32-bit software on 64-bit OS

[Anikait]

I have Windows Vista 64-bit in my office and I need to install a third party software into my system. The problem is, a third party software doesn't support 64-bit, it only supports and runs on 32-bit. So my question is, can i load 32-bit software on 64-bit OS ? Is it possible ?

kindly suggest some ideas regarding same.....thanks

[Dr. V]

I think there should be no problem in installing and implementing 32-bit program on 64-bit operating system. Many programs are still 32-bit only.
Say for example, the game 'Tinker' which is available as an additional option for users of Vista Ultimate is a 32-bit program.

[Calvin K]

Have you heard about an emulation layer ? On 64-bit Windows, 32-bit programs run in an emulation layer. This emulation layer simulates the x86 architecture, virtualizing the CPU, the file system, the registry, the environment variables, the system information functions, all that stuff. If a 32-bit program tries to look at the system, it will see a 32-bit system.

For example, if the program calls the GetSystemInfo function to see what processor is running, it will be told that it's running on a 32-bit processor, with a 32-bit address space, in a world with a 32-bit sky and 32-bit birds in the 32-bit trees.

[Solomon]

Most programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs, and some hardware drivers.

Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows.