Visit this link for more information on Windows Vista x64:

http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=396&tabid=1

It contains a note:

Warning: You cannot upgrade unless you have the 64-bit Windows operating system running on a 64-bit capable PC.

So I think in your case an upgrade option is not available. However, you can buy a retail version of Vista x64 and perform a clean install.

You can also visit this page:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/64-bit.aspx

Contact Dell support they will send you out an 64 bit disc. It will mean that you will have to a clean install. Its Free.

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dellcare/en/backupcd_form?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&redirect=1

Take a look at this Microsoft page, that contains information regarding Windows Vista x64:

http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/content.aspx?ctId=396&tabid=1

It contains a note:

Warning: You cannot upgrade unless you have the 64-bit Windows operating system running on a 64-bit capable PC.

So I think the upgrade option is not available in your situation. However, you can purchase a retail version of Microsoft Windows Vista x64 and install it on your PC.

You can also visit this page for more information on 64bit systems:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/64-bit.aspx

Hi, thanks for answer my question.

I have a Dell XPS M1330, and I checkout that Intel T5250 is capable of working with a 64 bit OS.

Regards,

Not only is it capable of running Vista 64-bit, it will be noticeably superior.  Plus the Operating System swap is free from Dell if you are still under warranty.  If you try it, you'll never go back.  I've had Vista 64 on both my M1330's for about 5 months now.  Love it.....its almost as good as XP!

Tom

I been told by uk tec support that you are only get a free upgrade to Vista 64bit on certain models of pc's.

I also have a change OS question. I currently have 32-bit Vista Ultimate w/ 4GB ram and want to upgrade to 64-bit Vista w/ 8GB ram.

I bought this PC from Dell in February 2008.

I have an Intel Core 2 Extreme X9650 @ 3.00 GHz processor and I don't know if it is 64 bit or if it will support 64 bit. Dell support told me that yes indeed it is a 64 bit processor and can support 64 bit Vista Ultimate.

I have a NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX w. I hope this will support 64 bit Vista Ultimate.

Basically, I don't want to do any hardware upgrades other than RAM up to 8GB and paying for Vista Ultimate 64 bit.

Whatever other information you might need from me, I can post but I want to know if and how I can upgrade to Vista Ultimate 64 bit w/ 8GB ram.

Thanks.

Whatever other information you might need from me, I can post but I want to know if and how I can upgrade to Vista Ultimate 64 bit w/ 8GB ram.

You shouldn't have to pay anything for the OS swap.  If you contact Dell Support they should send you the 64-bit disk right away.  If they tell you no, don't give up, seems like half of the support reps. know about the program and half don't; some are very helpful and some are rude about the swap.  Help is available through the laisons to get the disk.  If it were the old forums, I could point you to the thread about getting the disk shipped, but this new forum is miserable.

The upgrade itself isn't very difficult.  Download all of the necessary 64-bit drivers from the Dell Support page and put them on a flash drive or CD, snap in the new memory, boot to the new Vista disk and about 25 minutes later you'll be in business and will never look back.

Now, as a precaution....here's a suggestion.  Hard drives are a dime a dozen now.  You can get a good 500 or 750GB HDD from Newegg for less then $75.  Depending on your level of expertise and/or level of confidence, I'd experiment on a separate HDD and save your factory HDD just in case.  Alternately, save the files in your D:\RECOVERY partition so you can restore your computer to factory-new condition.  At the very least save the one file D:\RECOVBERY\Dell\Image\Factory.wim.  That image file is your whole system as it came from Dell.

Hi Zrtom, thank you so much for your help,

My model is the XPS 420.

Another question. If I upgrade to 64 bit, can I keep the 4GB of ram for now? I have 4GB ram on the pc currently. Can it be enough for the time being?

Also, when I buy the 2GB ram chips (X4) are the ones that the Dell upgrade page offers decent enough or should I buy from somewhere else?

Thanks.

-Kinglobjaw

You will see the benefits of the 64-bit Operating System immediately, without adding any more RAM.  I've been going to add 4GB more to my XPS 420 but haven't gotten around to it; it works great with 4GB.

I'm not sure what Dell is selling for upgrade RAM but usually it's nothing fancy.  I think you might be able to get better and cheaper RAM elsewhere.  I've been eyeing Corsair Dominator and Patriot Extreme 1066 mHz memory at Newegg for my XPS 420.  With rebates and free shipping you're looking at 2x2GB sets for under $40 and $50, respectively.  Or some pretty good 4x2GB sets for around $100.