Many 32Bit programs won't open - Windows 7, 64 Bit

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  1. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 64Bit
       #1

    Many 32Bit programs won't open - Windows 7, 64 Bit


    Okay, just got a new PC with Win7 64 Bit recently. When I set the UAC to its default setting - "Notify me only when programs try to make changes to my computer", programs in my Startup list such as my Firewall (ZoneAlarm) and antivirus (Avira) don't appear in the system tray - although there's a process running for them in the task manager. This isn't normal behaviour, they should show up in the system tray as well. Additionally, with UAC set like that, windows asks EVERY time when I try to open an application such as Windows Live Messenger (which also won't run at startup...). Although at least I can open it this way.

    If I switch UAC off, by moving the slider to the lowest setting, my antivirus and firewall sometimes appear in the system tray. But trying to launch (for example) Windows Live Messenger does nothing. There's no message to say it hasn't worked or I need to OK it, it just appears to do nothing. When I look at the task manager again there's a Process running for it, but no Application. What's going on! The same thing will happen with 32Bit IE (doesn't seem to run, but there's a Process there and nothing under Applications), but 64Bit IE launches fine.

    I've tried setting all these programs to Run as Administrator every time, and changing the Compatibility settings where possible, but this made no difference.

    If it helps, most games seem to launch fine without any popup no matter what I do.

    Could anyone suggest a way of either getting Windows to remember what I picked for the UAC popups so I only see them once per program, or help me understand why switching UAC off makes many programs not work at all?

    You can be as technical as you like about it, I'll follow okay. :) Or if there's an alternative such as running EVERYTHING under the administrator account all the time, I'd be interested to hear it. The user account I'm doing this under has administrator access though.

    Thanks very much for any help you can offer.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 6,618
    W7x64 Pro, SuSe 12.1/** W7 x64 Pro, XP MCE
       #2

    As for programs appearing in the tray, go to the right click menu of the Taskbar>Properties>Notification Area Customize and then set programs according to your preference as to how they are displayed. For the remainder of your question, I'll defer to someone else, because I always disable the UAC.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 592
    WIN7 Ultimate 64bit
       #3

    As far as I know ZONEALARM is still in Beta for WIN7!

    It killed my Win 7! Uninstall it!

    It has huge holes in it and failed loads of recent onsite 'comparison' tests miserably!

    I use Msoft Security essentials (only provides auto-inward bound xtra protection) for now but will be returning to something like Zonealarm as I like complete control, overseeing who is sending messages home
    Last edited by neo101; 06 Apr 2010 at 13:43.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,618
    W7x64 Pro, SuSe 12.1/** W7 x64 Pro, XP MCE
       #4

    And I had problems with MSE and returned to using Outpost Security Suite. Plus I read that MS had included their WAT update in MSE, so I will never try it again.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #5

    neo101 said:
    I use Msoft Security essentials (only provides inward bound protection) for now but will be returning to something like Zonealarm as I like complete control, overseeing who is sending messages home
    You should probably consider the differences between anti-virus software (MSE) and firewall software (Zonealarm) then. Your comments suggest they are competing products, and they are not. If you are concerned with outgoing firewalls, I believe you can enabled this in the Windows Firewall. Combine that with a home router, and you are fine.
    seekermeister said:
    Plus I read that MS had included their WAT update in MSE, so I will never try it again.
    MSE checks if your license is valid during install, and then moves along...no harm in that, and certainly no reason to avoid using a great free product....unless you're pirating your OS, of course.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,618
    W7x64 Pro, SuSe 12.1/** W7 x64 Pro, XP MCE
       #6

    DeaconFrost said:
    neo101 said:
    I use Msoft Security essentials (only provides inward bound protection) for now but will be returning to something like Zonealarm as I like complete control, overseeing who is sending messages home
    You should probably consider the differences between anti-virus software (MSE) and firewall software (Zonealarm) then. Your comments suggest they are competing products, and they are not. If you are concerned with outgoing firewalls, I believe you can enabled this in the Windows Firewall. Combine that with a home router, and you are fine.
    seekermeister said:
    Plus I read that MS had included their WAT update in MSE, so I will never try it again.
    MSE checks if your license is valid during install, and then moves along...no harm in that, and certainly no reason to avoid using a great free product....unless you're pirating your OS, of course.
    Had you read about WAT is, you would know that it goes beyond checking during the initial installation. It is a spybot that is scheduled to call home every 90 days from install to eternity. Some feel that is good...I don't.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 64Bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Thanks for the replies guys. Yeah I thought at first it might be something specific to the other programs (ZoneAlarm, Avira), but the same thing is happening with Windows Live Messenger and that should definitely work on 7.

    I'd gladly run with UAC off completely, but of course then I'm getting that problem where the program just doesn't do anything - although it starts a Process but nothing in Applications. Aaah! So I have to leave it on or a lot of things I just can't run at all. Something's gone wrong somewhere...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 592
    WIN7 Ultimate 64bit
       #8

    Thanks Frosty
    I woz a zonealarm user for many years till recent Win7 upgrade and zonepackage came with a firewall/antivirus/antispy/phishing.

    Here is a typical confusing picture perpetrated by Msoft marketing.
    Windows Defender: Home Page
    DEFENDER - with a ruddy great castellated wall as it's icon, thousands must immediately associate it with fire-wall which is not the case and is totally misleading.

    Same with words "Security Essentials" (an essential firewall is not an integral part of "essentials")
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #9

    seekermeister said:
    Had you read about WAT is, you would know that it goes beyond checking during the initial installation. It is a spybot that is scheduled to call home every 90 days from install to eternity. Some feel that is good...I don't.
    I did read about it, and if there was any cause for concern or alarm, I'd be right there with you. I'm using all legit software on legit, legal licensed copies of Windows, so who cares?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6,618
    W7x64 Pro, SuSe 12.1/** W7 x64 Pro, XP MCE
       #10

    I do, for a 3 reasons. First, I have read where some people with that update has had the OS to claim to not be genuine when it is. As far as I know, they fixed the problem, but some required calling MS to do so. I have had to do that in the past, when online activation didn't work, but I would resent having to do so more than once per installation. Secondly, this creates a basis for the possibility of MS gathering much more data at some point in the future. Thirdly, I simply do not like spybots of any kind. If you don't care, that's fine, but it is sufficient reason not to encourage someone else that may not feel the same, to use something that will install this without their knowledge. In any case, I believe that there are better AVs available...including some free ones.
      My Computer


 
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