32 bit to 64 bit windows 7 HDD to SSD

[Monkey Rush]

A few years ago I bought a laptop with windows vista pre installed but it came with a disk for upgrading to windows 7 32 bit (obviously I did this as soon as I got it). A couple of years down the line this laptop was stolen, so I took the opportunity to build my own pc. I used the windows 7 disk on this brand new build and it all worked fine.

I have chosen to upgrade to the 64 bit version of windows 7, so I've borrowed a friend's 64 bit disk which I'm planning on using my activation key on (both mine and his are win7 home premium). Seeing as how upgrading to 64 bit will require a fresh install, I've decided to take the opportunity to also get an SSD for the OS and a few other programmes.

Now finally my question(s), will installing 64bit windows work with my activation key? I heard that windows 7 that isn't bought directly from windows only works on the computer it's first installed on, but if that's the case then why did it work on my newly built PC?

Additionally what is the best order for me to go from all my data including 32 bit OS (~500GB) on one partition on my currently installed HDD, to 64 bit OS and some of my programmes on the SSD (250GB) with the remaining on the HDD? I have a large external drive for the purpose of backups.

 

[corroded]

use the Microsoft download tool to see what you can get with the key...

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/DisplayHelpSoftwareDownloadsPage

 

[USAFRet]

will installing 64bit windows work with my activation key?

Unknown. The Vista was licensed specifically to that original laptop, and the 7, if indeed an "Upgrade" version, should have been too.

Try it. If it doesn't work, you'll need to buy a new OS for the install.

As for installing things:
Have ONLY the SSD connected
Install the 64bit
Updates, drivers, etc.\
Then you can start to install applications.
Given a 250GB SSD, you can install quite a lot of applications on it.