Internet Explorer 8: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe vs C:\Program Files (x86)\Inter

I recently moved to Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit. I have noticed that there are
two copies of Internet Explorer 8 on the machine, located at the following
locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe (I am assuming this is
a 32-bit version)
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe (I am assuming this is the
64-bit version)

First of all, why did Windows 7 install both versions? And second, is there
any difference between them? I have tried running both of them, and I have
not noticed any difference, and I am assuming that there is not supposed to
be any noticeable difference. However, because 64-bit is supposed to be
better than 32-bit and one of these is designed for 64-bit, I would like to
have everything use that if possible. I have changed any shortcuts on my
Desktop and Start Menu to use the 64-bit version, but I am a little bit
hesitant to change some of the values in the Registry that specifically
specify the 32-bit version. Can anyone answer any of these questions and/or
give me some information on some of what I can and/or should do about it?
Thanks.

 

Hi, Nathan.

You are correct. On 64-bit Win7, there BOTH 32-bit and 64-bit versions of
IE8.

Some program developers are slow to move to the 64-bit world. One of them,
sadly, is Adobe. Adobe Flash Player is one of the most popular tools on the
Internet - but it has not yet been updated to work in a 64-bit browser. But
it will happily work in a 32-bit browser running in 64-bit Windows. For
Adobe's statement on this subject, see their TechNote, last updated
10/21/09:
Flash Player support on 64-bit operating systems
http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/000/6b3af6c9.html

When we try to play a YouTube video in 64-bit IE8, it doesn't work. When my
grandson tries to play some of the videos on PBSKids.org, they don't work -
unless the 32-bit IE8 is running. To cut down on such frustrations,
Microsoft set Win7 to run 32-bit IE8 by default. If you want to run 64-bit
IE8, then you can browse to it in Windows Explorer and double-click on
iexplore.exe - or any of the other methods to run a program (pin to Start
menu or taskbar, create a shortcut, etc.).

I did change the default to 64-bit, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. When
a Flash video refuses to run in 64-bit, just Copy the URL, start the 32-bit
IE8 (which can be pinned to the Start menu), Paste the URL there and press
Enter.

To see which version of IE8 is currently running, click Help | About
Internet Explorer. The 64-bit version will say "64-bit Edition"; the 32-bit
edition doesn't mention "bitness" at all.

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX

Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8089.0726) in Win7 Ultimate x64

 

http://social.answers.microsoft.com...r/thread/babaa5f8-ff06-4ea2-aef6-a9416d65f981
"I have Windows 7 64-bit and need to use Internet Explorer 32-bit".

--
Vincenzo Di Russo
Microsoft® MVP - Most Valuable Professional since 2003
Windows Internet Explorer, Windows Desktop Experience & Security
My MVP Profile: https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Vincenzo
MS Answers: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/it-IT/categories

 

May I ask why you purchased a 64-bit version of Windows?

The bulk of this KB article pertains to Windows 7, too:

A description of the differences between 32-bit versions of Windows
Vista and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946765

You should familiarize yourself with this FAQ:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

More:
http://social.answers.microsoft.com...r/thread/babaa5f8-ff06-4ea2-aef6-a9416d65f981

 

The reason I am using a 64-bit version of Windows is because:

1. That is the version that came with my new computer
2. I believe 64-bit is the only version of Windows 7 Ultimate that exists
(although I'd have to double-check
3. I wanted to move forward, and since most my stuff works on 64-bit (and
the few things that don't, well, I'm in the tech field, so I enjoy figuring
out how to make it work or what would make a good workaround or alternative)
I saw no reason to wait

Is there something that you have against 64-bit? The only people that I
thought had a problem with it were some of the hardware and plug-in makers
that decided to wait so long to make 64-bit drivers and updates. 64-bit
isn't new, even though not a lot of people used them, there were 64-bit
versions of XP and Vista, so I would think that most hardware makers would
offer some kind of 64-bit driver and places like Adobe would have made a
64-bit version of stuff like Flash that virtually everyone uses. But I'm a
patient person, I enjoy looking for workarounds and alternatives, I'm a
patient person, and Microsoft was smart enough to give Windows 7 users a 32
and 64-bit version of IE8, so what do I have to complain about?

 

645-bit Windows 7 should serve you well. Ultimate does come in both
32-bit and 64-bit, but but that's not really significant.

If you find any 16-bit based program that won't run on 64-bit you can
always install a Virtual Machine program and run most of those type
programs there. Microsoft has an XP Mode VM for Win 7 Professional and
Ultimate. And, if you really need to run some old programs, there is
DOSBox.

So, enjoy you 64-bit Win 7!

