Switching up from a 32 bit to a 64 bit system

:confused I am currently running a Windows Vista Home version and have just installed Adobe CS5 Master onto the system. In order to be able to run the CS5 Premiere and the CS5 AfterEffects, I need to have a 64 bit system. In the meantime, Adobe has provided a substitute CS 4 for each of the above. For the money I spent, I would like to be able to use the entire CS5 version.
I am including a Detailed Computer Infomation list below. Is there anyone out there who can tell me what is involved in upgrading to the 64 bit? I am thinking, hardware (?) software (?) approximate cost, and do I have to upgrade to Win 7 to do this.
I would also like to know how I go about changing this upwards.
Thank You so much for any help.
Gypsy

 

Thank you Halo;
I just ran the advisor and I now have to get a hold of Dell for further information. I'll let you know what I find out, when I find out. LOL Thank You
Diane

 

Everyone on the support forums at Dell have highly recommended one Chris M. I have written him an email and shall wait to hear back. Should he decide to respond to my message. I understand that apparently this can all be done with just a disc? Could it be so simple??? I doubt it, it's Dell I'm talking about here. LOL Thank you Halo.

 

As said, you will need to buy a copy of windows 7 in 64-bit. I would recommend Home Premium as halo said. Please also note that you cannot upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit so you will need a method of backing up all your files etc.

 

One thing to remember is a lot of x64 drivers (and x86 32-bit as well) may not be on a system maker's site because they are built-in to Windows 7 already.

I had run 7 x64 on an old Biostar nForce3 motherboard with an Athlon 64 3400 single core and 2Gb of ram. There were no x64 drivers for that chipset on Biostar's site but Win 7 x64 had most built -in. Only exception was the nForce 3 GB Lan driver but I managed to find a Vista beta x64 driver that worked.

I just gave that system to my ex-wife to replace her old laptop. I put Win 7 x86 on it. Now she has an older Brother laser printer and an old HP inkjet. There were no Win 7 drivers for either on Brother's or HP's sites but Win 7 (via Windows Update) had drivers for them and both printers work fine.

Sam

 

WOW!!!! Thank you everyone. I've got everything all straightened out. I just need to get my server in on Wednesday for some minor adjustments and then I can back up my system and make all the upgrades. WooHoo!!! I can't wait. That Adobe went in so neat, I thought I must have a fever. If something is problematic, it tends to hit me hard but I had no problems at all. I hope my luck holds and that by the end of the week I will be running a 64 bit Win 7 System.
Thsnk you all again.
Diane
I'll drop by with an update at the end of next week.