The PC I use at home for my lab work runs Windows XP x64. I went 64 bit so I could run x64 VM’s in WMware. This was done so I could run Exchange 2007 and any other x64 software that comes out. I’ve been wanting to upgrade to Vista since it went RTM and finally found some time last night. I burned a DVD and set about doing an upgrade.
I never thought it would be smooth, mainly because driver support from 3rd parties has been slow. But I didn’t expect to fall at the first hurdle. Windows XP 64 cannot be upgraded to Windows Vista. The installer had greyed out the option. I googled around but couldn’t find any direct MS content. Betanews did have an article.
One thing I noticed was that the upgrade was only available to XP with SP2. Hmm. Windows XP x64 is integrates "SP1" which is actually very like, if not, identical to XP x32 SP2. It has the firewall, the security centre, the whole kit and kaboodle. I then had a brain fart. What if I installed the release candidate for SP2 for Windows 2003/XP x64 and then tried to do an upgrade.
I ran the installler for SP2 tonight. It installed with no problems … so far. Windows Live Messenger automatically repaired itself when I logged in and it auto started. I then tried the Vista x64 upgrade. Unfortunately, it still requires a clean installation.
That’ll be a pain in the butt. I’ll have to reinstall all of my software and reactivate Office.