Upgrading a 32 bit VM to 64 bit

[dflint]

I am trying to upgrade Windows Server 2008 (32bit) to Windows Server 2008R2 (64bit)

The CD drive is connected to the Server 2008R2 ISO.

When prompted I selected the Upgrade Option. I receive the message

“The computer started using the Windows installation disc.
Remove the installation disk and restart your computer so Windows starts
normally. Then, insert the installation disc and restart the upgrade.

 

When reconnecting the ISO I am prompted to run sperr32.exe, which does not exist. Running Setup.exe brings up this message.

The installation isn’t compatible with your version of Windows….

This upgrade process works fine on a physical server (64 bit capable). Our Hosts support 64 bit VMs. What am I missing?

ESXi 5.1.0, 1117900

Thanks.

[a_p_]

I haven't tried this myself yet, but are you really sure this works on physical hardware? According to  Windows Server 2008 R2 Upgrade Paths, "Cross-architecture in-place upgrades (for example, x86 to x64) are not supported."

André

[Linjo]

You cannot upgrade a Windows Server 2008 32bit to 64bit, you have to reinstall.

// Linjo