I recently bought a new computer from NewEgg, and purchased Vista Home
Premium. I didn't realize the 64bit software only came with Vista
ULTIMATE, so I ordered the disc through Microsoft and I'm patiently
awaiting it's arrival. In the mean time, my computer is sitting
relatively unused until I get the disc, and I've plenty of time to
stress about the upgrade. I have a couple questions regarding the
process, and came across this forum to try and get some answers.
Everything I've been reading has been somewhat conflicting, so I'd like
to compile everything into a nice, easy to digest format.

1) I know I have to boot the computer with the 64bit disc installed,
and give the CD drive priority over hard drive in my motherboard's BIOS.
I'm interested in completely wiping my current version of Vista from my
hard drive and starting completely fresh. When reading a tutorial about
installing Vista, it mentioned "formatting" the hard drive. Will I have
this option when going through the process of installing 64bit, and
exactly what does it do?

2) I keep reading about "activating" Vista. I remember seeing on some
window something about needing to activate within 30 days or something
to that effect. I know I have to do it, but would it be better for me to
wait and activate Vista AFTER I get the 64bit version installed?

I'm really concerned things won't work out well. :cry:


--
Adorialea

Adorialea;852905 Wrote:
I recently bought a new computer from NewEgg, and purchased Vista Home
Premium. I didn't realize the 64bit software only came with Vista
ULTIMATE, so I ordered the disc through Microsoft and I'm patiently
awaiting it's arrival. In the mean time, my computer is sitting
relatively unused until I get the disc, and I've plenty of time to
stress about the upgrade. I have a couple questions regarding the
process, and came across this forum to try and get some answers.
Everything I've been reading has been somewhat conflicting, so I'd like
to compile everything into a nice, easy to digest format.

1) I know I have to boot the computer with the 64bit disc installed,
and give the CD drive priority over hard drive in my motherboard's BIOS.
I'm interested in completely wiping my current version of Vista from my
hard drive and starting completely fresh. When reading a tutorial about
installing Vista, it mentioned "formatting" the hard drive. Will I have
this option when going through the process of installing 64bit, and
exactly what does it do?

2) I keep reading about "activating" Vista. I remember seeing on some
window something about needing to activate within 30 days or something
to that effect. I know I have to do it, but would it be better for me to
wait and activate Vista AFTER I get the 64bit version installed?

I'm really concerned things won't work out well. :cry:

I may be answering my own questions here, but essentially I'm assuming
it's going to work like this: I boot the computer with the 64bit disc in
the drive, do a "custom" installation, format the hard drive (which will
wipe everything from it, and clear the registry) and install as normal.
After I get everything working (and make sure it'll stay working) I
activate Vista from... some random menu I can't find anymore but assume
is somewhere.

Hello Adorialea,

Yes, you will have the option of formating the hard drive during the
installation of the 64 bit Vista. In fact, when you go from the 32 bit
to 64 bit Vista, or the other way around, you must do a clean (formated)
install with the other bit version. A format will wipe the hard drive to
a clean blank state ready to have the other version of Vista installed.
I do not know if you have a Upgrade or Full version of Vista, so these
two tutorials will help show you how to do a clean install with either
one.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/68...ade-vista.html

or

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/11...ion-vista.html



If you will be installing the 64 bit Vista before the 30 day trial
period is over, then you can wait to activate until afterwards if you
like. If not, then it will not hurt to activate your current 32 bit
Vista now if you like. If for any reason it will not activate for you,
then this tutorial will help show you how to do a phone activation to
get your Vista activated.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/84...sta-phone.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn


--
Brink

*There are no dumb questions, just the people that do not ask
them.*
'*VISTA FORUMS*' (http://www.vistax64.com)
*Please post feedback to help others.*

Thanks a lot. That helps calm my worries completely. I actually should
be getting the 64bit software some time next week... well within the 30
day period for activation.

Thanks again!


--
Adorialea

Your welcome Adorialea.


--
Brink

*There are no dumb questions, just the people that do not ask
them.*
'*VISTA FORUMS*' (http://www.vistax64.com)
*Please post feedback to help others.*