is windows product key interchangable for 32 and 64 bit

[saintsfan0990]

Is it possible to install a clean version of Microsoft windows 64 bit from a ISO file on a boot disk to a 8 MB HHD partition over a previous version of 32 bit in the same partition. Will I be able to utilize my product key for the 32 bit version to activate the 64 bit version?(I believe I have a OEM version so does it make a difference and do you think I will be able to do this?... my product key id roughly xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx.... thus the reason I 'assume' it was installed from an OEM disk. But does anyone have any experience with this?

Also, can you create a dual boot system in which one version of windows is running at 32 bit and one at 64 bit if they utilize the same product key? And would they need to be on the same partition to utilize the same product key or separate? I am running this setup on a dell latitude E6400 with 8GB of ram.

 

[USAFRet]

1. THere is absolutely zero reason to try to run 32bit and 64bit OS in the same system as a dual boot

2. You can't use the same license for 2 installs at the same time

3. OEM license is almost certainly one or the other, not switchable.
*If* you can obtain the 64bit install from your manufacturer, you can try it and see if it might activate.

4. And this would be a full wipe and reinstall.

 

[geofelt]

The windows activation key is 32/64 bit agnostic.
I have a dual boot 32/64 bit on my laptop. I used the key that came with it.
In my case I have two drives, but I think you could also do it by partitioning on one drive.
I use 32 bit to run an old time 16 bit program, civilization 2.4.

What IS different is the install media. 32 bit and 64 bit are different.

 

[saintsfan0990]

The windows activation key is 32/64 bit agnostic.
I have a dual boot 32/64 bit on my laptop. I used the key that came with it.
In my case I have two drives, but I think you could also do it by partitioning on one drive.
I use 32 bit to run an old time 16 bit program, civilization 2.4.

What IS different is the install media. 32 bit and 64 bit are different.

The windows activation key is 32/64 bit agnostic.
I have a dual boot 32/64 bit on my laptop. I used the key that came with it.
In my case I have two drives, but I think you could also do it by partitioning on one drive.
I use 32 bit to run an old time 16 bit program, civilization 2.4.

What IS different is the install media. 32 bit and 64 bit are different.

I am new to to 'whole' 16/32 bit concept. I am learning C++ and I understand how the bit size increases the storage size of a interger, thus potential making calculations more flexible. Or atleast that is my understanding of it. The book I am reading has a few tables on the matter and that is what I got out of it. But how does the 16 program need the 32 bit environment to run? I have seen reference to this concept in C++. But seriously, I am curios.

Also. I picked up 8GB ram for this upgrade but they gave me a refurbished E6400 with 32 bit windows 7 Pro, So hypothetically. If I keep windows 7 32 bit. And Partition my drive for a windows 10 Dual boot x64. And install my 8GB. Do I risk damaging the 8GBm when I boot into windows 7 32 bit? Or will it play nicely?