Upgrading x64 Edition from the Trial to the Full Version

Microsoft makes a trial version of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition available free for the download, and many of you have taken advantage of the offer to test out x64 Edition. A great way to make sure it's really appropriate for you and that you are appropriate for it. :)

However, once that decision has been made, and you're approaching the 120 day time limit of the Trial, you need to upgrade to the released version, or remove the x64 Trial from your computer. There are two ways to upgrade - an "in place upgrade" that you run from within the working Trial version, or a "repair install" upgrade that you run almost as if you're installing fresh.

You can use either one when up until the time your Trial expires, but once your trial has expired, your only choice is the Repair Install. Fellow MVP Michael Stevens has superb details about how to do a repair install on his site, so I won't repeat them here. Just go read his instructions: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm.

If you haven't allowed your Trial version to expire, you can do a repair install, or you can do an in place upgrade. I strongly recommend an in place upgrade - you don't have to reinstall any drivers, for example, because they'll all get picked up by the process. To do an in place upgrade, simply insert the XP x64 Edition CD into the CD/DVD drive, and follow the installation steps. Easy peasy, and in no time you'll be done.

Charlie.