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I just purchased a new CPU/Motherboard along with a full (OEM) version of
Vista Home Premium 64 bit. I bought the 64 bit version without really
thinking. The CPU is 64 bit, so I figured I'd buy the 64 bit version of
Vista. What a mistake that was! Very few of the drivers that came with the
motherboard work, even though the motherboard is "certified" for Vista.
Printer drivers that I used before failed. Web cam no longer works, and on
and on. Even Microsoft's own LiveCare for security won't install.

So, my question is this. Can I use use the license that I purchased for the
64 bit version to license a 32 bit version? Can I download a 32 bit version
somewhere? Or am I basically out a couple of hundred bucks on a useless
operating system?

Hi, Don.

OEM? Those are subject to much different licensing rules that the retail
packages. With a retail package, you get a single Product Key and two
disks. Use either disk and activate it with that product key. Later, if
you wish, you can uninstall x64 and install x86, for example. But OEM
doesn't work that way. You probably are just stuck with it, unless your
vendor will work with you to take back the x64 (and mobo?) and install the
x86.

Or, if you list the driver-less hardware here, someone may be able to point
you to sources for the correct drivers. Then you might become comfortable
with keeping x64. I'm quite happy with Vista Ultimate x64 now, after
several problems with drivers and applications in the early beta builds.
Time should be on our side as more drivers and applications become available
for both Vista and 64-bit WinXP.

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX

Microsoft Windows MVP
(Running Windows Mail in Vista Ultimate x64)

"Don" <> wrote in message
news:5C7D0B9B-7512-4F21-A147-...
>I just purchased a new CPU/Motherboard along with a full (OEM) version of
> Vista Home Premium 64 bit. I bought the 64 bit version without really
> thinking. The CPU is 64 bit, so I figured I'd buy the 64 bit version of
> Vista. What a mistake that was! Very few of the drivers that came with
> the
> motherboard work, even though the motherboard is "certified" for Vista.
> Printer drivers that I used before failed. Web cam no longer works, and
> on
> and on. Even Microsoft's own LiveCare for security won't install.
>
> So, my question is this. Can I use use the license that I purchased for
> the
> 64 bit version to license a 32 bit version? Can I download a 32 bit
> version
> somewhere? Or am I basically out a couple of hundred bucks on a useless
> operating system?

If you can get your system builder to contact Microsoft, several have
reported that Microsoft has been cooperative in resolving this issue with an
exchange.

"Don" <> wrote in message
news:5C7D0B9B-7512-4F21-A147-...
>I just purchased a new CPU/Motherboard along with a full (OEM) version of
> Vista Home Premium 64 bit. I bought the 64 bit version without really
> thinking. The CPU is 64 bit, so I figured I'd buy the 64 bit version of
> Vista. What a mistake that was! Very few of the drivers that came with
> the
> motherboard work, even though the motherboard is "certified" for Vista.
> Printer drivers that I used before failed. Web cam no longer works, and
> on
> and on. Even Microsoft's own LiveCare for security won't install.
>
> So, my question is this. Can I use use the license that I purchased for
> the
> 64 bit version to license a 32 bit version? Can I download a 32 bit
> version
> somewhere? Or am I basically out a couple of hundred bucks on a useless
> operating system?

Thanks for the info. That's what I thought the answer would be - I basically
donated $200 to MS for a piece of software that is not fully functional. The
64 bit version is advertised as being able to run 32 bit software - it can
not do this completly. Sure, I didn't do all of my homework but I should be
able to exchange what I purchased for the correct version.

Do you know if MS has a department that I could contact to resolve this kind
of issue? Is there a address that I could send the DVD to and exchange it
for the 32 bit version?

"R. C. White, MVP" wrote:

> Hi, Don.
>
> OEM? Those are subject to much different licensing rules that the retail
> packages. With a retail package, you get a single Product Key and two
> disks. Use either disk and activate it with that product key. Later, if
> you wish, you can uninstall x64 and install x86, for example. But OEM
> doesn't work that way. You probably are just stuck with it, unless your
> vendor will work with you to take back the x64 (and mobo?) and install the
> x86.
>
> Or, if you list the driver-less hardware here, someone may be able to point
> you to sources for the correct drivers. Then you might become comfortable
> with keeping x64. I'm quite happy with Vista Ultimate x64 now, after
> several problems with drivers and applications in the early beta builds.
> Time should be on our side as more drivers and applications become available
> for both Vista and 64-bit WinXP.
>
> RC
> --
> R. C. White, CPA
> San Marcos, TX
>
> Microsoft Windows MVP
> (Running Windows Mail in Vista Ultimate x64)
>
> "Don" <> wrote in message
> news:5C7D0B9B-7512-4F21-A147-...
> >I just purchased a new CPU/Motherboard along with a full (OEM) version of
> > Vista Home Premium 64 bit. I bought the 64 bit version without really
> > thinking. The CPU is 64 bit, so I figured I'd buy the 64 bit version of
> > Vista. What a mistake that was! Very few of the drivers that came with
> > the
> > motherboard work, even though the motherboard is "certified" for Vista.
> > Printer drivers that I used before failed. Web cam no longer works, and
> > on
> > and on. Even Microsoft's own LiveCare for security won't install.
> >
> > So, my question is this. Can I use use the license that I purchased for
> > the
> > 64 bit version to license a 32 bit version? Can I download a 32 bit
> > version
> > somewhere? Or am I basically out a couple of hundred bucks on a useless
> > operating system?
>

