Locutus said:

OK thanks Locutus! That is the most comprehensive explanation I've ever heard yet on the 32/64 bit issue. As is evidenced on all forums I visit, people are STILL getting this info confused, & I think it will take time, & help from others like yourself to help those like me who are still learning.

Actually, I will never stop trying to learn more every day here!Thanks!

Al

Ok, here's what I know.

x86

• 32-bit.  Remember 386s?  486s?  Think newer versions.
• Will run 32 and 16 bit code.  Note that 16 bit code needs to be supported by the operating system.
• A 16-bit OS will install on to an x86.
• Cannot run 64 bit codes or OSes.

x64

• 64-bit.  It actually is x86-64 (or maybe x86-x64, something like that).
• Will run 32, 16, and 64-bit code.  16 and 32 bit code needs to be supported by the OS.
• Windows, x64 edition do not support 16 bit code.  (It's all at least a decade old!)
• CAN run 32-bit OSes.

About the 64-bit in the 32-bit directory:  it's like telling it where to install. Only in very rare occasions will changing the install path break something.  However, it does seem they're running the 32-bit version.

You'll be fine with 16-bit code if your OS is 32-bit.  However they remove that compatibilty with Windows 64-bit.

"Should I be letting the supposed x64 version install in the x86 directory as it is asking me to by default? (I honestly don’t know if it makes a difference.)"

From what I learned from Locutus 's info, it looks like they are trying to install the 32 bit (x86) but may run into problems with the x64 version trying to install there.

Uh, .....am I getting close to getting this right??

Al

When you try to run a purely 16-bit application this is the message you'll get:

[[Image removed for sake of keeping column width.  View it above.]]

Hey thanks for the info. BTW, my limited knowledge base is befuddled by :

x86 = 32 bit, but x64 =  64 bit?

Al

yourpalal said:

---

I wonder how we can tell if something has 16 bit code?
 
If I understand correctly (which can be a rare event!), then since I have 32 bit Vista HP, I won't have to worry about 16 bit code anyway, or COULD that still be an issue with 32?

---

 
Hi Al

That is an excellent question, however it is out of league. Maybe we can get some input from someone who is more familar with the subject.

 

Ebony

 

Thanks for trying to help. No one knows everything (well, except the ONE who knows all, sees all, hears all, etc.). But with the sum total of all dotTechies, we do have a wealth of knowledge.  And no one can deny that we do all try to help one another here!

"That's what it's all about."

Al

---

I wonder how we can tell if something has 16 bit code?
 

If I understand correctly (which can be a rare event!), then since I have 32 bit Vista HP, I won't have to worry about 16 bit code anyway, or COULD that still be an issue with 32?

Hi Al

That is an excellent question, however it is out of league. Maybe we can get some input from someone who is more familar with the subject.

Ebony

I FOUND IT.

 

"....many times, a 64 bit software will contain bits of 32 bit code. Similarly 32 bit software (usually very old ones) can have some code in 16 bit. Please be aware that 16 bit code will NOT run on 64 bit OS. This is one reason behind some 32 bit programs not working on 64 bit OSes."

The link for the full article

http://www.techsupportalert.co.....lained.htm

 

 

If I understand correctly (which can be a rare event!), then since I have 32 bit Vista HP, I won't have to worry about 16 bit code anyway, or COULD that still be an issue with 32?

"One thing I have noticed in reading about new software and system requirements, is the fact that when they indicate that is compatible with Vista, they do specify 32 or 64 bit."

On a DL page for one SW

The platform info is listed as

Platform:
 Windows 7, 2000, XP, Vista. 32/64bit version.

very helpful.

Ebony

yourpalal said:

Hey Ebony

What OS uses 16 bit code nowadays?

Al

---

 

The article stated that some 64 bit code does contain some 32 bit code as well BUT if that 32 bit code contains even an iota of a 16 bit code, that will cause that 32 bit SW not to run on a 64 bit machine.

I re read what I typed and it is not what was going through my mind at the time.

I will post a link for the article as soon as I can remember where I read it.

My original post in part leaves a lot to be desired.

Now lets see if I can do the math.

Ebony

 

I FOUND IT.

"....many times, a 64 bit software will contain bits of 32 bit code. Similarly 32 bit software (usually very old ones) can have some code in 16 bit. Please be aware that 16 bit code will NOT run on 64 bit OS. This is one reason behind some 32 bit programs not working on 64 bit OSes."

The link for the full article

http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/32-bit-and-64-bit-explained.htm

Hey Ebony

"It is my understanding that some 32 bit SW can have some 16 bit code, which will definitely not run on a 64 bit machine."

 

What OS uses 16 bit code nowadays?

Al

The article stated that some 64 bit code does contain some 32 bit code as well BUT if that 32 bit code contains even an iota of a 16 bit code, that will cause that 32 bit SW not to run on a 64 bit machine.

I re read what I typed and it is not what was going through my mind at the time.

I will post a link for the article as soon as I can remember where I read it.

My original post in part leaves a lot to be desired.

Now lets see if I can do the math.

Ebony

"It is my understanding that some 32 bit SW can have some 16 bit code, which will definitely not run on a 64 bit machine."

What OS uses 16 bit code nowadays?

Al

If the software is 32bit, you can usually, but not always, run it on a 64bit system. The opposite is not true. For programs like the Tiny Start menu it just doesn't matter which is why it isn't specified.

Thanks for responding Karen

I hear what your are saying. However, I have wasted time DLing and installing some programs, only to find out that the program isn't compatible with my OS.

Since my last PC died of unknown causes, I am trying to be more responsible with this one and not install anything that would compromise the integrity of the OS.

It is my understanding that some 32 bit SW can have some 16 bit code, which will definitely not run on a 64 bit machine.

Ebony

I spend a lot of time reading forums related to the particular SW, search the internet to no avail. Most of the reviews on various sites and in articles are just  cut and paste from the SW website.

Is it off base to ask for a clarification of 32 or 64 bit when referring to Vista. Is this an issue for any one else.

An example of my issue

System Requirements: Windows 98/ Me/ NT/ 2000/ 2003/ XP/ Vista/ 7

which is usually the way GAOTD lists compatibility systems.

I would like to test drive the Tiny Start menu  BUT is it 64 or 32.

If I missed it, will someone point me in the right direction.

Ebony