Windows 7: How do I change to IE9 64 bit

I'm running Windows 7 HP 64 bit and I have IE 9 installed. I think the IE 9 version is the 32 bit one because the executable is iexplore.exe *32 I am having some problems with IE9 at present - the task hangs around after I close the window and prevents me clicking on anything on the desktop until I cancel the various iexplore.exe taks via task manager. However each time I go to the Windows site to download the 64 bit version and execute the file I get a message saying it will not install because I am running a later version of IE9. When I compare the versions of what I have and what I am trying to get they are the same, although I believe I am running the 32 bit version (the About help gives no indication I am running 64 bit). Can anyone tell me whether I am running the 64 bit version, and if not how I can install it please?

Bernard,

On 64bit computers, 64bit IE9 is installed with 32bit. Type "Internet Explorer" without quotes into your start menu search and you should see it.

If you are having IE problems, repair it: Troubleshooting Internet Explorer Issues - tut by Capt.Jack Sparrow

Hit Start/All Programs and you should see Internet Explorer (64 bit) and click it. It should also be listed under C:/Program Files.


Jim

Thanks Guys, now I remember seeing that before. Can I ask a supplementary please - how can I make the 64 bit version the default?

As it is a newer idea, it is not able to be the default. Perhaps that will change with windows 8, but I'm not sure.

As you are using the 64-bit version of Windows 7, you should find shortcuts to Internet Explorer and Internet Explorer (64-bit) under Start>All Programs.



If you want to use the 64-bit version, just right-click the shortcut and pin it to your taskbar.

Be aware that the 64bit version cannot run most IE addons out there (as they're mostly 32bit), as well as not having all of the javascript performance improvements over IE8 that the 32bit version does. It would be better to resolve the issues (usually add-ons causing the "hanging around" you're seeing, by the way) and use the 32bit version unless JS performance nor add-on compatibility is important to you (they may not be).

Thanks Cluberti, and the other folks. Interesting that Microsoft seem to be dragging their heels on making the 64 bit version fully functional given that most PCs purchased now seem to run 64 bit Win 7 by default. I guess your explanation is the reason why one has to 'push the envelope' to use the 64 bit version. Thanks for all the help.

It takes time to get things going. Adobe, and I believe Java, only recently came out with 64bit support. Think of it this way: for years you had 32 bit, and most applications became 32bit; 32bit worked. It appears that 64bit usually requires more space to be installed as well, and it usually isn't any faster unless you get more than 4GB of RAM. Can get expensive.

It is all still in the process. many companies don't see the need to support 64bit as 32bit is still supported and works well.