I am my system builder. I purchased the MB, CPU and OS at a local computer
show and ripped apart my old computer to build the new one. I should have
been eligable for an "Upgrade version" but I have had trouble in the past
trying to use an upgrade CD/license when replacing a MB/CPU - thats why I
bought the full version. I already have a retail version of Vista HP upgrade
that I used on a laptop. It seems to me that I should be able to us that DVD
(it contains the 32 bit software) and then get MS to exchange the 64 bit
license key for a 32 bit key. I believe that I have fairly paid MS for the
software.

If I do end up purchasing a 32 bit version, is there a way that I can
"deactivate" the 64 bit version so that I could be legally installed on
another machine?

"John Barnes" wrote:

> If you can get your system builder to contact Microsoft, several have
> reported that Microsoft has been cooperative in resolving this issue with an
> exchange.
>
> "Don" <> wrote in message
> news:5C7D0B9B-7512-4F21-A147-...
> >I just purchased a new CPU/Motherboard along with a full (OEM) version of
> > Vista Home Premium 64 bit. I bought the 64 bit version without really
> > thinking. The CPU is 64 bit, so I figured I'd buy the 64 bit version of
> > Vista. What a mistake that was! Very few of the drivers that came with
> > the
> > motherboard work, even though the motherboard is "certified" for Vista.
> > Printer drivers that I used before failed. Web cam no longer works, and
> > on
> > and on. Even Microsoft's own LiveCare for security won't install.
> >
> > So, my question is this. Can I use use the license that I purchased for
> > the
> > 64 bit version to license a 32 bit version? Can I download a 32 bit
> > version
> > somewhere? Or am I basically out a couple of hundred bucks on a useless
> > operating system?
>
>

The outlet you purchased it from would probably have no more problem
resolving this exchange than the direct system builders have had. If they
are too lazy or uninterested in helping you, you can try contacting the
Microsoft refund desk directly. Microsoft does bend over backwards to
cooperate with those who are playing by the rules.

"Don" <> wrote in message
news:E4C22186-ED1C-4CAE-99E3-...
>I am my system builder. I purchased the MB, CPU and OS at a local computer
> show and ripped apart my old computer to build the new one. I should have
> been eligable for an "Upgrade version" but I have had trouble in the past
> trying to use an upgrade CD/license when replacing a MB/CPU - thats why I
> bought the full version. I already have a retail version of Vista HP
> upgrade
> that I used on a laptop. It seems to me that I should be able to us that
> DVD
> (it contains the 32 bit software) and then get MS to exchange the 64 bit
> license key for a 32 bit key. I believe that I have fairly paid MS for
> the
> software.
>
> If I do end up purchasing a 32 bit version, is there a way that I can
> "deactivate" the 64 bit version so that I could be legally installed on
> another machine?
>
> "John Barnes" wrote:
>
>> If you can get your system builder to contact Microsoft, several have
>> reported that Microsoft has been cooperative in resolving this issue with
>> an
>> exchange.
>>
>> "Don" <> wrote in message
>> news:5C7D0B9B-7512-4F21-A147-...
>> >I just purchased a new CPU/Motherboard along with a full (OEM) version
>> >of
>> > Vista Home Premium 64 bit. I bought the 64 bit version without really
>> > thinking. The CPU is 64 bit, so I figured I'd buy the 64 bit version
>> > of
>> > Vista. What a mistake that was! Very few of the drivers that came
>> > with
>> > the
>> > motherboard work, even though the motherboard is "certified" for Vista.
>> > Printer drivers that I used before failed. Web cam no longer works,
>> > and
>> > on
>> > and on. Even Microsoft's own LiveCare for security won't install.
>> >
>> > So, my question is this. Can I use use the license that I purchased
>> > for
>> > the
>> > 64 bit version to license a 32 bit version? Can I download a 32 bit
>> > version
>> > somewhere? Or am I basically out a couple of hundred bucks on a
>> > useless
>> > operating system?
>>
>>

> Thanks for the info. That's what I thought the answer would be - I
> basically
> donated $200 to MS for a piece of software that is not fully functional.

I was not aware that the lack of 64-bit drivers makes an OS "not fully
functional".

