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How can I tell if I need CDs instead of the 32-bit DVD I received in the retail packaged product?
If your PC has a disc drive capable of reading CDs but not DVDs, you will need CDs to install Windows Vista.

You can determine if your PC can read DVDs by checking with the manufacturer of your PC. In most cases a "DVD" logo is also printed on the external door of disc drives capable of reading DVDs. If this DVD-ROM logo appears on your disc drive, you do not require CDs for installation purposes.

However, if your disc drive has a CD-ROM logo, without a DVD-ROM logo, you will require CDs for installation.

Alternatively, you can simply attempt to install Windows Vista using the DVD included in the retail package. If you receive a "Media Error" message, this likely indicates that your computer cannot read DVDs, and therefore, that you need to order CDs for your installation of Windows Vista.

Should I get the 64-bit DVD?
Not all PC's are capable of running 64-bit software. Please check with the manufacturer of your PC to determine if your PC is 64-bit capable. At a minimum, your PC must have a 64-bit processor to run the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista. The CPU should be labeled with Intel or AMD's logo for 64-bit configuration if the PC is configured as a 64 bit machine. No such labeling should be seen for a 32-bit machine.

If you are currently running Windows XP on your PC you can determine if the PC has a 32- or 64-bit processor by following these steps:

1. From the Start menu select "My Computer"
2. From the "My Computer" window select "View system information"
3. From the "System Properties" window select the "Advanced" tab
4. From the "Advanced" tab click the "Environment Variables" button
5. Look through the "System variables" list for a variable called "PROCESSOR_ARCHITECTURE". If this PC has a 32-bit processor this variable will have a value of "x86". If it has a 64-bit processor this variable will have a value of "x64".

You should consider ordering the 64-bit DVD only if your PC has a 64-bit processor.

For PC's that are capable of running 64-bit software, the 64-bit edition of Windows Vista allows these PC's to take advantage of vastly more memory and in some cases provides better performance. However, the 64-bit version of Windows Vista is not for everyone. Please confirm that your system, applications, and devices are compatible with a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista before installing. Learn more at www.windowsvista.com/64-bit.

How can I get a 64-bit CD?
The 32-bit editions of all Windows Vista editions are available on both CD and DVD. However, 64-bit editions of Windows Vista are only available on DVD. Nearly all PC's capable of running the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista are equipped with a DVD drive.

Return to the Windows Vista Alternate Media order page.