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I have a LEGAL OEM Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit DVD (with original/unshared serial sticker) that I'm no longer using since I moved to Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. I wanted to reuse my Vista in a Virtual Machine on the same PC as my Windows 7 to test apps on "legacy" Windows. To do so I use the latest version of Microsoft Virtual PC. Unfortunatly I can't install Vista since the virtual machine isn't recognized as 64-bit...

  • Is there a way to download a Vista Ultimate 32-bit ISO from Microsoft since I legally own a 64-bit OEM?
  • Will my Vista Ultimate 64 OEM will work with a Vista Ultimate 32 OEM?

I know since I use OEM I can't have support from Microsoft (they told me to call my system builder - which is me).

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  • Windows virtual PC doesn't support x86_64 at all, and it lags much far behind other virtual machines on features and performance. You should use VirtualBox or VMWare player/server instead, totally free. Or if money is not a problem then VMWare workstation is a good choice
    – phuclv
    Commented Sep 24, 2013 at 5:14
  • @Lưu Vĩnh Phúc Yeah I know I switched to VirtualBox a couple of months ago.
    – AlexV
    Commented Sep 24, 2013 at 13:49

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Is there a way to download a Vista Ultimate 32-bit ISO from Microsoft since I legally own a 64-bit OEM?

in a word, no.

I can't install Vista since the virtual machine isn't recognized as 64-bit

you can use VirtualBox instead, it supports 64-bit guest operating systems.

that said, it's probably not legal to do so, since your OEM license is tied to the physical hardware and using a virtualized machine is a different computer, technically speaking ... but then, i'm not a lawyer :)

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  • Bleh. There is times I just hate you. I don't answer for months and then you beat me by 38 seconds :P
    – BinaryMisfit
    Commented Jan 9, 2010 at 22:32
  • Since all my Virtual machines are on Microsoft Virtual PC I will stick with this VPC... I know it's really not the best. But I'm fine with that for now.
    – AlexV
    Commented Jan 9, 2010 at 22:32
  • You can use all of them as is within VirtualBox. It natively reads Virtual PC and VMWare Virtual HDD's without any conversion neccessary.
    – BinaryMisfit
    Commented Jan 9, 2010 at 22:33
  • yep, VPC virtual hard disks work just fine with VBox ... probably because InnoTek (the makers of VirtualBox) played quite a significant role in the development of MS Virtual PC. :)
    – Molly7244
    Commented Jan 9, 2010 at 22:37
  • I ended up as downloading a 32-bit untouched ISO and used my legit key with it.
    – AlexV
    Commented Jan 11, 2010 at 13:22
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If you have access to the Microsoft download site for System Builders you should be able to download the 32-Bit version without a problem. If it is a purchased copy then your out of luck, and will most likely need to order a new copy from your supplier.

The Vista keys for 32-Bit and 64-bit are the same per edition, so your key will work irrelevant of the architecture. Currently the same rule applies to Windows 7.

Safe yourself a lot of heartache and simply download and use VirtualBox. It happily supports Windows Vista 64-Bit in a Virtual Machine and is also provided free of charge.

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  • How do you get access to the Microsoft download site for System Builders? Is it for enterprises only?
    – AlexV
    Commented Jan 9, 2010 at 22:34
  • If your a registered System Builder with MS it is part of your yearly fee you pay as a Builder. So yeah, it would be enterprise only.
    – BinaryMisfit
    Commented Jan 9, 2010 at 22:36

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