Visual C++

[vycence]

Hello,

I have

Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x86 9.0.30729.6161
Visual C++ 2008 Redistributable - x64 9.0.30729.6161
Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable - 10.0.40219
Visual C++ 2010 x64 Redistributable - 10.0.40219
among the programs installed in my Windows 7 - 64 bits

I read that it is preferable to keep different versions of Visual C++,
OK so I will keep a 2008 and a 2010 versions.

But I think that keeping the x86 versions is completely useless.

I'd like to have a confirmation of my opinion.

Thank you

 

[Alejandro85]

No, it's not correct. You most likely need to have both 2008 and 2010, each one in x86 and x64 versions.

Reason for this is that those are the runtimes for programs built using Visual C++, in various versions. Each program was compiled against one particular one, and since they do NOT include older or 86/64 bits together, to run each one you need that particular version, which can't be replaced by any other.

The exact "need" for each version lies in which programs are you running exactly, each one may impose a requirement for a specific runtime. The usual recommendation of installing everything is because we can't know for sure which programs are you running.

 

[Britton30]

In other words different software, program, will use different versions of Visual C++, see my list.

 

[vycence]

Thank you Alejandro and Britton.

I think you can't have not seen that my Windows 7 is x64 and I must believe what you wrote, but then I wonder why a program running on my machine would have to use a x86 version of a Visual C++ version. I'd like to understand the reason why.


I also wonder how do I know which year version of Visual C++ I need.
Must I install Visual C++ 2005 that is n't on my machine.
In case a program needs one precise Visual C++ version, will a warning and information be displayed ?


I also wonder why in the list of Britton, there are
two Visual C++ 2008 x64 with different numbers
three Visual C++ x86 vesrions with different numbers,
two Visual C++ 2005 versions without bit version and numbers

Thank you

 

[LMiller7]

The x86 version of the C++ runtimes are necessary for 32 bit applications, as are the 64 bit versions for 64 bit applications.

The virtually identical user interface tends to hide the fact that internally 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems are very different. As are 32 bit and 64 bit applications. 64 bit systems do not have an automatic ability to run 32 bit applications, it is something that must be specifically built in. A 64 bit OS must provide an artificial environment for 32 bit applications that is very different than that for native applications. 32 bit Visual C++ applications must use the 32 bit runtimes. The 64 bit runtimes are totally alien and unusable.

Visual C++ versions are complex.Unless you are a real expert, and you don't become one just by reading forum posts, the only safe thing to do is keep them all.

 

[Britton30]

One in my case is MS Streets and Trips which is a 32 bit program so needs it. w7 64 bit has a special folder, Syswow, which is Windows on Windows so 32 bit software will execute in a 64 bit system.