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Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2012 13:33:03 -0400
To: Odhiambo Washington <odhiambo@gmail.com>
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Cc: Tim Kellers <timothyk@devel.njit.edu>, freebsd-questions@freebsd.org
Subject: Re: 32 bit to 64 bit
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Odhiambo Washington writes:

>  > Will the buildworld ---> buildkernel KERNCONF=FOO64 allow a 32 bit
>  > installation to build a 64 bit kernel?  I'd like to upgrade this 
>  > machine to 64 bit AMD and I'd prefer not to do it from a DVD if
>  > I can do it from source.   Has anyone tried this and succeeded
>  > (or failed spectacularly) on a remote install/upgrade?
>
>  Please just don't do it.
>  
>  Backup, Install new, restore configs and data!

	I'd go even further: 

	1) replace the old disk, and jumper it to "read-only".
	2) install 64-bit system on new disk.  (use the opportunity to
		adjust partition size/layout)
	3) mount the old disk externally, and copy as needed.
	4) when done, store the old disk in a safe, known spot for a
		year. 


				Robert Huff