Will Vista 32bit Key work on Vista 64bit?

[Knightsman]

I haven't tried this yet. Will a 32bit key work like 7 does with 64 bit versions?

 

[Appletax]

As long as the version of the 64-bit OS is the same as the 32-bit version the product key was bought for.


Example: You have a product key for Windows 7 Professional.
That one key can be used to activate BOTH Windows 7 Professional
32-bit (x86) and Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (x64)

 

[Knightsman]

Awesome, thanks for the info!

 

[JRDtechnet]

Only for retail versions, it won't work on an OEM version.

 

[Robert]

Only for retail versions, it won't work on an OEM version.

Are you certain of that? I'm 99% sure I've used system builder media with x86 & x64 SB/OEM/RET & UPG keys in the past.

 

[meanderer]

there's only one way to find out

 

[Winchester Computer Care]

Only for retail versions, it won't work on an OEM version.

Thats not correct.

If you use the Product Key provided on the COA...both versions use the same keys.

 

[vdub12]

I agree. I am almost positive that OEM and retail x86 and 64 use the same keys.

However, I believe if one is activated I am not sure if you can switch to the other. I may be wrong about that and I am sure you can call WGA and they will activate it for you anyway. Honestly MS is not very picky about breaking there own license if you call them. I have noticed most of the time they are more concerned with the fact that you are using genuine software and will take care of you even if what you are doing isn't exactly up and up with the license. In my opinion if they say its OK then its OK.

 

[ajc196]

I'll just add another confirmation that Vista and 7 keys are non-descript. Retail and OEM keys alike will work with both x86 and x64 media. Been doing so since Vista's release and none of the (literally) thousands of machines that rolled through my bench have proved otherwise.

However, I believe if one is activated I am not sure if you can switch to the other. I may be wrong about that and I am sure you can call WGA and they will activate it for you anyway. Honestly MS is not very picky about breaking there own license if you call them.

It doesn't. I've had clients bring me systems that needed a format/reload, and I would install x64 where the previously ran x86. With my "wait-til-in-Windows" workaround, it always activates online just fine, provided that the key hasn't been already activated umpteen times.

 

[Knightsman]

I just did it. I have an OEM 32 bit serial and installed 64 bit Vista Business. Works like a charm!

 

[NeutronTech]

I wish I had known this when I loaded 7 on my laptop several months back. Everything is just how I want it now, so I don't want to reinstall.

 

[Knightsman]

I wonder if a repair install would work for you?