Need to upgrade Windows in New computer

M

McSpin

Member
I'm getting a Dell Optiplex 3010 (I normally build my own, but this one is being given to me - free). It comes standard with Windows 7, 32 bit and 4 gb memory. I want to upgrade windows to 64 bit so I can add 4 more gb of ram (the limit on this machine). I also want to add a spare SSD to it that I have.

Can I upgrade this copy of Windows to 64 bit? I also want to move it to the SSD. I cannot determine if I have to purchase an upgrade or if it is even considered an upgrade.

If it can be upgraded, what would be the procedure, including getting it onto the SSD? Any help would be appreciated.
 
You need to get a copy of 64-bit Win 7 (same version as on that machine - Home Premium, Pro, etc...) and do a clean install to the ssd. You should be able to use the same license key but do a clean install. There is no upgrade path from 32-bit to 64-bit.
 
strollin said:
You need to get a copy of 64-bit Win 7 (same version as on that machine - Home Premium, Pro, etc...) and do a clean install to the ssd. You should be able to use the same license key but do a clean install. There is no upgrade path from 32-bit to 64-bit.
Click to expand...

Correct. I am guessing you have never used that key that is on the side/bottom of your case, so it is most definitely good for an install.

For the copy of Windows 7, you can download the image/ISO files here.

Just burn to a DVD/flash drive and you're good to go.
 
I didn't realize that there was a key on copies that are installed at the factory. I won't have the computer until sometime next week, so I'll look for the key then. Thanks,

Do I need to upgrade or modify any of Dell's system files or anything else for it to work on 64 bit?
 
You'll need to check Dell's website for 64-bit versions of drivers as well as their utilities.
 
Dell's website has a download manager to put all drivers on your computer. I'm wondering if I enter their "service tag" number from my computer, if it will see the computer as needing 32 bit versions. Anyone know if I should use their automated process or manually update everything?
 
Windows 7 should install most of the drivers automatically. You probably will need to update video, sound, and chipset.
 
It took awhile for this computer to get shipped. I just started trying to set it up but am hitting a snag already.

I downloaded the image/iso 64 bit version and installed it on my SSD. Window boots but I have no connectivity to the internet. It simply doesn't recognize the hardware. I haven't been able to figure out what driver(s) needs to be installed to get the ethernet connection working.

Can someone give me the specific drivers that I need and the order I should install them?

Thanks,
 
I knew where the drivers where, but there were several options under each category and I had to just experiment installing them until I got a combination that worked. Eventually I got it going, it just took awhile of installing, trying, removing, re-installing, etc., The main difficulty seemed to be getting the proper network driver installed.

It's working fine now. I appreciate everyone's input.
 
It's rare from my experience that Windows recognizes the drivers for audio and internet, as well as GPU (you have to install that driver no matter what though).
The main drivers you should be concerned about installing, even though Windows seems to recognize them are: Chipset, Internet (WiFi and/or Ethernet), Audio and GPU. Rest is often optional, but recommended.
I have some older motherboards (where chipset, audio and internet is) that installs good stock drivers, but on anything from chipset P67 and up I've always had to download the drivers on a different PC and transfer them.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top