How To: Install and Run 32-Bit Software on 64-bit Windows

Updated December 2024: Stop getting error messages and slow down your system with our optimization tool. Get it now at this link

1. Download and install the repair tool here.
2. Let it scan your computer.
3. The tool will then repair your computer.

If you have a 64-bit operating system on your computer, this does not mean that you can only use 64-bit software. Your operating system still has the ability to run 32-bit programs by “emulation” – basically, your computer will make the program think it is running a 32-bit operating system. That’s why installing a 32-bit program on a 64-bit operating system is as simple as installing a normal computer program.

Under Windows 64-bit, 32-bit applications run on an emulation of a 32-bit operating system called Windows 32-bit under Windows 64-bit, or WOW64 for short. WOW64 intercepts all operating system calls made by a 32-bit application.

For each operating system call, WOW64 generates native 64-bit system calls and converts 32-bit data structures into 64-bit oriented structures. The corresponding native 64-bit system call is transmitted to the operating system core and all output data from the 64-bit system call is converted to a format suitable for the calling application before being returned.

Like 32-bit applications, WOW64 operates in user mode, so that errors that occur when translating an operating system call only occur at this level. The 64-bit kernel cannot be assigned.

Since WOW64 operates in user mode, all 32-bit application codes must also operate in user mode. This explains why 32-bit kernel-mode device drivers and applications based on them do not work on 64-bit Windows.

Activating 32-bit installations on 64-bit Windows computers

Using the CommCell console (remote installation)

During a remote installation, on the Enter additional installation options page of the installation wizard, select the Install 32-bit instead of standard 64-bit packets (Windows X64 only) during a remote installation check box – this only protects 32-bit applications.

Alternative method: Using the installation package (local installation)

Before running the installation package, you must configure a registry key on the 64-bit computer:

Open the Windows registry editor, then move to the next directory:

1. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SOFTWARE @
2. Right-click on SOFTWARE, click New > Key, then name the new GalaxyInstallerFlags key.
3. Right-click on GalaxyInstallerFlags, then click New > DWORD (32-bit) value.
4. Right-click on the new value, click Rename, then enter the following new value: bAllow32BitInstallOn64Bit.
5. Double-click the DWORD button, set the value data to 1, and click OK.
6. Close the registry editor.

CONCLUSION

It is becoming increasingly difficult for users to choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit architectures supported by Windows. The system isolates 32-bit applications from 64-bit applications, including preventing collisions between files and the registry. The console, GUI and service applications are supported. The system ensures interoperability beyond the 32/64 limit for scenarios such as copy and paste and COM. However, 32-bit processes cannot load 64-bit DLLs for execution and 64-bit processes cannot load 32-bit DLLs for execution. This restriction does not apply to DLLs loaded as data files or image resource files.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/2045345/run-an-old-program-on-a-new-pc.html

Expert Tip: This repair tool scans the repositories and replaces corrupt or missing files if none of these methods have worked. It works well in most cases where the problem is due to system corruption. This tool will also optimize your system to maximize performance. It can be downloaded by Clicking Here