Windows 7: Choose x64 (yes?) or x86

KB917607 :I cannot open Help files that require the Windows Help (WinHlp32.exe) program



Download Details - Microsoft Download Center - WinHlp32.exe for Windows 7

Files in this download - The links in this section correspond to files available for this download. Download the files appropriate for you. (my computer is 64-bit)

Windows6.1-KB917607-x64.msu 702 KB Download
Windows6.1-KB917607-x86.msu 688 KB Download

For your 64 bit Windows 7 download this one.
Windows6.1-KB917607-x64.msu 702 KB Download

Just to make sure, I assume you mean that your Windows 7 is 64-bit. If that's the case, then indeed you should download the x64 file.

However, if by "my computer is 64-bit" you mean that your processor is 64-bit, then please check on your OS by going to Control Panel -> System and looking at System type. Only what's written there is important. If it says "64-bit OS" then you're fine with downloading x64 files, if on the other hand it says "32-bit OS", then download x86.

Yes, you see - - this 64-bit business really is confusing! I did finally last week discover that part of my confusion lay in the fact that I did not realize that 64-bit whatever referred to either/or/or both CPU or OS. But even though I figured that out finally, I still don't feel at all certain about it, which is why I don't know how to make the decision as to which download to use.
I'll do the 64-bit one, as you say, and I'll try to research this some more. I think there's a "sticky" about it; maybe that can help. Thanks for your reply.

I just checked, and System Type does say 64-bit. Thanks.

The problem, too, lay in the fact that the Help file is 32-bit. I suspect there's an easy formula somewhere, flow-chart style.

Weston, the 64-bit OS contains an emulation layer making it possible to run 32-bit applications. In fact, most common applications are still 32-bit. For example, the official Firefox builds are 32-bit only. But they run on the 64-bit Windows just fine. Therefore, if your OS is 64-bit, then in fact both files would work.

I am using the 64-bit OS myself (and most new PCs are nowadays shipped with 64-bit Windows pre-installed) and I am trying to use mostly 64-bit software. So in the case of your Help file, I would download the 64-bit version. But the 32-bit version would work as well. The only incompatible combination is the 32-bit OS and the 64-bit software. But since your OS is 64-bit, you don't have to worry about it.