upgrading os to a better one

[Ryan Bruce]

hi, i'm looking to upgrade my windows vista 32 bit to windows vista 64 bit, if i do get it, can i keep everything on my hard-drive or do i have to completely remove everything.
also not sure if it helps, here are my current specs,

dell inspiron 530,
foxconn g33mo2 motherboard,
intel core duo e4500 2.20ghz cpu lga 775,
6gb ram ddr2 "mainly the reason i want to upgrade so i can use it properly",
asys radeon 6570 hd 1gb ddr3,
550w psu.

also, as i am looking to upgrade my current cpu to a better one, any suggestions ?
oh, one more thing as i am in the U.K anywhere where i can get vista 64bit and a new processor, preferably a shop and not online as i don't have a bank account, i know some parts are old but i like a challenge. 😛

many thanks in advance.

Ryan Bruce

 

[barto]

You will have to reformat and install Vista and programs again. You cannot simply upgrade from 32 to 64 bit. Therefore, you would also need a backup hard drive to save all you files.

Edit: Also, your motherboard does support core2 quads. They aren't cheap though. Core2 are expensive chips. You may find one used on Ebay or Amazon for a cheaper price. However, I suggest you upgrade your motherboard, RAM and CPU.

 

[Ryan Bruce]

You will have to reformat and install Vista and programs again. You cannot simply upgrade from 32 to 64 bit. Therefore, you would also need a backup hard drive to save all you files.

Edit: Also, your motherboard does support core2 quads. They aren't cheap though. Core2 are expensive chips. You may find one used on Ebay or Amazon for a cheaper price. However, I suggest you upgrade your motherboard, RAM and CPU.

Thnak you for the very quick reply so i basicaly might as well build my own pc, as i am new to pc stuff do you know what sort of back up hard drive i can use or if any will fit, i see hard drives are fairly cheap, thank you

 

[barto]

You can use any. Just buy a external USB hard drive.