Windows 7: How can I tell if my Win 7 is 64 or 32 bit?

I have a 64 bit machine. I thought my Win 7 Pro was 64 bit. I had some crazy software issues, and finally someone told me my problem was I was trying to run a 64 bit app on 32 bit Windows. I showed him my Computer properties screen, which said I have a 64 bit System. He saw something on that same screen and said I do NOT have 64-bit Windows installed. I downloaded and used the 32 bit software, and it ran just fine. It looks as if he was right and I do not have 64 bit Windows.



This MS Link says that I can tell by looking at System in Computer Properties. Well, it says 64 bit. I am confused. 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

FYI, I had a crash, and so I am not running my original Windows install that came with computer. I re-installed Windows from a disk a friend had. I really don't recall what it was.

Hello Jeff, and welcome to Seven Forums.

The tutorial below can help show you how to see if your Windows is 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64).

System Type - 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Hmmm... Based on your instruction, I have 64-bit. It definitely says that my "System" is 64 bit in Computer Properties. So, why did the guy say I did NOT have 64 bit Windows? And then, when I downloaded the 32 bit dll's (for SQLite), all my problems went away?

The error stated: System.BadImageFormatException was unhandled
Message=Could not load file or assembly 'System.Data.SQLite, Version=1.0.77.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=db937bc2d44ff139' or one of its dependencies. An attempt was made to load a program with an incorrect format.
Source=WindowsFormsApplication5


The guy tells me:


The BadImageFormatException error means you are attempting to use the 32-bit native components (i.e. SQLite.Interop.dll) for SQLite on a 64-bit machine or vice-versa.

So, I get the 32 bit SQLite dll's, use those, and all is great.

Why did he state my Windows is not 64-bit?

Well, another sure way to tell is to open the Start Menu, click on All Programs, and see if you have the Internet Explorer (64-bit) shortcut there. If you do, then you have 64-bit Windows 7 installed.

I'm not sure what the error means, other than it's some sort of issue with running the 64-bit version of it.

I have both IE and IE x64, but I might have downloaded the latter on my own.

IE x64 is only available on the 64 bit edition of Windows 7 so you do have the 64 bit edition. Just so you know, 64 bit Windows 7 can and will run most 32 bit programs. That may or may not explain why the 32 bit dll's worked?