Windows 7: X86 versus X64

stinkpot · 04 Aug 2010

My new X64 laptop will not run programs transferred from my old X86 based computers. The current program sources are also X86 based with no alternative. Is there any way that the X86 programs can be adapted to X64 processors? My new computer is HP, whereas the old ones are Toshiba, I have never had this problem before between different computer manufacturers. Any comments or ideas, thanks. S.P.

Kirsch · 04 Aug 2010

Try Right Clicking the program and choose Properties > Choose the Compatibility Tab > Check the box and the dropdown to Vista Service Pack 2

stinkpot · 04 Aug 2010

Thanks Kirsch, the drop down only shows vista sp1 and vista sp2 options, there is no X86 option, and the sp1 or sp2 make no difference. However, I do note that under the C file list there are two lists of programs, 'programs' and 'programs X86", the latter includes a different list, so apparently the computer will handle the X86. This is my first experience with this kind of problem. Any more ideas, thanks, S.P.

Lordbob75 · 04 Aug 2010

stinkpot, the x86 OS installs programs to the Program Files directory. The x64 OS installes x32 programs to the Program Files (x86) directory, which does NOT line up.

You WILL have to reinstall your programs to get them to work correctly.

Your x32 programs WILL run on a x64 OS, but they need to be installed in the Programs Files (x86) directory. A simple reinstall will fix all this.

~Lordbob

Dwarf · 04 Aug 2010

Hi stinkpot and welcome to Windows 7 Forums

What are the programs in question? How old are they? Are you installing them, or merely copying them over?

FliGi7 · 04 Aug 2010

How were these programs "transferred"? By the sound of it, it seems like you just copied the files over, rather than re-installed them on the new system. However, I'd like to clarify this.

Kirsch · 04 Aug 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by stinkpot

Thanks Kirsch, the drop down only shows vista sp1 and vista sp2 options, there is no X86 option, and the sp1 or sp2 make no difference. However, I do note that under the C file list there are two lists of programs, 'programs' and 'programs X86", the latter includes a different list, so apparently the computer will handle the X86. This is my first experience with this kind of problem. Any more ideas, thanks, S.P.

Ahh, gotcha. You'll have to re-install the programs

stinkpot · 04 Aug 2010

Thanks for the replies,
these are old programs dragged from a flash drive at present. I tried dragging the package of files to the X86 file but they still will not open. These old files are X86 so one would assume that they should go into the X86 file, is that not correct? Thanks, S.P.

Lordbob75 · 04 Aug 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by stinkpot

Thanks for the replies,
these are old programs dragged from a flash drive at present. I tried dragging the package of files to the X86 file but they still will not open. These old files are X86 so one would assume that they should go into the X86 file, is that not correct? Thanks, S.P.

To reiterate:
YOU MUST reinstall the program for it to work AT ALL.

~Lordbob

FliGi7 · 04 Aug 2010

^^^ What he said.

Unless it is a portable program, which I believe is safe to say at this point none of them are.

Windows 7: X86 versus X64

X86 versus X64 problems?