Windows Vista 64 bit or Windows 7?

[Aradar]

I'm considering getting back in to boxing but I want to finally ditch my 32 bit Vista for 64 bit which leads to the question: should I go ahead and upgrade to Vista 64 or wait and go with Windows 7 64 bit?

Obviously I'd prefer to get going now but I don't want to pay for both upgrades and I'm willing to wait till the end of October for Windows 7 if it's the better way to go.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Owltoid]

I think right now any purchase of Vista comes with a free upgrade to Windows 7.

[Jafula]

I'd wait for Windows 7; if you can get a free upgrade like Owl says, even better.

[Aradar]

I think right now any purchase of Vista comes with a free upgrade to Windows 7.

That's what I thought but the Geek Squad at Best Buy said it's only certain computers that have Vista pre-installed.

Guess I need to check in to this further to make sure.

[alcattle]

go to a different store! or look at Newegg, they are selling a crock

[Freddie]

When you buy retail Vista you get both 32 and 64 bit licenses. If you bought that type of package, Microsoft will send you a DVD with the 64 bit version for the cost of shipping. (Or you can probably borrow one from a friend).

See this page for ordering instructions:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

[Boss]

http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Windows-Vista-Home-Premium-with-SP1-32-bit-Upgrade/product/1FF49163

I'm going to do the same upgrade just can't decide if I want to wait also... I'm boxxing right now so just keep telling my self to wait and not get frustrated with Vista though.

[Psych]

I don't suggest doing the "buy Vista now and get a free upgrade to 7" thing. I did that when Vista came out, so I own a copy of XP Pro and an "Upgrade" version of Vista Business.

Upgrade versions are terrible, in my opinion. Should you need to reinstall the OS, you need to go right back to install the OLD version first (in my case, I'd need to install Windows XP Pro) and then upgrade that existing install to the new version (in my case, Vista Business). It's a major major PITA. Like 2+ hours extra for a simple install.

The other drawback is that you're carrying stuff over from an old install, even if it's a fresh install it's still got stuff that either doesn't work in the new version or is in there for legacy support which you don't need on the new OS. Extra crap just bloats things up. I never felt comfortable with my Vista installs knowing that they always had some remnants from XP in them.

Wait for the full 7 release in October (unless you're lucky like me right now and have an MSDN subscription through work, hurray!). Install the full version and pretend you never heard of Vista, you'll be happier :)

Good luck!

[rahven32]

I don't suggest doing the "buy Vista now and get a free upgrade to 7" thing. I did that when Vista came out, so I own a copy of XP Pro and an "Upgrade" version of Vista Business.

Upgrade versions are terrible, in my opinion. Should you need to reinstall the OS, you need to go right back to install the OLD version first (in my case, I'd need to install Windows XP Pro) and then upgrade that existing install to the new version (in my case, Vista Business). It's a major major PITA. Like 2+ hours extra for a simple install.

The other drawback is that you're carrying stuff over from an old install, even if it's a fresh install it's still got stuff that either doesn't work in the new version or is in there for legacy support which you don't need on the new OS. Extra crap just bloats things up. I never felt comfortable with my Vista installs knowing that they always had some remnants from XP in them.

Wait for the full 7 release in October (unless you're lucky like me right now and have an MSDN subscription through work, hurray!). Install the full version and pretend you never heard of Vista, you'll be happier :)

Good luck!

Actually the Vista upgrade disk could upgrade on itself. Not sure if window's 7 is going to do that though. There was no real reason to buy the full vista version. You did have to install it twice though which was annoying but saved you a hundred bucks.

[Aradar]

When you buy retail Vista you get both 32 and 64 bit licenses. If you bought that type of package, Microsoft will send you a DVD with the 64 bit version for the cost of shipping. (Or you can probably borrow one from a friend).

See this page for ordering instructions:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx

My Vista came with my computer so I'm not sure it applies but I'll give it a try.


Wait for the full 7 release in October (unless you're lucky like me right now and have an MSDN subscription through work, hurray!). Install the full version and pretend you never heard of Vista, you'll be happier :)

That sounds like a good idea but as Vista is part of my original disk that came with my computer along with all the other stuff that gets the computer up and running, I'll have to figure this out. I'm proficient at using computers, anything other than that is not my forte.

[Freddie]

My Vista came with my computer so I'm not sure it applies but I'll give it a try.
I'm not sure either. I think maybe all you need is a product key.

[Stealthy]

If you are getting a PC with Vista, double check to make sure it has the free Windows 7 upgrade.

If its a 'name' branded machine (HP, Lenovo, Toshiba, Dell, etc), then this is pretty much a given that it will have it, as the large manufacturers have already updated their product lines to include the upgrade coupon.

If its a custom built or 'white box' machine - you'll need to check, as Vista can be purchased either with or without the Win 7 upgrade coupon by resellers. If the reseller is trying to do the box as cheap as possible they may supply the PC without the coupon.

Ironically I've been getting a lot of questions at work around this from our customers (resellers) - my job is looking after the MS business at an IT distribution company. :)

Cheers,
S.