Identification

• Windows Vista 64 stands for the fact that it is a 64-bit operating system. The issues experienced when trying to install Vista 64 on a computer look similar to issues with other versions of Windows, but the causes of the problems are much different. The screen during installing will freeze, display a blank screen or show an error message, according to Microsoft.
  
  

Types

• The types of problems encountered when installing Windows Vista 64 are the typical troubles common to all versions of Windows or just generic mistakes, such as losing the product key. However, the 64-bit architecture of Vista brings a host of new install obstacles that are very specific to this version of Vista and may not have any solution due to the hardware requirements of this new technology.
  
  

Causes

• Since 64-bit processors are fairly new, many people still do not know that you cannot install Vista 64 on a machine that uses a 32-bit CPU, according to Microsoft. However, you can install a 32-bit OS on a 64-bit computer. A 64-bit computer running a 32-bit version of Windows can also have problems trying to install the Vista 64 upgrade because 32-bit operating systems cannot recognize 64-bit installation files, reports Microsoft.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Before going out and purchasing Vista 64, use Microsoft's Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to determine if your computer contains a 32 or 64-bit microchip. If running a 32-bit version of Vista, you will have to buy the full version of Vista 64, or revert back to Windows XP and then upgrade to Vista 64. Also, make sure to check that your computer can handle the requirements suggested by Microsoft--40 gigabytes of disc space and at least a 1 gigahertz processor.
  
  

Warning

• Before attempting to use a custom installation Microsoft urges users to backup any important files or risk losing them during the upgrade. The best way to do this is using Windows Easy Transfer contained on the Vista 64 installation DVD, not the version of Windows Easy Transfer already on the 32-bit version of Vista, reports Microsoft.