Reinstalling windows from repair disk using 64 instead of 32

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I have a Lenovo Thinkpad W510 running Windows 7 Ultimate. Before my warranty ran out, I sent it in to have some repairs done which included replacing my hard drive and reinstalling Windows. I had been running 64 bits, but they mistakenly installed 32 bits. At the time, I needed my pc, and didn't need the extra processing power, so I didn't bother with it.
Now I am about to reinstall Windows because it's full of junk, and I want a clean slate. I have several possible routes: 1. Can I reinstall Windows 7 using the repair disk, but opt for a 64 bit os at install time?
2. I have another install disk for Windows 7 Pro. Can I install this and use the product key for ultimate that is on the bottom of my pc? 3. Should I just install Linux and say 'F it!' to all the complexity involved in Operating System monopolization and deliberate consumer confusion? (This is tongue and cheek. I know that the myth of the Microsoft boogie-men was written by grumpy children - I just feel like a grumpy child about this right now).

dgo

Posted 2014-01-12T17:39:07.877

Reputation: 685

1What's that actual problem here? What happens when you put the disk in and run the installer? Make a backup and go for it. PS: you can call Microsoft, support calls regarding keys and activation are free. – Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007 – 2014-01-12T18:20:06.447

Answers

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You can't register Windows 7 Pro with the key for your other Windows, Windows 7 Ultimate. If you have 32bit Windows installed, you can not change it to 64bits with just repairing. So, you need a fresh install of your Windows and during install choose 64bits version. And, of course you can install Linux as a second OS.

Vladimir

Posted 2014-01-12T17:39:07.877

Reputation: 303

But using the repair disk with Windows 7, can I choose to do a fresh install, and then choose 64 bits at that time? – dgo – 2014-01-12T17:58:20.773

@user1167442 - You can do anything you want if you choose to install a fresh installation of Windows. The installation you replace will be gone though. – Ramhound – 2014-01-12T18:24:32.173

That's fine. I guess what I'm asking is: can I use a repair disk I make with Lenovo tools to do a fresh install? – dgo – 2014-01-12T18:29:30.817

1@user1167442 Exactly, if you do clean install your previous Windows installation will be removed, meaning, during installation you need to choose that option. I do clean Windows installation on my PC from time to time. So, during that process I usually first format partition with Windows I want to remove, and then I install my fresh Windows copy. – Vladimir – 2014-01-12T18:29:48.427

Thanks! I even found an old repair disk from when it was 64 bits. So that may or may not make it smoother, but it'll for it! – dgo – 2014-01-12T20:46:24.637

Asked: 2014-01-12T17:39:07.877

Viewed: 120 times

Active: 2014-01-13T08:36:06.033