want to switch the architecture?
In the past I have read in some online forums that they bought the PC with Windows 7 32 Bit installed and when they try to install 64 Bit Windows, the product activation actually failed.
Solution:
I guess this will give you an idea about using the single product key for both 32bit and 64 bit of Windows Operating System. Yes, you can use the same key. Product keys are SKU dependent. They are not architecture dependent. Yes, Whilst the media is different, the key licenses you to use either as long as it is within the same context. That is, OEM for OEM, Upgrade for Upgrade e.t.c.
Here is one example for you:
I don't know Microsoft's official position, but at the Server 2008 launch last year they gave out a 32-bit and a 64-bit version. They included 2 keys: 1 for a virtual install, the other for physical. That must mean both keys are valid with both versions.
I've also seen VLK's get rejected on OEM CD's and vice versa on XP (used to work for school district and we kept confusing CD's).
I guess that means your product key is licensed for Windows Ultimate 64-bit NFR as well, but it would be hard to obtain if it even exists, since NFR isn't intended for public distribution.
However, if you got into any activation problem, at the very worst you'll need to call Microsoft and they'll sort it out for you.
Every Retail box of Windows 7 comes with both the 32- and 64-bit-DVDs: So you can install the most effective that you feel.
Highly Important: When you are installing the Windows 7 Operating system, be sure you are using the original Disk downloaded from Microsoft. If you're not downloading the ISO direct from Microsoft then you want to be very careful with it. Microsoft applications and ISOs downloaded from "less than legitimate sources" have been infected with Trojans etc in the past and in few occasions those product number will already be in the hit or block list in the Microsoft Data Base, you want to make totally sure that yours is clean before you use it.