New OS, new hardware, potential installation troubles

I recently ordered some new hardware and Windows 7 64-bit, which is a big upgrade from what I've got now. Though I haven't received it yet (I'm expecting it tomorrow), I'm anticipating a problem. I'm currently using Windows Vista 32-bit, with 2GB DDR2 RAM. When my parts arrive tomorrow, I'll have 12GB RAM, a new motherboard, Core i7 and the previously mentioned 64-bit version of Win 7.

From previous experience, my 32-bit Vista won't boot up if it has 4GB or more RAM (it worked fine with 2, and I didn't try it with 3). However, the RAM I'm ordering is triple channel DDR3, so 3x4GB. The problem with this is the Windows 7 I'm buying is an OEM version, and so I've heard I can only install this once and wouldn't be recommended to do so before any major hardware upgrades, that of which I'm doing at the same time.

So I figured I would install the hardware first, but then ran into the problem that with the 12GB RAM, my PC wouldn't start up with the 32-bit processor. Even with only 1 stick of 4GB, it likely won't work. I don't think the new motherboard works with DDR2, so it's also out of the question to put in my current RAM.

If I did it the other way, installing the OS and then upgrading the hardware, I think I might have to reinstall the OS again after the upgrade, and since it's an OEM version, I don't think I can do that. Please correct me if I'm wrong about needing to reinstall it after putting in a new motherboard and processor.

Is it possible that I put the new system together, and boot up on the Windows 7 disk to have it all going at once? If so, that would solve all my problems, though I don't know if I can or if that would work.

Thanks,
Daniel

 

Yup, that's the best way to install W7, just make sure to tell it to format your hard drive first so that means backing your stuff up so's you don't lose it.

As to your current RAM issue I suspect one or more sticks are faulty, you have faulty slots or perhaps your memory controller. Run memtest86+ on each stick singly, it will quickly tell you if a RAM stick is faulty. An excellent little application.

Please post the make and model of your old/new motherboards as I'm not exactly sure of what you are trying to do with the RAM.:confused Maybe it's too early and I need a second cup of coffee.:-o

About the OEM W7, you can install it as often as you wish with the same hardware and if you do make enough changes to your hardware, calling Microsoft is a good idea if you can't activate it anymore. They're pretty good about it.

Enjoy your beast of an I7, I love it!

 

That is TOTALLY NOT TRUE! You can install the OEM version a 1000 times if you want - but only on the same machine.

I think you should not worry until you get your new stuff. Go out to your motherboard maker's website and download the manual and start reading up on RAM and installation issues.

 

Thanks for the help. I got it all figured out and am now working away on this new beast of mine