Easiest way to upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit? (Vista)

So I've got Vista 32 bit Home Premium, and 3 GB of RAM. Considering how DDR2 prices are dropping off the face of the earth, I think it might be time for me to jump to 64 bit and grab a full 8 GB just so I can say I have it.

Is there a way to switch to 64 bit without buying another OEM disc a.k.a. I don't want to pay twice for something I just bought.

The OEM key only works for the version that was bought (e.g. Home Premium 32bit), so you'll need to buy the 64bit if you want to go to 64bit.

I'm also pretty sure that you'll need to do a clean install, but I'm not too sure on that one.

64 bit Vista has more issues and really isn't need for most computer users.roulettethedog

Didn't say I needed it, just want to say I have it. New OEM disk it is.

I have to say vista x64 works like crap for me. I just installed it in late december, and at first it wouldnt recognize any usb mass storage devices, and wouldnt boot up if i had any usb devices plugged in (including my internal USB card reader.) Then I experienced 5 minute boot times and hangs upon shutdown.

Then my soundcard drivers stopped working, and a bunch of devices on the pci bus were found and unrecognized, even though I had drivers installed for all my pci devices properly (meaning they werent there physically)

I installed SP1 and now it's stable, but all my performance in games (and anything else for that matter) is alot worse (I used to have 32-bit vista ultimate, now I have 64) Crysis lost a solid 5-8fps, which is ironically supposed to be better with 64 bit. The only thing stopping me from a fresh reformat is that I plan on upgrading to penryn this month, so I will be doing it anyways.

I will give vista x64 one more try with my new platform. If that doesnt work (I have a hunch it may be my motherboard), I'm going back to 32 bit for a while.

64 bit Vista has more issues and really isn't need for most computer users.roulettethedog

Yeah, i have 64bit and it does cause problems sometimes!