I purchased a 64 bit processor, a 64 bit MB (that said it worked with Vista),
and a 64 bit OS. Sound doesn't work off of MB and LAN had serious issues.
This was before I tried to install a MS webcam (a Microsoft Product) and MS
Live OneCare. The OS would not let me install either of these. (After lots
of digging around

I would call that not fully functional. Maybe I'm being harsh on blaming
the OS, but as a complete package things did not work. These were all MS
products (Webcam and LiveCare) or products that had a logo (MB) saying they
worked with Vista. The problems just seemed to get worse from there.

I realize that I made a mistake purchasing the 64 bit OS. When I saw that
MS advertised that Vista 64 worked with 32 bit software, I just grabbed it.
I'm now just looking for a way to "exchange" the 64 bit version for the 32
bit version.

"Homer J. Simpson" wrote:

> > Thanks for the info. That's what I thought the answer would be - I
> > basically
> > donated $200 to MS for a piece of software that is not fully functional.
>
> I was not aware that the lack of 64-bit drivers makes an OS "not fully
> functional".
>
>
>

Before anyone gets going with the personal attacks, let me start off by
saying I hate Vista with a passion, and I'm the last person who would defend
this turd for what it is. I think Vista is to XP what ME was to 98SE. Now,
with that out of the way, lets get going...

> Sound doesn't work off of MB

Driver.

> and LAN had serious issues.

Define "serious issues". The fact that so many people are running it and it
"just works" sounds to me like the problem doesn't necessarily lie within
Vista's network stack.

> This was before I tried to install a MS webcam (a Microsoft Product)

Driver. The fact that the webcam is also from Microsoft is irrelevant; the
question to ask is, does it have proper Vista drivers? I'm pretty sure I
must have some Microsoft hardware sitting in a box somewhere too that isn't
Vista compatible if I tried to use it. Is that Vista's fault?

> and MS Live OneCare. The OS would not let me install either of these.

Live OneCare has abysmal ratings, so I've personally never looked into it
but again, the question is, does OneCare claim to have full 64-bit Vista
compatibility? I'll bet parts of it will eventually be rewritten to add
Vista compatibility, rather than having parts of Vista rewritten to
accomodate it. In other words, again, that's hardly the OS's fault.

I know exactly what argument you'll be bringing up next. However, you have
to realize that Microsoft is not one massive entity where all departments
are all up to speed with each other (despite what they want everybody to
believe) and their schedules all line up. The OneCare group won't dictate
to the Windows division what it can or cannot do, nor was it ever in a
position to hold back Vista's release. OneCare is not a component of
Windows; it's a completely separate product just like any third-party
software, and I don't think waiting for OneCare to catch up is any more
cause for screaming bloody murder than waiting for any third-party
software/hardware maker to get off their asses. Vista has RTMed. It's not
gonna get rewritten to accomodate add-ons, even from groups that exist
within Microsoft.

> I would call that not fully functional. Maybe I'm being harsh on blaming
> the OS,

That's the essence of my rant. People need to put the blame where it
belongs. I've yet to hear a convincing argument that things would be
significantly different had Vista been held back a few more months.

> or products that had a logo (MB) saying they worked with Vista.

Can you get the OS installed? Sounds like you can.

Does every single last feature work as in previous Windows versions?
Probably not.

Are you surprised? I wouldn't be.

Does that prevent the OEM from slapping on a logo? That's a whole other
debate--I personally don't pay attention to any OEM's compatibility claims.
If I was to commit to a new OS that has been known for years now as having
its driver model being completely rewritten, you can bet the first thing I'd
be looking to do is my own research and verify that the drivers exist for
all the hardware I'd be hooking up to that machine, and all my important
software had an update (if needed) that at least guaranteed the makers were
committed to adding Vista compatibility. People have to stop looking at
buying software--especially an OS--like they buy a toaster.

> I realize that I made a mistake purchasing the 64 bit OS. When I saw that
> MS advertised that Vista 64 worked with 32 bit software, I just grabbed
> it.

Again, you always have to take that sort of claim with a large grain of
salt. A lot of it works fine. Was *all* of your old DOS or Windows 3.1
software 100% compatible with 95 (or, for a more fair comparison, NT)?

> I'm now just looking for a way to "exchange" the 64 bit version for the 32
> bit version.

I've taken the 64-bit plunge when XP x64 came out. I'm never going back.
I'll be skipping Vista and going straight to the next OS whenever it comes
out (assuming it doesn't suck as much as Vista), but not because of the 32-
vs 64-bit debacle (and I *will* only be looking at the 64-bit version).
Personally I thought the migration from a 32- to a 64-bit OS was *way*
smoother than going from 16- to 32-bits.

I second that emotion!

I was an early adopter of XP and the primary feature I
wanted was NTFS.

But I am not at all impressed with Vista and will be as far
back to the end of the line as I can get when it becomes
necessary to move to Vista!


Homer J. Simpson wrote:
> Before anyone gets going with the personal attacks, let me start off by
> saying I hate Vista with a passion, and I'm the last person who would defend
> this turd for what it is. I think Vista is to XP what ME was to 98SE. Now,
> with that out of the way, lets get going...
>