Installing Windows 7 ultimate 64 bit (From 32 bit)?

[kathmustdie]

I am using Windows 7 ultimate 32 bit. I am planning on installing the 64 bit version soon. Before i do i wanted to know if it could be installed on just one partition

My 500 GB hard disk has about 7 partitions ( C : , D: , E : etc) . If i want to install windows 7 64 bit on the primary C: Drive (Clean install) would it affect the other partitions , which has data on them? ( D: , E: etc?) like erase or not make them function?

also will my external hard disks which worked on 32 bit system (seagate goFlex Desk) work on the 64 bit after i plug it in after the install? all of my externals have my backups and i wouldn't want them erased :/

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Are you going to format over the 32 Bit version on the partition?

Yes your externals will work!

64 Bit version of 7 needs about 20 gigs to install.

 

[kathmustdie]

Yes i am going to install the new 64 bit over the 32 bit Windows 7 in Drive C: partition. So my other partitions will remain intact and unaffected?

 

[dextermat]

The only concern I have for this manipulation is what's your computer specs.

to be sure that it's 64 bit.

Also how many memory do you have ?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Are you going to install over 4 gigs of ram!
If not stick with what you have.

 

[kathmustdie]

I am running 4 gigs of ram on a 32 bit at the moment. My processor is an Intel i5-750 , oced to 3.6 ghz..

so i guess its possible?

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

32 bit can only utilize about 3.25 to 3.5 gigs of ram,and 64 bit much more.So if your going to install more ram the 64 bit will be worth installing!

 

[kathmustdie]

yup i intend to upgrade my memory to 16 gigs soon

But installing the 64 bit win7 on the primary C: (which has the 32 bit) drive won't affect the other partitions right xD? mostly because i have a lot of FLAC and SHN files on my other partitions

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

No they should not be affected!

I always backup my critical stuff to make sure.