32-bit to 64-bit?

My friend wants me to get him a copy of windows 7 edition b/c I can get a student discount on them. He has Intell QuadCore q9550 and it can support 64-bit. I'm asking, since he has 32-bit XP on his PC right now can he use the Win7 64-bit upgrade? (I only get discounts on upgrades, can't get a clean install)

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by packrat

Uh, not much to explain really.
Yes, if someone owns 32-bit XP, then they should qualify for a 64-bit Windows 7 upgrade.

What do you mean by qualify? Is it compatible going between the two? Is there any known problems when upgrading from 32bit to 64bit without doing a clean install?

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by packrat

Also, it is possible, and apparently relatively easy, to modify the Win7 upgrade to act as a clean install disc.

Would that be just choosing the custom option below on the Upgrade version of the disc?
Because I did that when upgrading my pc and it still kept files.(edit)

(Edit) Thanks, I actually just found this about 3 seconds after posted.


HOW TO DO A FULL INSTALL WITH AN UPGRADE DISK:
1) Put in the Upgrade disk and boot into it.
2) Install the OS, but DO NOT enter your product code!!! Select skip instead.
3) After install in complete, run Setup from INSIDE the new install and this time enter your Product Key.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.