Solved Change 32 bit to 64 bit ???

[tacomagrey]

When I installed 8.1 my hardware would only support 32 bit. Since then I've put in a new motherboard and processor and doubled the memory (no change to discs). I'd like to convert to 64 bit. The 64 bit disc won't run at all (says my 'puter doesn't support 64 but I think this has to do with setting stored on the hard drive.) The 32 bit disc doesn't offer an "upgrade" option when I run it. What's the secret handshake to make this work? Thanks for your help!

 

[broe23]

Changing out the Motherboard with the 32-bit version on the hard drive. Yes you are going to have to do a wipe and install, to install 8.1 64-bit.

 

[hydranix]

Format the hard drive. Install windows with a 64-bit install media.

Your processor must be x86_64. All x86 processors made in the past 5 years should have the 64-bot extension. Very few exceptions, if any.

 

[LMiller7]

Microsoft has never supported an upgrade from a 32 bit to 64 bit OS. A clean install of the OS and all applications will be necessary. The 64 bit OS will completely replace the 32 bit. The similar user interface tends to hide the fact that internally a 32 and 64 bit OS are very different.

Be sure to have a full backup of your data before proceeding.

 

[strollin]

One possible glitch is that, since you changed out the motherboard, Windows may see the machine as a new and different machine and may not activate after the clean install.

 

[tacomagrey]

Thanks for the help folks. Naturally, I was hoping for a simpler answer --- gonna have to think about this one.