Correct way to upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 64-bit?

[mike2rc]

I’m running Vista Home Premium with an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHz; 2MB RAM and plan on increasing that to 4-6MB. I want to do the Windows 7 64-bit upgrade and my local PC shop says they just have to copy Windows 7 over Vista. Is this the correct way to upgrade to 7 or are they trying to save money.

I would like a clean install of 7 but was thinking that installing Windows 7 on top of Vista deletes the unneeded Vista files and upgrades to Windows 7.

What is the correct way to upgrade Window 7 64-bit from Vista?

I could probably do this myself but I’m short on time with work.

Thanks,
Mike

[jdc2000]

Is your Vista version 32-bit? If yes, then you will need to do a clean install of WIndows 7 64-bit.

[mike2rc]

Yes, Vista is 32 bit. I think they know that...would going over 32 bit even work? They said they only do 64 bit I think because it's faster.

If I buy a 32 bit version of Windows 7, is installing over Vista the correct way to go or can you do a clean install since I'm registered with MS?

Thanks,
Mike

[Midknyte]

2MB RAM and plan on increasing that to 4-6MB

You must mean GB of ram. In order to support 4GB+ ram, you must use 64-bit. You cannot upgrade 32-bit to 64-bit. You must do a clean install.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...sked-questions

If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or vice versa, you'll need to back up your files and choose the Custom option during Windows 7 installation. Then, you'll need to restore your files and reinstall your programs.

[jdc2000]

If you are buying the retail version of WIndows 7, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions should be on the installation media, so you can use whichever you want. I'd recommend the 64-bit version though.

[mike2rc]

I just came from the PC store and another person said I would have to upgrade my processor. I suggested just go with the 32 bit and do a clean install.

Also, Sunday I was trying to install a new ASUS ENGTS250 video card which I've done before. I was having some trouble getting the card into the slot when I knocked off a round barrel shaped part (I think a transistor). The rep in the PC store said if I could find one on line or at an electronics store they could solder the new one on. I'll check on line and see if they sell them by the bunch and also go over to the Best Buy Geek Squad and see what their take is on the broken part and possibly they may have one lying around. Most likely, I'm out $100.00. Currently, my screen occasionally flickers with the original video card. I reinstalled the drivers but will check nvidia for any recent drivers.

Thanks,
Mike

[jdc2000]

You shouldn't need to upgrade the processor to use 64-bit Windows.

That part is likely a capacitor. I assume that it had only 2 leads (wires).

You MIGHT be able to find another one and repalce it successfully, but soldering parts onto those multi-layer boards can be tricky.