Member Avatar for Roebuc

Hello,

Trying to see if this is possible. I have a Dell Vostro I bought a while back that came with Windows 7 32 bit. I removed Windows 7 and put Ubuntu on the Vostro. I recently orded all the hardware for a new gaming PC. I would like to take that Dell Disc and install Windows 7 64 bit on the new PC. Based on:

http://www.daniweb.com/hardware-and-software/microsoft-windows/windows-vista-and-windows-7/threads/251763

and

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7

I get the impression by doing a custom install it will automatically detect 64-bit capabilities? I understand drivers will not be correct and it is an OEM license. I know how to correct the drivers but I just want to save money since I have a Windows 7 license I am not using. Is it possible to take that Disc that installed the 32bit Windows 7 on my Dell and use it to install a 64bit Windows 7 on a non-Dell?

Thanks.

Edit:

I should clarify that I don't have that hardware yet and I have not been able to test. I would like to know if it is possible or not so I can buy the correct version if needed pre-arrival of hardware.

Edited by Roebuc because: Added the Edit section...
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Short, practical follow-up that fills gaps in the replies from , and and gives concrete checks and options.

First, identify what the DVD actually is (retail installer vs Dell recovery image) and whether it contains a 64‑bit image. Mount or browse the DVD on any Windows PC and look in the \sources folder for install.wim or install.esd. If one of those exists, use DISM to list the images and architectures inside:

dism /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:D:\sources\install.wim

(or point the path to install.esd if present). The output shows whether a 64‑bit image is included and which SKUs are on the media. If the disc boots straight into a Dell recovery GUI or the sources folder is missing a standard install image, it’s recovery media and not suitable as generic installation media.

Second, licensing and activation. Check the original Vostro for the Windows 7 COA sticker or any paperwork with the product key. An OEM recovery/restore disc is normally tied to the original system image and key situation. If the product key on the COA is a retail key, it can be used on a new build (may require phone activation); if it’s an OEM key, expect activation and licensing limits tied to the original machine. If activation fails online, Microsoft’s activation support can sometimes help for retail keys.

Finally, practical recommendation for a new gaming rig: if the DVD lacks a 64‑bit installer or the key won’t activate, obtain proper 64‑bit installation media and a transferable (retail) license. Also note that Windows 7 reached end of support on January 14, 2020, so a modern, supported Windows (Windows 10/11) is a safer long‑term choice for a new build.

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Member Avatar for lolafuertes

My experience on Dell installation disks is that came with a hardware detection that does ot permits to install in a non Dell targeted computer.

More over, normally only one version is in the recovery disk, according to the OS version brougth.

Hope this helps

Member Avatar for caperjack

my answer is no ,it was activated on the dell laptop ,therefor it will come up as already used and not activate on the new computer.

as for 32bit and 64 bit ,not all win7 disk have both version on the dvd .but certainly some do

Edited by caperjack because: n/a
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