Why do "64-bit" installs get loaded to x86 Program Files folder?

[jsteph]

Hi all,
It seems like every time I download a "64-bit version" of a program, it get's loaded into the x86 directory.

An example was iTunes/QucikTime. Now, I've heard some say that the reason is because it's a "64-bit compatibie install of a 32-bit program, so don't worry", but I'm not really buying that--the reason being is that I've never heard of a need for a 'compatible' install file for *any* 32 bit program. Every Setup.exe I've ever tried to load on windows 7 (and I'm talking about setup.exe's going back to the mid-1990's when 64-bit was just a gleam in an os-coder's eye)--they all load perfectly and go into the x86 directory and run just fine--no re-compiled setup.exe was ever needed that I know of.

So when I go to Apple's site and their normal iTunesSetup.exe does *not* work and they specifically tell me there's a "64-bit" version, I really would expect it to be a true, full 64-bit program. So my question is: Why do these supposed 64-bit programs keep getting loaded into the x86 directory?

(BTW, it's Windows 7 Professional, and i'm up-to-date on all updates)

--Thanks,
--Jim

 

[linney]

If the program is specifically designed for the 64-bit version of Windows, it won't work on the 32-bit version of Windows. (However, most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows.)".

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/41531554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx

It maybe something along these lines that is behind what you see in Windows?. That being that parts of the program are 64-bit and parts 32-bit?

"if you buy an Apple computer you don't have to worry about choosing an operating system. All of Apple's machines ship with the same operating system, and there's only one version. The latest one is OS X Snow Leopard, and it's a "hybrid," meaning parts of it are 64-bit and parts of it are 32-bit."

64-Bit Computing: The Next Big (Confusing) Thing

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/tech...t-computing-the-next-big-confusing-thing.aspx

"Some software applications programs install both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the program, so you should leave the structure as it is."

Duplicate Program Files folders

http://social.technet.microsoft.com...l/thread/7373ff3e-0207-4774-b042-c1324e70f1e5

http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=...4-bit&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

 

[jsteph]

linney,
Thanks, the links are helpful.

I guess in the case of apple it's a hybrid iTunes version, which is why it installed in the 32-bit directory.

It's a bit confusing, though, since the download doesn't really make that clear--and, the 32-bit setup of iTUnes should have worked without error. I can understand a message statying something like "Your OS is capable of running a hybrid 32/64 bit version of iTunes, would you like to install that insead?" But I digress.

However, I installed a fresh, clean install of Windows 7 and, for example, IE 8 is running in 32-bit mode. I know there's a 64-bit version out--I can't understand why wouldn't that version be the one that 64-bit Windows 7 Professional runs out-of-the-box? It just seems odd.
Thanks,
--Jim

 

[linney]

32-bit versions of IE is the default version for 64-bit machines. The main reason is that 64-bit IE is unable to run many of the third party Add-ons (plugins), things like flash player etc.. and will not be able to until the 64-bit compatible plugins are written.

Q&A: 64-Bit Internet Explorer

http://blogs.msdn.com/ieinternals/archive/2009/05/29/q-a-64-bit-internet-explorer.aspx

Troubleshoot Flash Player installation for Windows

http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/191/tn_19166.html

 

[jsteph]

linney,
That makes sense...flash is fairly ubiquitous.

I guess it's a step forward for MS to actually concede this. Their past behaviour would have been to force the 64 bit version of IE on everyone and point the blame for nothing working on Adobe...so I'm glad to see they made the the sensible decision to go with what's best now.
--Jim