Win 7 upgrade 32or64 bit

[talos]

I have a laptop running vista and I want to upgrade to Win7
Should I use 32 or 64 bit , what difference does it make? .I am planning on buying an OEM version from Amazon seems to be about the lowest price, any advice please would be very welcome

[zappaDPJ]

I run 64 bit primarily to overcome the 32 bit 4GB addressable memory limit. In addition 64 bit coded software should in theory run a little faster. One small word of caution regarding 64 bit OSs; I did find that a small number of 32 bit applications ceased to function correctly but they were very old.

[.Griff.]

Assuming you're using a 64bit processor then there's no logical reason not to go for Windows x64.

Granted that dot matrix printer you bought in 1987 might not work but hey things move on.

[cavillas]

Also any 16 bit apps or those apps with 16 bit installers will not work on 64 bit windows 7.

[mervl]

From bitter experience (I did the same thing) if your laptop isn't very recent then check the processor for compatibility with 64 bit!! (MS upgrade adviser has a facility for doing this, I found (too late), and the manufacturers website will show details for the model against model number and usually serial number displayed on the case). OEM works OK for an ordinary consumer.

Once you've broken the seal and tried it, it's too late, so there's a spare 64 bit version going here . . .

[kinmel]

Once you've broken the seal and tried it, it's too late, so there's a spare 64 bit version going here . . .

Not so,  you cannot read the EULA until you come to install Microsoft software and at that point you can reject the EULA's contract terms.  The Microsoft Licence requires the retailer to refund you if you decline the EULA -   "YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS EULA BY INSTALLING, COPYING, OR OTHERWISE USING THE PRODUCT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT INSTALL OR USE THE PRODUCT; YOU MAY RETURN IT TO YOUR PLACE OF PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND."

Most retailers don't know the EULA and you have to show it to them.

All software EULAs ( printers etc ) contain a similar statement and I have used it to get a refund when a piece of kit, or software, is incompatible with my systems.

[talos]

Still a bit confused here, I ran the MS upgrade advisor and it showed results for both 32 & 64 bit system, does that mean I can install either?
    I intend to do a "clean" install because I 've had problems with "upgrades" before.

[kinmel]

Still a bit confused here, I ran the MS upgrade advisor and it showed results for both 32 & 64 bit system, does that mean I can install either?
    I intend to do a "clean" install because I 've had problems with "upgrades" before.

Yes you can install either.

[gizmo71]

If you've got 3GB or less memory, go 32-bit. Otherwise, go 64.

[.Griff.]

If you've got 3GB or less memory, go 32-bit. Otherwise, go 64.

What if he increases his ram at any point in the future?!? Ditch 32bit and start from scratch with 64bit?

Absolutely pointless going for 32bit for so many reasons.

[talos]

Thanks to everyone for their advice.
      I have now ordered a 64 bit system from Amazon for a good price,  delivery Wednesday,so that's one day taken up  

[Simon]

Just one?   

[talos]

Just one?   

I hope