Can I switch out Win 7 32 bit for 64bit without paying anything?
In my fathers work they disposed all the old PCs and between all that ancient junk there was one which was actually decent for browsing at least. It didnt booted up and while Im not a huge expert I noticed that those fools there didnt noticed that only the case/motherboard jumper cables where disconnected, so now it runs.

mobo: Gigabyte GA-G41MT-S2 (switched the CMOS battery cause PC was not on power for 4-5 years)
CPU: Celeron E3400 2,6Ghz - bought a Core Duo 2 E8500 3,16 for 4€ second hand
RAM: 2GB DDR 1333 - I switched out for Kingston 2x 4GB 1333 dual channel from my previous PC
graphics: Intel GMA X4500 integrated
HDD: WD 500GB
drive: non-working Samsung SH-223 (something is rattling inside) - I got from my father friend a Hitachi DVD-RW, ancient but works.
Eurocase 400W PSU
Bought a Comfast wireless adapter (Realtek 8188) to connect to net trough my router.
The HDD had a non-activated Win 7 32bit on. I feared its some not legal copy but it activated without a issue on page of MS.

Now the 2 problems:
1. The Windows is legal but it had no sticker or media. I used Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to dig out the key - can I be at peace that this is the proper one?

2. Being 32bit will not use the 8GB RAM, can I make a clean 64bit installation with the same key?

Also if someone has a cheap tip to upgrade, pour it out, but it will only a browsing PC for my near 60 year old parents.
Last edited by Astraea Kisaragi; 6 Apr, 2019 @ 12:51am
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C2Dan88 6 Apr, 2019 @ 1:04am 
Retail versions of Windows 7 came with 32bit and 64bit for the same key. However OEM versions of Windows7 does not allow this I dont think

You can try to reinstall 64 bit and use your key.

However seeing it as it is only going to be used for web browsing I would install something like lubuntu, linux mint
UTFapolloMarine 6 Apr, 2019 @ 1:39am 
truthfully w7 is trash, install windows 10 64 using a usb and then use the windows 7 key to activate 10 simple
Astraea Kisaragi 6 Apr, 2019 @ 1:47am 
I have put the key onto Microsoft site. It writes - you are eligible for Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, select installation: 32 or 64bit.

I try to get the 64bit to USB and see what happens.

And yes, I have Win 10 on my main PC, i would like to keep win 7 on this one.
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Date Posted: 6 Apr, 2019 @ 12:32am
Posts: 3