 

Two tips: Never assume, and do your research/homework before buying a new
computer or upgrading your current computer.

 

PA Bear,

Like Nathan, I'm also curious about the thinking behind you comment, "May I
ask why you purchased a 64-bit version of Windows?" Since you're a "MVP" I
would be interested in you elaborating on that comment. I'm not attempting
to start an argument, just want to hear your rationale.

In my case, I replaced a 10 year old desktop that was failing fast
(hardware) and was not expandable beyond 512MB of ram with a laptop fully
compatible with 64-bit and most 32-bit applications. I replaced one software
package (I was due anyway). Since I'm now retired, I can get along without
Microsoft Office (Works 9, which came with my system gives me what I need).
The only peripheral that I replace was my scanner and that was because the
accompanying software was not compatible with 64-bit. I could have kept it,
the driver worked but I wanted full functionality.

Again, I'm interested in you expanding on your comment.

 

I don't assume, and I did do plenty of research before buying my new
computer. I read Windows 7 Inside Out from cover to cover (which I believe
is the best series of books as far as getting in-depth details about
Windows, I did the same thing with Windows XP Inside Out), I checked online
for Windows 7 and 64-bit compatible drivers and updates for my hardware and
software, I even wrote myself a detailed step-by-step list of things to do
when I got my machine to make sure I did everything exactly the way I wanted
it. I think I can be considered someone who did their research and homework.

 

This PA Bear is a crasy guy. What kind of a question is that : May I ask you
why you....... x64 win...??? What do ya' care why somebody did this or
that.A man is asking a question, if you can't give him an answer, please,
don't ask a stupid questiones, It's not up to you, man!!!

 

/These/ are "crasy guys" => http://members.fortunecity.com/delanay/snl54.jpg

PS: ur spiel chukkers broke

 

Didn't mean to offend you PA Bear! Come on, no hard feelings, just put
yourself in a position of one asking whatever.

 

No problem and my gibe about your spelling was all in fun, too.

 

Hi, Nathan.

Sorry for the delayed response. I was at the MVP Global Summit this week.

Like you, I prefer to be near - but probably not quite at - the leading
edge. I have only one computer, so when it comes time to upgrade, I like to
get as near state-of-the-art as I can. When I built my current rig at the
end of 2006, after we finished the Vista beta and it went RTM, I made sure
my new mobo/CPU were 64 X2 models, with 2 GB of PC-6400 RAM, since upped to
4 GB. The machine is not quite SOTA now, but still quite enough for my
current needs. So I agree with your Reasons 1 and 3.

But your Reason 2 is not correct. ALL versions of Win7 are available in
both 32-bit and 64-bit editions, but some versions don't have both disks in
the retail box. Many OEMs bundle only one version with their hardware, and
that is increasingly the 64-bit version. Ultimate x64 is the only version
of Win7 I've used, except for a minor bit of testing. Win7 does come with
BOTH 32-bit and 64-bit versions in the retail box. All versions of Win7
include 32-bit IE8. Win7 32-bit has only the 32-bit version of IE8, of
course, since the 64-bit version will not run in 32-bit Windows. But, as I
said: Win7 64-bit comes with BOTH versions of IE8 on the DVD-ROM; both
versions will run in 64-bit; Win x64 defaults to the 32-bit version of IE8;
the Win7 x64 user has several ways to run 64-bit IE8.

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX

Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8089.0726) in Win7 Ultimate x64

 

It's certainly good to know that there are other people that want to stay
current in the modern tech. Thanks for clearing up my knowledge about the
availability of 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows 7. I think I've figured
out why the 32-bit version of IE8 is the default. Many plug-ins and add-ons
refuse to work in the 64-bit version (some of them even from Microsoft!). I
guess I'll have to deal with that for a while just like everyone else and
use the 32-bit version for those things. I just wish when I did come across
something in IE8 64-bit that wants one of those plug-ins that it would tell
me that a 64-bit version of the plug-in is not available instead of asking
me if I want to install the plug-in when it isn't even compatible with my
browser and it's just going to keep asking me everytime I visit the page
with IE8 64-bit anyway. I'm actually quite surprised that some plug-ins
don't have compatible versions yet, since probably 1/2 the sites on the web
use them (such as Flash). Anyway, thanks for your response, and hopefully
some of these places will start moving into 64-bit once more people buy new
computers with Windows 7 64-Bit preinstalled.

 

Hi, Nathan.

Correct. And I griped about those (again) to Microsoft at the Summit. I
got more excuses and rationalizations than promises of fixes. :>(

Agreed! 100%!

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX

Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8089.0726) in Win7 Ultimate x64

 

yeah, it's not accidently, that was an intention

stay well

2 2 Toulouse (city in France, )
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